What it is
Amniotic tissue is the membrane that forms the amniotic sac during pregnancy. It holds the amniotic fluid and helps cushion and protect the developing baby. The membrane has layers and contains structural proteins and other natural components.
In healthcare, the term can refer to donated amniotic membrane, amniotic fluid, or related tissues such as the umbilical cord. Donated tissue is typically collected with consent after a planned cesarean birth, then screened, processed and preserved before use. Processing varies from one product to another.
Not every amniotic product is the same. A sheet of membrane used as a covering is very different from an injectable liquid made from fluid or cord tissue. Most processed products are not expected to contain living stem cells, so it is not accurate to call them stem-cell treatments.
How it’s traditionally been approached
The best-established use of amniotic membrane is as a biological covering for wounds, such as certain hard-to-heal skin wounds. Clinicians have used it as a dressing-style layer placed over the wound area.
Amniotic membrane has also been used on the surface of the eye. Eye specialists may place it on the eye's surface in certain situations, either as a membrane graft or as a membrane held in place with a ring or similar device.
Newer injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products are marketed by some clinics for joints, pain, hair, skin or so-called regeneration. These uses are generally not FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Anyone curious about them should talk with a licensed clinician.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor, such as a wound care specialist, an eye specialist or a physician at a regenerative medicine clinic, may help you understand whether an amniotic product is even relevant to your situation. A visit generally starts with a conversation about your health history, your symptoms and what you have already tried. An exam or testing may follow, and only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you.
If a product comes up, a good provider can explain what it is, where the tissue comes from and how it has been processed. They may also explain how it is regulated and what alternatives exist. Nothing is guaranteed, and a careful provider will say so plainly.
Questions worth asking include: What is this product's FDA status for this use? What is its tissue source? What are the risks and the alternatives? What is the total cost, and will my insurance cover it? It can help to write these down and bring them to your visit.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Ongoing pain, a slow-healing wound or an uncertain health decision can wear on your mood and sleep. Stress and poor rest can also make physical symptoms feel harder to manage. Looking at the whole person can be a helpful way to think about your health.
Some people explore body-based support such as Somatic Experiences to build awareness of how stress shows up in the body. Others find talk therapy through Therapists.plus useful for coping with the worry that often comes with health decisions. These are supportive options to consider alongside the guidance of your doctor, not replacements for it.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Amniotic membrane as a wound covering and on the eye surface is the established use, while injectable amniotic, cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products for joints, pain, hair or skin are generally not FDA-approved for those uses.
- Results are never guaranteed, and no product should be presented as a way to avoid surgery or to regrow cartilage or tissue.
- Licensed professionals should guide your care, and you should check coverage and total cost before any treatment.
- For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
What is amniotic tissue?
Amniotic tissue is the thin membrane that surrounds a baby in the womb and holds the amniotic fluid. In healthcare, donated and processed amniotic tissue is sometimes used as a biological covering. Only a licensed clinician can say whether it is appropriate for a given situation.
Where does amniotic tissue come from?
Donated amniotic tissue usually comes from consenting donors after a planned cesarean birth. It is screened, processed and preserved before use. You can ask a provider about the tissue source of any specific product.
Is amniotic tissue the same as stem cells?
No. Most amniotic products are processed and are not expected to contain living stem cells. Calling them stem-cell treatments is not accurate, so ask your provider what a product actually contains.
Is amniotic tissue FDA-approved?
It depends on the product and the use. Amniotic membrane as a wound covering and on the eye surface is the established use. Injectable amniotic, cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products for joints, pain, hair or skin are generally not FDA-approved for those uses, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products.
What is amniotic tissue used for in medicine?
The established uses are as a covering for certain wounds and on the surface of the eye. Some clinics market other uses, but those are generally not FDA-approved. A licensed provider can explain what applies to you.
What should I ask a doctor about amniotic products?
Ask about the product's FDA status for the proposed use, its tissue source, the risks, the alternatives and the total cost. Also check with your insurance before treatment. A good provider will answer plainly and will not promise results.
Educational resource. Amniotic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.