During pregnancy, fluid leaks. The main differences between amniotic fluid and secretions. Amount of amniotic fluid

Pregnancy is a joyful and exciting period for expectant parents, which is associated with many experiences and anxieties. The health of the baby directly depends on the conditions of its existence in the mother’s womb. There it is surrounded by amniotic fluid, called amniotic fluid. They play an important role in the development of the unborn baby; their complete discharge occurs during full-term pregnancy during childbirth. Leakage of amniotic fluid ahead of term is considered a pathology and requires medical attention.

Causes

Each stage of pregnancy has its own causes of pathology.

Up to 24 weeks, provoking factors are:

fetal infection;
development of the inflammatory process.

Even a slight leak of amniotic fluid before the 25th week is considered the beginning of a miscarriage.

From 25 to 35 weeks, pathology is also dangerous. The most common cause of leakage during this period is urogenital infections (inflammation of the urinary tract).

At 39–40 weeks the situation is not dangerous and doctors often choose expectant management and find a safe way of delivery.

The main reasons for water leakage include:

Injuries, falls.
Careless (rough) sexual intercourse.
Mother's bad habits.
Diabetes.
Hormonal disbalance.
Multiple pregnancy. Due to the excessive load on the body of a woman carrying 2 or more babies, the risk of premature birth increases. With such a pregnancy, “steal syndrome” may occur.
Rhesus conflict. If the blood type of the mother and child is incompatible, then the pregnant woman’s body is “cleansed”, resulting in an outpouring.
Inflammatory processes and infections in the cervix, vagina, amniotic sac.
Pathologies of the cervix, anomalies of its structure, manipulations, diagnostic procedures (punctures and sampling of cells for analysis), fibroids. These reasons provoke rupture of the membranes.

Symptoms

A woman’s physiology is designed in such a way that the amniotic fluid is constantly renewed and in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy the discharge is more abundant, which is the norm. Determining on your own whether they are leaking is quite difficult and can only be done by a specialized specialist managing the pregnancy. However, it is important for expectant mothers to be able to recognize the onset of premature fluid discharge.

What you should be wary of:

The gasket gets wet quickly and you have to change it often (a lot of water leaks out).
After lying on your back for a long time (30-60 minutes), a wet spot forms on the fabric.
When changing body position, an outpouring of fluid (leaking) is felt.
Water may break during urination or incontinence.
Sticky discharge smells foul and unpleasant.
If there is a significant rupture of the amniotic sac, fluid flows down the legs. Even by strongly squeezing the intimate muscles, heavy discharge cannot be stopped.
When ruptures last more than a day, the woman experiences an increase in temperature to 38 degrees, chills, and pain in the lower abdomen, which intensifies with palpation. An admixture of pus and ichor may appear in the discharge.

What they look like: external signs of discharge

To distinguish leakage of amniotic fluid from urine, it is advisable to pay attention to their appearance.

Amniotic fluid is characterized by shades:

Yellow color. There is no need to worry, this is acceptable.
Yellow color with red streaks. In 98%, this is a consequence of the fact that the uterus has begun to open, and the body is preparing for the birth process.
Green. In this case, you need to sound the alarm. This color of amniotic fluid is characteristic of intrauterine bowel movement or a small amount of amniotic fluid. At the same time, the baby suffers from intrauterine starvation.
A woman who notices such signs in herself should immediately consult a doctor in order to preserve the life and health of the child.
Brown. Here we are talking about the intrauterine death of a baby and saving a woman’s life. Such cases are rare.
Red. Scarlet or pink color indicates a serious danger to the life of the baby and mother. If you find yourself in such a situation, you must take a lying position and not move until the ambulance arrives.

It is important to evaluate the smell of amniotic fluid. If it is foul-smelling, sour, or unpleasant, this indicates the presence of infection of the membranes.

The watery consistency of the discharge indicates various diseases or pathologies. Therefore, pregnant women who have such discharge should immediately consult a gynecologist for diagnosis.

