Amniotic Fluid: The Value of Prenatal Analysis

Abstract

Amniocentesis has become an important diagnostic tool in obstetrics.

For example, amniotic fluid phospholipid levels are being used to determine fetal lung maturity and to time interruption of pregnancy to reduce the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns. A knowledge of the normal composition of amniotic fluid and its variation during gestation is essential for proper interpretation of the results of amniotic fluid analysis.