Near term, the major source of daily amniotic fluid production and the major route of its removal are respectively:

• A Fetal urine production and fetal swallowing ✓
• B Transudation across the chorion laeve and maternal reabsorption
• C Fetal tracheal fluid secretion and transmembranous absorption
• D Umbilical cord exudation and fetal skin absorption

Explanation

After keratinization of fetal skin around 20 weeks ends its contribution, fetal urine becomes the dominant source of amniotic fluid, and fetal swallowing is the dominant route of removal. This is why bilateral renal agenesis causes severe oligohydramnios, while esophageal atresia or impaired swallowing causes polyhydramnios. Membranous and vessel exchange contribute only minor volumes at term.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.