How to determine

Only a doctor can reliably determine the likelihood of amniotic fluid leakage. To do this, a set of diagnostic measures is carried out:

Examination on a gynecological chair. A pregnant woman must cough, thereby increasing the pressure on the intra-abdominal area, which determines pathology. If there is a rupture, a new portion of amniotic fluid will be released.
Research in mirrors. In most cases, when examining the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix, the gynecologist is able to understand whether it is an outpouring or just discharge.
Ultrasoundfetus The method can indicate symptoms of oligohydramnios, but it is not always provoked by prolonged leakage of water. Many women, after undergoing an ultrasound, wonder if the pharynx is closed, whether water can leak. The answer is yes, they can, because we are talking about the integrity of the bladder, while the neck is in any condition.

Analyzes

Laboratory tests include:

Vaginal smear. Microscopy shows a characteristic symptom of leakage: amniotic fluid placed on a glass slide dries out in the form of fern sheets. However, if there is sperm in the smear, the pattern will be the same.
Cytological method- taking a smear from the posterior vaginal fornix is a simple diagnostic method. As a result, cells from the skin, urinary and genital organs of the child are detected, which reliably indicates water leakage.

Test

Pregnant women use methods at home on what to do before visiting a doctor and how to understand whether water is leaking or not. Tests that are sold freely will help you recognize and determine pathology.

The products come with instructions on how to use and what the results will show:

At home

A home test can quickly determine the presence of pathology.

A pregnant woman should completely empty her bladder, then perform thorough hygiene procedures for the genitals, and wipe the perineal area until it feels dry. Lie down on the bed with a piece of cloth underneath you, preferably white, and check for wet spots after 25-30 minutes. If they are present, then there is a high probability that amniotic fluid is leaking.

Management of pregnant women with leakage

After the gynecologist detects prenatal leakage of amniotic fluid in a pregnant woman, the appropriate management tactics are established. It largely depends on the gestation period.

In 1st trimester

The period is considered early: from the first day of the final menstruation to the 13th week. If heavy bleeding occurs at this time, doctors prescribe medical or surgical termination of pregnancy.

When there is an opportunity to fight for the healthy life of the baby, to carry the fetus to term, the expectant mother is admitted to the hospital “for preservation,” which increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

In civilized countries this is done extremely rarely, since pregnancy before 12 weeks is considered to be untenable.

In the 2nd trimester

From the 14th to the 27th week, everything is much more complicated: if the water breaks, doctors equate this with the beginning of a miscarriage. In the second trimester, the gynecologist makes a decision, based on the patient’s individual case, to maintain and carry out treatment against the background of regular monitoring of the condition of the fetus and the pregnant woman, or to stimulate a miscarriage with subsequent curettage. Women with multiple pregnancies are fitted with a pessary, an obstetric ring, which allows them to save the baby and avoid premature birth.

In the 3rd trimester

From the 28th week immediately before the birth of the child, doctors use expectant and active tactics. In the third trimester, doctors resort to techniques to prevent the leakage of amniotic fluid, which helps to grow the baby in utero. The patient is in a special sterile unit, taking a number of medications, it is important to prevent infection. In case of detachment or inflammation, delivery can be immediate. Antibacterial therapy is used after diagnosing chorioamnionitis.

In all cases, the gynecologist makes a decision using an individual approach to each pregnant woman to preserve her life and health.

What threatens: consequences

Amniotic fluid fills the fetal bladder, creating a comfortable and safe environment for the development of the baby throughout pregnancy. Thanks to this, the fetus can move freely and actively, without sudden shocks. An additional function of the amniotic sac is assistance provided to the cervix during childbirth, when internal pressure increases due to contractions. As a result, the amniotic fluid in the lower part of the bladder puts pressure on the uterine cervix, accelerating its opening.

What are the dangers of water leakage:

Prolapseamniotic sac. The diagnosis is serious and requires medical attention. Isthmic-cervical insufficiency, when the bladder prolapses, creates a high risk of miscarriage.
Premature rupture- increases child mortality by 4%.
Infection and respiratory distress syndrome. The child's lungs become stuck together from the inside, preventing air from circulating. Such children require expensive treatment and artificial ventilation.
Infectious complications in mother and child. However, it is not always possible to save a child’s life.

How long can a child remain without amniotic fluid?

It is believed that 10-12 hours is the maximum permissible period of water-free period before childbirth.

In such cases, the possibility of prescribing antibiotics is considered to avoid the development of intrauterine infection, and the woman should drink more fluids. If there are problems with the mother's blood pressure and the baby's heartbeat, emergency delivery is indicated.

