US Medical Term · maternity
Amniotic Fluid
Líquido amniótico
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Amniotic Fluid |
| Spanish (Español) | Líquido amniótico |
| Chinese (中文) | 羊水 |
| Korean (한국어) | 양수 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nước ối |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Amniotic fluid |
| Portuguese (Português) | Líquido amniótico |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | น้ำคร่ำ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 羊水 |
What it means
Amniotic fluid is the protective liquid that surrounds your baby inside the amniotic sac (the "bag of waters") during pregnancy. It cushions the baby, maintains temperature, supports lung development, and allows the baby to move freely. The amount is measured by ultrasound using the amniotic fluid index (AFI). Too little fluid (oligohydramnios) can cause cord compression and restrict fetal growth; too much (polyhydramnios) can cause preterm labor. When the sac ruptures (your water breaks), amniotic fluid leaks out — a clear, odorless fluid. If your water breaks before labor begins, you should contact your provider immediately.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My ultrasound showed low amniotic fluid — what does that mean for my baby?
Mi ultrasonido mostró poco líquido amniótico — ¿qué significa eso para mi bebé?
I think my water broke — how can I tell if it's amniotic fluid or urine leaking?
Creo que se me rompió la bolsa de agua — ¿cómo puedo saber si es líquido amniótico o pérdida de orina?
What happens if my amniotic fluid levels are too high?
¿Qué sucede si mis niveles de líquido amniótico son demasiado altos?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
O41 Other disorders of amniotic fluid and membranesRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026