The amniotic fluid acts as a cushion and it nourishes the fetus during its developmental growth inside the womb of the mother. It gradually increases in amount while the baby grows and usually dislodges during labor.

 It acts as a source of nourishment for the fetus as it is filled with proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, phospholipids, urea and electrolytes to sustain the fetus’ health before delivery. It is being ingested by the baby in their mouth and inhaled through their nose to develop the lungs as well as excrete urine and meconium (excretory materials from the fetus containing epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, bile and water).

 Infection during pregnancy could lead to harmful effects to the fetus most especially if it is within the amniotic sac. Stanford researchers have found out those bacterial and fungal infections to the amniotic fluid causes preterm labor as well as miscarriages.

 Babies who are usually exposed to fungal infections of the amniotic fluid have been observed to have been born prematurely or if not have certain illnesses developed in their lungs, heart and other internal organs. These organs are either immature or underdeveloped or not functioning normally. Pneumonia in newborn babies us usually caused by the infection of the amniotic fluid as well as septicemia (blood poisoning).

 Infection or bacterial invasion in the amniotic sac (chorioamnionitis) also leads to premature labor of the fetus as well as contribute to their illnesses after delivery.

 Causes of the infection may vary, but the most common factors are prolonged rupture of the membranes, multiple vaginal examination and internal monitoring systems used within the duration of labor.

 Signs and symptoms of the infection of the amniotic fluid include:

 -   increased heart rate of the mother

-   increased fetal heart rate

-   tenderness of the abdomen

-   vaginal discharges which have foul odor

-   pain in some cases upon palpation of the stomach

 If infection is suspected, mothers to be should immediately seek for medical advises from their attending physicians to manage the infection and be treated in its early stage. There may be blood tests and examinations like urine and vaginal swab tests to be performed to rule out the infection, so pregnant women should always submit to these tests to help them cure such medical condition.

 Treatment may vary depending on the stage of pregnancy where the infection has occurred. Early detection will allow low doses of antibiotic treatment to stop the growth of the bacteria or fungi and treat the disease. Antibiotic treatment should be discussed thoroughly by the doctor to avoid other complications as this would mean that it is a high risk pregnancy. Complications of this infection may include pre-term labor or premature eruption of the membranes during the gestational stage, neonatal and maternal infection, post-partum hemorrhage and for severe cases death.

 Mothers to be should always take care of themselves and practice good hygiene to avoid having these infections and complicate their pregnancy. This is the only way to avoid being infected with bacteria and fungi because if they keep themselves clean all the time it does not harbor any bacterial growth within their body.

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