During pregnancy, the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid in the mother's womb, which is commonly called amniotic fluid. They are important in relation to the development of the fetus, so their normal discharge occurs only during a certain period of labor.

If the water begins to break prematurely, this threatens premature resolution and becomes a serious risk factor. It is necessary to understand how dangerous such situations are for a woman and baby. The question of how to understand that the water has broken should be studied by every expectant mother.

Symptoms of amniotic fluid loss

Many women, even at the beginning of their period, are interested in how to understand that their water has broken. A woman’s physiology is designed in such a way that during the third trimester of pregnancy, discharge is more abundant, and this is the absolute norm. It is necessary to identify the nature of such manifestations, which should be done by the gynecologist leading the pregnancy. But for the sake of her own safety and the health of the baby, the expectant mother herself should be able to determine that premature fluid loss has begun. It is important to know and understand what is happening in the body: leakage of amniotic fluid or discharge.

The main symptoms that may make you wary lie in the following factors:

The leakage of fluid increases with changes in position and movement.
If there is a significant rupture of the amniotic sac, fluid begins to flow down the legs. A woman cannot stop the flow even with the effort of her genital muscles.
If the damage to the bladder is microscopic, leakage is determined exclusively with a smear in the antenatal clinic or special tests.

External differences

You can distinguish the two conditions - leakage of amniotic fluid or discharge - by the appearance of formations on underwear or hygiene products. The waters have a transparent color (sometimes with a pinkish, greenish, brownish tint), and are a little cloudy. The discharge may have a thicker consistency and a white, yellowish-white, or brownish tint. The amniotic fluid which is far from transparent should also alert the expectant mother.

Special tests for home testing

To understand what is really happening (leakage of amniotic fluid or discharge), tests that are specially designed to test women at home will help. Two research methods are considered the most effective, the essence of which is as follows:

Before the test, you need to go to the toilet, wash your intimate area, and pat dry with a towel. After this, it is recommended to lie down on a clean, dry sheet or diaper. If stains appear on the surface of the fabric after twenty minutes, there is a high probability of premature shedding. The reliability of this technique is about 80%.
The possibility of loss allows you to identify special accessories. Pads for the release of amniotic fluid can be purchased at a pharmacy for an average of 300 rubles.

Special testing tools

Some pharmaceutical companies produce special pads for amniotic fluid leakage. In terms of external characteristics, this is a completely standard hygiene package. The main difference is that each product contains special reagents. They help to reliably determine even the minimum amount of overflow.

The test is quite simple: the product is attached to underwear and left for 12 hours. The reagents react exclusively to amniotic fluid and turn the pad aqua green. The study allows you to distinguish the presence of discharge from the main problem. The hygiene bag simply will not change color.

At the first signs of effusion, you should immediately contact a gynecologist, because such a condition can threaten the health of the fetus and mother. It is also better to consult a doctor if a woman is worried about any suspicions. Only a specialist will help relieve unnecessary fears and reliably determine whether a woman has leakage of amniotic fluid or discharge, which are a sign of healthy functioning of the body. In any case, you need to listen carefully to your condition.

How to recognize leakage of amniotic fluid with a high level of confidence?

Professional examination methods provide high results. During a medical examination, a more detailed diagnosis is carried out. Manipulating a special instrument - a speculum - the obstetrician examines the cervix. It is likely that the woman will have to specifically push. If at this moment copious fluid discharge begins, the amniotic sac may be damaged, and the doctor will determine how the amniotic fluid is leaking. Depending on the results of the study, further tactics of action are developed.

Additional manipulations

The medical test for amniotic fluid leakage consists of determining the pH level of the vagina. If the environment is normal, high acidity will be detected. When amniotic fluid is lost, it becomes slightly alkaline or neutral. This method also allows you to determine the presence of various infectious diseases.

Often, an obstetrician conducts a cytological examination - this is a special test for amniotic fluid. The separated substance is applied to the glass. After drying, it is determined whether it is water or physiological secretions. At 40 weeks of gestation the technique is not used

If doctors have justified their suspicions, at the end an ultrasound examination is performed to determine the exact amount of amniotic fluid. If their volume is less than normal, oligohydramnios is diagnosed.

