fostervandets

Fostervandets refers to amniotic fluid, the clear liquid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. In Swedish usage, the possessive form fostervandets is often seen in phrases describing the fluid’s properties, volume, or changes over gestation.

The fluid is produced and renewed throughout pregnancy. In early pregnancy it originates mainly from diffusion and maternal fluids, while in later stages fetal urine becomes a major contributor, with additional input from fetal lung secretions and oral swallowing. The composition is primarily water with electrolytes, small amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and surfactants. The volume of fostervattnet increases as pregnancy progresses, typically reaching about 500 to 1,000 milliliters at term, though individual variation is common. The turnover of fluid is dynamic, with continual production, swallowing by the fetus, and absorption by the amniotic membranes.

Fostervandets serves several essential functions: it cushions the fetus from mechanical shocks, maintains a stable intrauterine temperature, allows movement to aid musculoskeletal development, and provides a medium for fetal urination and breathing practice. It also offers a diagnostic window into fetal well-being and placental function.

Clinically, fostervattnet is assessed by ultrasound to estimate amniotic fluid index or deepest pocket. Abnormal volumes have diagnostic implications: oligohydramnios (reduced fluid) can indicate renal or placental problems, while polyhydramnios (excess fluid) can be associated with maternal diabetes, fetal malformations, or multiple pregnancies. Amniotic fluid can be sampled via amniocentesis for fetal karyotyping, infection testing, or assessment of lung maturity in late pregnancy.