Amniotic fluid is swallowed by the fetus and then absorbed into the fetal blood and then flushed out by the kidneys and bladder. Basically, amniotic fluid is fetal "urine." This cycle is an ongoing process that is generally kept in balance and, in general, the amniotic fluid levels increase as the baby grows. Sometimes problems with the baby or the placenta will cause the fluid levels to be higher or lower than expected, and this is determined by noting a change in the uterine measurement or fundal height (FH) that is checked at your prenatal appointments or by ultrasound. It there are any concerns about excessive or decreased fluid, your doctor would recommend further testing.

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