Risk factors

Infectious lesions of the genital tract that occurred before pregnancy or in the early stages.
Malformations of the uterus (mostly congenital).
Cervical insufficiency. The cervix is poorly closed and cannot cope with the pressure from the growing fetus.
Polyhydramnios. The diagnosis is made after an ultrasound examination.
Chorionic villus biopsy, cordocentesis, amniocentesis. Genetic disorders.
Mechanical injury received while waiting for the baby.
Insufficient compression of the presenting part of the fetus. Most often observed in women with a narrow pelvis and in the presence of anomalies in its development.
Multiple pregnancy.

What is the norm?

A healthy pregnancy and childbirth imply the following sequence of events: when the 38th, 39th, 40th week of pregnancy arrives, labor can begin at any time. When one of the contractions occurs, the bladder containing the amniotic fluid ruptures, and they come out in one stream. If this does not happen, the obstetrician performs a forced puncture, which is called an amniotomy.

Classification

Depending on the time when rupture occurs and on how the amniotic fluid leaks, the following classification has been developed:

Timely. It begins at the end of the first labor period with complete or almost complete dilatation of the cervix.
Premature. When it is 39, before the onset of stable labor.
Early. Leakage during labor, but before dilation of the cervix.
Belated. Occurs due to the high density of the membranes. The effusion begins in the second labor period.
High sheath rupture. Occurs at a level above the cervix.

Ideally, the outpouring should be timely. But in conditions of full-term pregnancy, which exceeds 37 weeks, any option may be favorable if normal labor eventually develops. This condition is considered dangerous if the period is less than 37 weeks.

Why is leakage dangerous?

In order to understand all the consequences that threaten premature rupture, it is necessary to understand the functions that amniotic fluid carries:

Barrier to infection. Infection through the maternal genitals can reach the child vertically.
Preventing umbilical cord compression. The waters help create free blood flow to the baby.
Mechanical function. The fetus receives protection from negative external influences, such as shocks or falls. Conditions are created for the baby to move freely.
Biologically active environment. There is a constant exchange and secretion of chemicals between mother and baby.

If disorders develop, all functions are affected, but the most dangerous complication is intrauterine infection, because leakage occurs due to loss of integrity of the membranes. As a result, the tightness of the environment is lost, protection from external influences is lost, and sterility is compromised. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can penetrate the fetus.

If leakage is detected...

If an outpouring occurs, this can cause the fetus to become infected with various infections, which without barriers can overcome all protection. As soon as the obstetrician is sure that there is a leak, the woman is sent for ultrasound diagnostics. This study helps determine the degree of maturity of the baby in the womb. If the kidneys and respiratory system of the fetus are ready for full functioning outside the uterus, this is done to prevent the child from contracting an infection.

If the fetus is not ready for independent life, measures are taken to prolong the pregnancy - doctors will wait for the fetus to be ready for childbirth. Therapy boils down to the following:

Prescribing antibacterial drugs. This will help prevent intrauterine infection.
Strict bed rest. Rest and a stable position facilitate the therapy.
Permanent monitoring of the child’s health and condition, since every day is considered important. The baby has every chance of growing to a viable state in the mother's womb. An assessment of his blood flow and movement is carried out.
The mother undergoes laboratory tests and her body temperature is measured.
If there are no signs of infection, expectant management continues. The child's airways can be prepared for independent functioning, for which hormonal medications can be prescribed. This is not dangerous, all measures are aimed at preserving the health of mother and child.

Instead of a conclusion

Premature leakage of water can be prevented if a woman, if she has risk factors, carries out appropriate prevention. For example, timely treatment of cervical insufficiency is implemented, when a suture can be placed on the cervix of the uterus, a special one is introduced. In some cases, conservation therapy, sanitation of the genital tract and other potential infectious foci (pyelonephritis, caries, tonsillitis) are carried out. The most favorable prognosis occurs when rupture occurs in full-term pregnancy. However, the expectant mother should not panic; it is advisable to remain calm and follow all the doctor’s instructions.

A pathological condition caused by high rupture of the membranes or the formation of microcracks in them. It is manifested by the constant release of a small amount of watery amniotic fluid. For diagnosis, examination with mirrors, amniotests, amniocentesis with a safe dye, examination of a vaginal smear under a microscope, and transabdominal ultrasound are used. Obstetric tactics are determined by the duration of pregnancy, the condition of the mother and fetus, and the presence of complications. During expectant management, antibiotics, glucocorticoids, and tocolytics are prescribed. Active tactics include termination of pregnancy or induction of labor.

