Amniotic Fluid - Preparing for your 3D Ultrasound

You must drink plenty of WATER (5 to 7 bottles a day), preferably starting 2 weeks prior to your appointment, but at least 4 days before your scheduled appointment, to ensure your amniotic fluid is clear and at an optimal level for your elective ultrasound session. The outcome of your images will be poor and a waste of your money if you do not have enough amniotic fluid around your baby. 

Why water? Water hydrates your body. An increase in water intake normally will then increase the amount of amniotic fluid that the baby produces through its urination. This is the fluid needed and used to render your images. The more amniotic fluid in the sac, the clearer the images tend to be. Increased amniotic fluid helps to push the placenta, cord and the extremities off of the baby's face.

You may be asked to have a full bladder immediately prior to starting the ultrasound, in the first trimester or if your pregnancy is very advanced or the fetal head is very low or if your uterus has a tilt or a variant shape. You are encouraged to follow the diet your doctor recommends, and do please eat a normal meal or snack close to your appointment time. Please be aware that we can not control the positions of the baby, but your water intake solely determines the CLARITY of your keepsake images.

Amniotic fluid (black area) covering fetal face. Note the fetal face is not covered by placenta, extremities or the cord. This fluid coverage is optimal and would result is an exceptional image as seen in the image to the right.

HD Fetus at 27w 3d

Amniotic Fluid: A Simple Guide for Expecting Moms

What is Amniotic Fluid?

What Is Amniotic Fluid?

• Amniotic fluid is a clear liquid surrounding your baby inside your womb, providing a protective, cozy environment for your developing little one.

When Does It First Appear?

• Amniotic fluid begins forming as early as the 4th to 5th week of pregnancy.

Where Does It Come From During Pregnancy?

• Initially, it’s made from fluids from your own body.

• After about 11 weeks of pregnancy, amniotic fluid primarily consists of fetal urine, along with a small amount of fluid produced by the baby's lungs.

  
  

Why Is Amniotic Fluid Important?

Protects Your Baby:

• Cushions your baby from external pressures, sudden movements, or impacts on your abdomen.

Maintains Ideal Temperature:

• Acts as insulation, keeping your baby comfortably warm inside your womb.

Supports Lung Development:

• Between 16 and 24 weeks, your baby "breathes" in amniotic fluid, pushing air sacs open and promoting healthy lung growth.

Helps Digestive Development:

• By week 5, your baby’s digestive tube begins forming.

• By week 13, your baby starts swallowing amniotic fluid, which stimulates the gut and leads to the formation of meconium, your baby’s first bowel movement.

Encourages Muscle and Bone Development:

• Movement and swimming in the fluid support healthy growth and strength of muscles and bones.

Protects the Umbilical Cord:

• Provides a cushioning barrier, preventing the umbilical cord from being squeezed, ensuring your baby receives consistent nutrients and oxygen.

Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI): What Is Normal?

• Normal amniotic fluid levels range from 5cm to 25cm.

• Less than 5cm indicates low fluid (oligohydramnios).

• More than 25cm indicates high fluid (polyhydramnios).

How to Maintain Healthy Amniotic Fluid Levels

Drink Plenty of Water:

• Staying hydrated, especially between the 37th and 41st weeks, helps maintain and increase amniotic fluid levels.

Eat Hydrating Fruits and Veggies:

• Include high-water-content foods:

  • Veggies: Cucumbers (96.7% water), cauliflower (92.1%), spinach (91.4%)

  • Fruits: Watermelon (91.5%), grapefruit (90.5%), tomatoes (94.5%)

Taking these simple steps helps ensure your baby stays healthy, comfortable, and well-nourished throughout your pregnancy journey! 💧💕

Your Pregnancy Journey in 3D Ultrasound: What’s Happening at 11 Weeks?

At 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a Brussels sprout 🥦 and is growing rapidly!

✨ 3D Ultrasound at 11 Weeks

• A 3D ultrasound can now capture clearer images of your baby’s face, hands, and feet.

• Your baby’s head is still large compared to the body, but proportions are balancing.

• You may see your baby moving, stretching, or even hiccupping!

Quad image illustrating the 11th week of pregnancy: A 2D ultrasound measuring the baby's length (top-left), a detailed 3D ultrasound clearly showing the developing fetus (top-right), a fetal illustration showing detailed Flo fetal development (bottom-left), and a bowl of Brussels sprouts representing the approximate size of the baby at this stage (bottom-right).

✨ The Baby’s Development

• Your baby is now about 1.6 inches long and weighs around 0.25 ounces.

• Fingers and toes are fully separated, and tiny nails are starting to grow.

• Facial features are more defined, with the ears moving into their final position.

• Bones are beginning to harden, making movements more controlled.

• Your baby is kicking and stretching, though you won’t feel it just yet.

✨ Your Body’s Changes

• Nausea and fatigue may start easing as you approach the second trimester.

• Your uterus is expanding, but a baby bump may still be small or not visible yet.

• You might notice an increase in energy and appetite.

Your Brussels sprout-sized baby is becoming more active and developing quickly! 🥦💕

Every week brings exciting new milestones—stay tuned for what’s next! 😊