fluid. This fluid, called "The Waters" by those who have no special
knowledge of anatomy, is technically designated as the Amniotic
Fluid.

In the earlier months of pregnancy the amniotic fluid is not
abundant; later it increases rapidly, so that by the end of the
period it measures about a quart, and frequently even more. The
slightly yellow amniotic fluid is itself clear, but small particles
of dead skin and other material cast off from the surface of the
child's body are floating in it, and may cause turbidity. The absence
of odor supports the view that this fluid is not the child's urine.
The evidence thus far adduced, though not absolutely conclusive,
gives good reason to believe that "the waters" are secreted by the
inner side of the sac which incloses the fetus. Very early in
pregnancy this sac becomes a double-walled structure; and, though its
layers are intimately blended, and together measure not more than
1/16 of an inch in thickness, with a little care they can be
separated. The outer layer, which comes in contact with the inner
surface of the uterus and has to do with the matter of nutrition, is
called the Chorionic Membrane; the inner, the so-called Amniotic
Membrane, is much the stronger and is devoted to the protection of
the embryo, which it completely surrounds with fluid, at the same
time retaining the fluid within set bounds.

The amniotic fluid performs many important duties. Perhaps the first,
in point of time, is to provide sufficient room for the embryo to
grow in. Later, as the fluid increases, it permits the fetus to move
freely, and yet renders the movements less noticeable to the mother.
Again, the amniotic fluid prevents injuries that might otherwise
befall the child in case the mother wears her clothing too tight.