General information

Damage to the ovum with minor leakage of water is observed in almost half of the cases of premature rupture of the amnion. According to various authors, this pathological condition occurs in 2-5% of pregnancies and is the cause of almost 10% of perinatal mortality cases. Due to minimal clinical manifestations, leakage is often not detected in time, which significantly increases the risk of infectious and other complications. It is the rupture of the membranes that provokes premature birth and is the main cause of prematurity, pulmonary hypoplasia and fetal sepsis - three key factors that increase the risk of death of the newborn. The use of modern diagnostic methods and rational management of pregnant women with damaged membranes can significantly improve the prognosis for mother and child.

Causes of amniotic fluid leakage

The constant release of a small amount of amniotic fluid is observed when the integrity of the fetal membranes is damaged. In contrast to abundant premature rupture of amniotic fluid as a result of rupture of the lower pole of the ovum, leakage usually occurs with the so-called high lateral tear or the formation of microcracks. There are several groups of reasons leading to damage to the amniotic membrane:

Infectious processes. Spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes is more often observed in pregnant women suffering from endometritis, colpitis, cervicitis, adnexitis. The strength of the amnion is significantly reduced with chorioamnionitis.
Disorders in the uteroplacental system. The likelihood of damage to the amniotic sac increases in the presence of a bicornuate or double uterus, ICI, placental insufficiency, membrane attachment or premature placental abruption.
Iatrogenic effects. Leakage may result from repeated bimanual examinations, transvaginal ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and cervical reinforcement with ICI sutures.
Fetal factors. The walls of the amniotic bladder experience increased pressure during multiple pregnancies, hydrocephalus of the fetus, anomalies of its position and insertion of the presenting part.
Pathology of the membranes. Excessive distension of the amnion occurs with polyhydramnios, caused by primary and secondary hyperproduction of amniotic fluid or impaired resorption. The elasticity of the membranes also decreases with their hyaline degeneration (premature degeneration).
Abdominal injuries. The membranes of the fetus can rupture due to a sharp blow to the abdomen or penetrating wounds to the abdominal cavity and uterus.

Treatment of amniotic fluid leakage

When detecting water leakage in a woman with a 34-36 week pregnancy, both expectant and active tactics are used. Since there is no reliable evidence that induction of labor at this stage worsens neonatal outcome, the second option is preferable. Waiting often provokes the development of chorioamnionitis and compression of the umbilical cord. The duration of observation usually does not exceed 1 day. After the onset of labor, antibiotics are prescribed for prophylactic purposes.

At 37 or more weeks of gestation, if amniotic fluid is detected in the discharge and labor is absent, induction of labor is indicated. Antibacterial therapy is used in the diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. Preventive antibiotics are recommended only in cases where the expected duration of water leakage exceeds 18 hours.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis for leakage of amniotic fluid depends on the duration of pregnancy. The rational use of expectant management allows the fetus to mature as much as possible and minimizes the risk of infectious complications. Stopping leakage during a 22-33 week pregnancy allows you to prolong it to full term if the condition of the woman and fetus is satisfactory and the amount of amniotic fluid remains at a normal level. If water leakage continues, there are no signs of inflammation, and the condition of the pregnant woman and fetus is satisfactory, prolongation is possible for no more than 1-3 weeks. The risk of perinatal mortality decreases significantly with preterm birth from 31-33 weeks of pregnancy, and the incidence of newborns - from 34 or more. Prevention of premature leakage of water involves limiting heavy physical activity, quitting smoking, timely registration and regular visits to an obstetrician-gynecologist, justified prescription of invasive diagnostic procedures (especially when risk factors are detected).

During the nine months of waiting for a child, the expectant mother may encounter many problems and unpleasant conditions. Fortunately, most women safely carry and give birth to a baby. However, experts note a serious pathology of pregnancy, which is a common cause of premature birth. We are talking about leakage of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. This complication is diagnosed in 10% of women, often in those who previously felt quite normal. In such a situation, it is very important to promptly recognize the symptoms of water leakage during pregnancy and immediately consult a doctor. Let's look at how to determine water leakage during pregnancy, why it occurs and why it is dangerous.

