[Amniotic fluid and blood coagulation]

A study was made of the incidence and activity of coagulation factors in normal amniotic fluids. According to the results, two groups of amniotic fluid can be distinguished. To group A belong those that are transparent, showing an activity similar to Russell's viper venom. To group B belong the fluids that are milky and translucent. In this second category, factor VIII seems to be a necessary component in order to obtain maximal coagulation activity. The clinical consequences of these facts are discussed.