The nurse is reviewing the functions of amniotic fluid with a group of prenatal patients. Which of the following are functions of amniotic fluid? (Select All that Apply.)

A. Maintains a stable temperature for the fetus: Amniotic fluid helps regulate thermal conditions within the uterus, providing a consistent environment that protects the fetus from external temperature fluctuations and promotes optimal growth.

B. Serves as a source of nutrients during the first trimester: Amniotic fluid does not serve as a significant source of nutrients. Fetal nutrition in early pregnancy primarily comes from maternal blood through the chorionic villi and later via the placenta, not from the amniotic fluid.

C. Allows for fetal movement and musculoskeletal development: The fluid provides space and buoyancy for fetal movement, which is essential for developing muscles, bones, and joints. Restricted fluid volume can lead to limb contractures or impaired musculoskeletal growth.

D. Aids in fetal lung development through practice breathing movements: As the fetus inhales and exhales amniotic fluid, it promotes alveolar expansion and lung maturation, an essential process for postnatal respiratory function.

E. Cushions the fetus from trauma: Amniotic fluid absorbs external shocks and impacts, protecting the fetus from maternal movements or minor abdominal pressure. This cushioning helps prevent injury and maintains fetal safety.

F. Prevents umbilical cord compression: Adequate amniotic fluid volume ensures that the cord floats freely, reducing the risk of cord compression, which could impair blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus.

A. Coffee: Moderate caffeine intake (less than 200 mg per day) is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Excessive amounts may increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight, but caffeine itself is not classified as a teratogen.

B. Alcohol: Alcohol is a well-known teratogen that can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal development. Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), leading to growth restriction, facial abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental impairments.

C. Radiation exposure: High levels of radiation, especially during early pregnancy, can damage rapidly dividing fetal cells and cause congenital malformations, growth restriction, or pregnancy loss. Even diagnostic exposure should be carefully monitored and minimized.

D. MMR vaccine: The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine contains live attenuated viruses and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects on the developing fetus. Women are advised to avoid conception for at least 4 weeks after receiving it.

E. Folic acid: Folic acid is not a teratogen; it is protective against neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Supplementation before and during early pregnancy supports normal neural development and reduces major congenital anomalies.