Why do water leak during pregnancy?

Amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid) is produced by the amnion, the inner layer of the amniotic sac, forming a closed, hermetically sealed cavity. The chorion, or outer membrane, is characterized by a denser structure and protects the amnion from damage.

Amniotic fluid protects the fetus from being squeezed by the strong muscles of the uterus, as well as from blows when a woman turns or falls. In addition, amniotic fluid takes part in the child’s nutrition. It is also important that sterile amniotic fluid prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms to the child.

There are many reasons for amniotic fluid leakage during pregnancy. Here are the ones that occur most often:

Cervical insufficiency. This pathology is observed in 20-25% of women in the last months of pregnancy. In such a situation, the amniotic sac protrudes, making it very vulnerable;
Infections of the genital organs. With these diseases, the woman’s cervix rapidly ripens, resulting in the release of enzymes that stratify the placenta and soften the fetal membrane;
Narrow female pelvis and malpresentation of the fetus. As a rule, in this case, water leakage appears in the first stage of labor;
Multiple pregnancy and some anomalies of uterine development (presence of a uterine septum, isthmic-cervical insufficiency, shortened uterus);
Chronic diseases such as dystrophy, anemia, connective tissue diseases;
Bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
Illiterate use of invasive methods of prenatal diagnosis.

How to determine water leakage during pregnancy?

It is very difficult to notice the first signs of water leakage during early pregnancy. They are often mistaken for urinary incontinence; sometimes droplets of amniotic fluid mix with vaginal discharge and also go unnoticed. In order not to miss the first warning signs, you can use white panty liners. A wet spot without color or odor often indicates the beginning of water leakage.

Symptoms of water leakage during late pregnancy are difficult to ignore. The closer to the due date, the more fluid is poured out. So, 2-3 weeks before the expected start of the labor process, about 500 ml of liquid may be released, which has a peculiar odor.

Some women use a simple method to determine the presence or absence of water leakage. You need to go to the toilet briefly, then wash yourself and dry yourself thoroughly with a towel. Then you need to lie down for 15-20 minutes on a dry sheet. If wet spots appear on it as a result, it can be assumed that amniotic fluid is leaking.

You can also buy special pads in pharmacies that react to amniotic fluid. The most accurate method for determining water leakage during pregnancy at home is the special Amnishua pharmacy test. Its principle of action is based on the determination of PAGM-1 (placental alpha-1-microglobulin), which is present only in amniotic fluid, starting from early pregnancy. The sensitivity of this test is 98.9%, and the duration of the entire determination procedure takes no more than 5 minutes.

Danger of amniotic fluid leakage

As mentioned above, amniotic fluid performs a protective function. Therefore, if water leaks during pregnancy, there is a risk of developing the following pathologies:

Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion;
Placental abruption and uterine bleeding;
Oxygen deficiency and suffocation of the fetus, often leading to ischemic encephalitis in the child;
Disorders of the birth process (excessive or insufficient activity);
A premature baby may experience respiratory distress.

Diagnosis and treatment of pathology

Diagnosis of water leakage during pregnancy includes several methods that are used depending on the situation. The most commonly used determination methods can be identified:

Gynecological examination. During the examination, the doctor asks the woman to cough, after which he visually determines the presence of water;
Test with nitrazine-based drugs;
Smear to determine amniotic fluid;
IGFBP-1 test;
Amniocentesis with dye injection.

The method of managing a patient with this pathology depends on the stage of pregnancy. If the pregnancy is less than 37 weeks, they try to maintain it as long as possible. To do this, the patient is placed in a hospital, where the necessary therapy is carried out. If the condition of the fetus or woman worsens, emergency delivery is practiced. 5 out of 5 (1 vote)

Few women can boast of pregnancy without “surprises.” Exacerbation of chronic diseases, excess weight, toxicosis, the threat of premature birth - all these and other difficulties await the expectant mother at every turn. Feeling anxious about themselves and their belly baby, pregnant women are distrustful of any barely noticeable changes in the body. It is thanks to the increased alertness of expectant mothers that it is possible to promptly recognize such a symptom as leakage of amniotic fluid.

In obstetric practice, timely diagnosis of amniotic fluid leakage plays an important role in the further course of pregnancy and childbirth. Much depends on the woman’s understanding of how amniotic fluid leaks.

