In late pregnancy, it can be tested for surfactant levels to assess if the baby's lungs are developed enough for delivery.
Healthcare providers at institutions like Johns Hopkins Medicine or The Mayo Clinic follow a standard protocol to ensure safety: Amniocentesis - Mayo Clinic
Becomes a mixture of fetal urine, lung secretions, and exfoliated fetal cells. In late pregnancy, it can be tested for
Medical providers analyze this fluid during an procedure (typically between weeks 15 and 20) to check for:
Testing fetal cells for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis. Checking for the presence of harmful bacteria or
Checking for the presence of harmful bacteria or viruses in cases of suspected intrauterine infection. The Procedure at a Glance
Measuring alpha-fetoprotein levels to detect conditions like spina bifida. In late pregnancy
According to WebMD , the fluid is dynamic and changes as the pregnancy progresses: