Functions of the amniotic fluid

The Amniotic fluid also called liquor amnii is the protecting and nourishing fluid surrounding the baby in the amniotic cavity or sac of a pregnant woman. The amniotic fluid is covered by the amniotic membrane within the amniotic cavity, and is formed very early in the development of the human embryo. The amniotic fluid gradually changes its constituents as pregnancy advances.

Functions of the amniotic fluid.

• The amniotic fluid provides a liquid environment in which the fetus( unborn baby) can develop and exercise in absolute freedom.

• The amniotic fluid provides an environment of constant temperature for the baby.

• Its constituents changes as pregnancy progresses , in that way it meets the nutritional requirements of the fetus as it changes.

• It causes enlargement of the amniotic cavity (and therefore of the uterus) so that the developing fetus is not distorted by pressure from the walls of the uterus.

• It provides a means of excretion of substances like urine from the fetus

• The fetus also swallows the amniotic fluid. It is not known how much nutritional benefit this may have for the fetus , but it enables it to develop its mouth ,as well as its swallowing and breathing mechanisms.

• The amniotic fluid also functions as a shock absorber which is most efficient in preventing damage to the fetus as a result of a blow or undue pressure. If undue force is brought to bear upon any particular part of the uterus then the placenta may suffer damage or may even be separated, but it is virtually impossible to damage the fetus itself as a result of direct or indirect injury.

Many women fear that their baby might be hurt by a fall or a direct blow on the uterus or abdomen during pregnancy. If a woman does suffer from direct injury or if she falls down on her abdomen she is unlikely to cause any harm to her baby but it is advisable that she consults her doctor ,if she develops pain or if she is unduly concerned.

The three most common causes of abdominal injury during pregnancy are falling down the stairs, tripping over the edge of a pavement , and motor accidents . But no matter the kind of fall or accidents that a pregnant woman goes through, she should make it known to her doctor in her next antenatal visit or check up, just in case of any strange occurrences.

Dangers of caffeine in pregnancy

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Caffeine which is usually found in coffee,colas,tea and some soft drinks have been found to cross the placenta and enter the circulation of the fetus. A recent test of caffeine on developing animal fetus showed lots of harmful effects.

Apart from the reason stated above there are other valid reasons why you should give up caffeinated coffee, teas and colas during pregnancy (or at least to cut down the consumption).

First of all, caffeine has a diuretic effect, drawing fluid and calcium (both vital to the maternal and fetal health) from the body. If you are having problems with frequent urination anyway caffeine intake will compound it.

Second, coffee and tea especially when taken with sugar and cream are filling and satisfying without being nutritious, and can spoil your appetite for the nutritious food you need. Colas are not only filling but may contain some chemicals in addition to unneeded sugars.

Third, caffeine can exacerbate your normal pregnancy mood swings and also interfere with adequate rest.

Fourth, caffeine may interfere with the absorption of the iron both mother and baby needs

Fifth, consumption of caffeine by pregnant women, according to recent research, might result in her baby eventually developing diabetes.

How you can break the habit
First you need to understand why you are breaking the habit in the first place, which is for your baby’s health and yours as well.

Second you need to determine why you indulge, and which beverages you can use to substitute the caffeine containing ones you usually take. If it is the taste of coffee or tea that appeals to you then switch to a naturally decaffeinated replacement. If it is the caffeine lift you crave ,you will get more natural long-lasting boost from exercise and good food, especially complex carbohydrates and protein or from doing something that exhilarates you, like jogging,dancing,taking a walk. If you take your caffeinated beverage as part of a daily ritual, change the location of that ritual and change the beverage that accompanies it.

How to minimize caffeine withdrawal symptoms
Caffeine is an addictive drug .lots of caffeine lovers or imbibers who quit just like that can expect to experience withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and irritability.which is why it is better to ease off the caffeine gradually.

Here are some tips to help minimize withdrawal symptom:

1. Get some outdoor exercise each day
2. Make sure you get enough sleep and rest
3. eat frequent small meals that are rich in proteins and complex carbohydrate foods (don’t forget to take your pregnancy vitamins)
If after this your taste buds still crave the flavor of coffee, continue to satisfy them by using a brewed decaffeinated coffee.

Breastfeeding through infection: Risks to baby

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Infections of the breast are very rare during pregnancy but unfortunately they are more frequent after delivery and during lactation or breastfeeding.

It’s safe to breastfeed your baby during common illnesses such as colds and flu.

But it depends on what is causing the cold or flu symptoms. If for example the cause is a cytomegalovirus. Breastfeeding will be dangerous to the baby.

Mastitis (an infection in the breast), thrush, cracked nipples, breast abscesses, Milk stasis (Milk stasis is when a milk duct is blocked and cannot drain properly)

Does not pose any risk to your baby. But there are a few situations, however, in which breastfeeding is not advised.

1. Contagious pulmonary tuberculosis: this infection can be very dangerous to the baby’s health if the mother does not undergo complete treatment. But Breastfeeding can be continued as soon as the mother has undergone treatment and is no longer contagious.

2. Herpes simplex: There are two different Herpes Simplex strains:

Herpes I - generally produces cold sores on the lips and mouth

Herpes II – is generally genital lesions.

Breastfeeding is safe if there are no lesions on the breast. But if there are lesions, they must be well treated, and since Herpes sores are spread through contact, the mother should cover her breast and must be careful to avoid direct contact on baby’s mouth or food. In other words, she should always wash her hands.

3. Chicken pox: If you have chickenpox, avoid contact with other pregnant women and new babies until at least five days after the rash appears, or until all the blisters have crusted over. It is advisable to separate mother and baby from each other and the baby should be nurtured by another individual during the mother’s period of infectivity. The baby will be offered varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG). Breastfeeding is safe as soon as the mother is noninfectious, meaning all spots are crusted over.

4. Hepatitis A: Breastfeeding is safe after the mother receives a dose of gamma globulin.

5. Lyme disease: Lyme disease is caused by a microorganism known as a spirochete, which is carried by ticks. There is no research documentation confirming the presence of the spirochete in human milk or transmission by breastfeeding, to be absolutely safe, if a mother is suspected of having acute Lyme disease, she should stop breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is safe as soon as the mother initiates treatment.

6. HIV infection or HTLV-1: Breastfeeding is not recommended if a woman is infected with HIV, there is a chance that her baby also will become infected with HIV during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. HIV transmission through breast milk is more likely among mothers with advanced disease, reflected in low CD4+ cell counts.

7. Hepatitis B: Breastfeeding is safe after the baby receives a dose of Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG). The baby should also be started on the first of three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine.

If a woman is diagnosed with HBV, her infant should receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 48 hours of birth, as soon as possible thereafter. Subsequent doses of the vaccine should be given with routine childhood immunization at one month and six months of age. There is no vaccine for the prevention of HCV infection.