What is amniotic fluid and why does it leak?

Throughout pregnancy, the baby is in the amniotic sac, an amniotic sac filled with amniotic fluid, which is essential for its full development.

Amniotic fluid provides the following functions:

barrier (prevents infection of the fetus);
protective (acts as a “safety cushion” in case of injuries and falls);
prevents disruption of blood flow (prevents the walls of the uterus from compressing the umbilical cord);
takes part in the formation of the digestive system (the fetus swallows amniotic fluid, training the swallowing reflex and intestinal motility).

By the amount of amniotic fluid one can judge the condition of the fetus, the presence of intrauterine infection, malformations, etc.

IMPORTANT! Normally, amniotic fluid is a colorless, odorless liquid in an amount of 1-1.5 liters.

As a rule, amniotic fluid leaks as a result of one of the following factors:

injuries in the abdominal area (in this situation, the admixture of blood in the amniotic fluid may indicate premature placental abruption);
intrauterine infection (in this case, thinning of the wall of the fetal bladder occurs, followed by the formation of a crack or rupture);
carrying out intrauterine diagnostics (fetal puncture - amniocentesis, chorionic villus biopsy, etc.);
overstretching of the amnion (observed with polyhydramnios or multiple pregnancies).

IMPORTANT! Normally, amniotic fluid is released during childbirth. If amniotic fluid leaks in less than 37 weeks of pregnancy, we are talking about premature rupture of the membranes, in which the woman must be hospitalized.

How do amniotic fluid leak? Changes in the amount and nature of discharge.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, it is sometimes quite difficult to understand whether amniotic fluid is leaking or whether there is simply more vaginal discharge, which is quite physiological. Unlike the way amniotic fluid leaks, vaginal discharge most often increases in the morning, when getting out of bed after a night's rest.

If amniotic fluid leaks, then:

when moving, for example, walking, the volume of discharge will increase;
the nature of the discharge will change (liquid, odorless, transparent);
a pregnant woman will not be able to control this process (the fluid flows out spontaneously).

IMPORTANT! The amniotic fluid may turn yellow, indicating an infection. The red tint of the water is a sign of intrauterine bleeding, green is due to the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid, which is one of the signs of intrauterine fetal hypoxia.

How do amniotic fluid leak? Determine at home.

Test "White sheet".

In this case, no special devices are required to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid, except clean bed linen.

In order not to confuse the leakage of water with urine and vaginal discharge, before lying down on a white sheet, you need to empty your bladder, toilet the external genitalia, blotting off excess moisture with a towel. Since amniotic fluid leaks almost imperceptibly, you should lie motionless on a folded sheet for 40-60 minutes. The presence of a wet, colorless spot on the underwear indicates premature release of amniotic fluid.

Test pad.

In large pharmacies you can now buy almost everything, including a test pad to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid. This is a very simple and convenient way to determine leakage of water, which is relevant if a woman cannot see a doctor in the near future, but suspects rupture of amniotic fluid.

What to do if amniotic fluid leaks? Visit your doctor.

You must inform your doctor about changes in the nature of discharge during pregnancy. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of rupture of water, the expectant mother should contact the attending obstetrician-gynecologist, who will take all the necessary measures to make an accurate diagnosis.

During a gynecological examination, it is not always possible to determine whether amniotic fluid is leaking or not. Therefore, one of the simplest and most informative methods is the cytological research method, in which the discharge is analyzed (sampling is carried out in the posterior vaginal vault). If there is a rupture of the amnion, then elements of amniotic fluid will be detected in the smear.

Using an ultrasound examination, it is quite difficult to determine a crack or rupture of the amniotic sac. If you have ultrasound results over the last two weeks, you can compare the amount of amniotic fluid, which normally should remain unchanged until the birth itself.

Oligohydramnios on ultrasound is a diagnostic sign, in some cases confirming premature release of amniotic fluid.

Premature rupture of amniotic fluid is a complication of pregnancy that can lead to dire consequences. Lack of treatment for leakage of amniotic fluid can lead to premature birth, the development of intrauterine infection, and pathological labor, which significantly reduces the baby’s chances of survival. You should not take amniotic fluid leakage lightly; at the first symptoms, you should immediately seek qualified help from a medical facility.