Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds an unborn child
(fetus) in the womb (uterus) throughout pregnancy. The amniotic fluid protects
the fetus from temperature extremes and from being bumped or hurt as the mother
moves around.
Amniotic fluid allows the fetus to move before
birth and is important for lung development. It is produced by the fetus and
the placenta and contains cells and other substances that have been shed by the
fetus.
Amniocentesis is a test done to
collect a sample of amniotic fluid.
