What’s happening inside
Your amniotic fluid has now reached its maximum level (i.e there’s no more room for more in your increasingly cramped uterus). Antibodies are being passed from you to your baby as his immune system starts to develop, and they’ll definitely come in useful when he emerges into this germ-filled world!
Maternal Changes
While the fluid level has maxed out, baby is still growing at a steady rate and kicking as usual. This means those kicks are punches are going to feel a bit stronger these days, as there’s less fluid surrounding his body to cushion the blows.
A Matter of Fact
Your amniotic fluid contains proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, phospholipids and urea – all of which are vital for healthy fetal development. The baby breathes the fluid into his lungs constantly. The fluid is also responsible for creating baby’s urine and meconium.
Tips for daddy
If your wife’s water bag breaks, it’s likely that labour will follow within the next 24 hours, either naturally or induced, so don’t wait around at home. Check with your wife’s gynae if she should be admitted to hospital right away, even if she’s not experiencing any contractions yet.
A quote for mummy-to-be
Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.
– Lin Yutang
