Home test for amniotic fluid leakage. Leakage or early rupture of amniotic fluid

08.08.2019

Good day, my dear future mothers! Do you know what complication of pregnancy any of you should be warned about? It provokes every fifth premature birth. It is the cause of every fifth intrauterine death of a child. Even a doctor may not recognize it in time. And at the same time, it is easy to identify it at home - you just need to know what to do. Leakage of amniotic fluid how to define this formidable condition, what is it in general, and what are its signs? Calm down, now we will arm ourselves with the necessary knowledge!

I think any expectant mother has a rough idea of what amniotic fluid is. But I will repeat a little to systematize the information. A baby lives in the uterine cavity until birth for 9 months. There he is surrounded by his own protective shell - the fetal bladder. This is something like the shell of an egg, only soft. The fetal bladder is completely sealed and reliably protects the baby from premature contact with the outside world.

Especially from an encounter with pathogenic bacteria, for which the child is not yet completely ready. Normally, this barrier is not violated until the very birth.

The fetal bladder will rupture with the onset of attempts. And some children manage to be born in it - this is where the expression "was born in a shirt" came from.

The cavity of the fetal bladder is filled with liquid, in which the baby swims like an astronaut in zero gravity. It is secreted by the amnion - the inner layer of the membranes. Therefore, another name for amniotic fluid is amniotic fluid.

It has several important functions:

She straightens the uterus so that the baby can move freely.
Absorbs shocks and shocks.
Stabilizes the temperature around the baby.
Participates in the nutrition of the fetus.
Prevents the umbilical cord from pinching during labor.

And in the first stage of labor, the fetal bladder filled with amniotic fluid, like a wedge, opens the cervix from the inside ...

What amniotic fluid looks like

The type and amount of amniotic fluid changes over the course of pregnancy. At first they are yellowish, then brighten, and in the third trimester, at 38, 39, 40 weeks they become whitish and opalescent.

It is clear that only obstetricians-gynecologists will be able to appreciate these beauties. They are sometimes judged by the nature of the amniotic fluid during childbirth, for example, the approximate duration of pregnancy. A woman is unlikely to be able to collect and examine the amniotic fluid.

You just need to remember that amniotic fluid:

Light
Liquid
Warm
Without smell
They can pour out in any quantity.

Amniotic fluid

The amount of amniotic fluid during pregnancy increases with the growth of the fetus. Maximum of them can be typed 1.5-2 liters. Anything more is already considered a pathology.

But it is not at all necessary that all this amount will pour out at once. Imagine a balloon filled with water. If you poke a tiny hole in it, the water will drip out. A similar situation is possible during pregnancy. A woman may misunderstand this condition. And this is fraught with disaster.

How long can water leak? Anyone. Why this happens is not known exactly. They provoke early rupture of amniotic fluid:

infections,
a narrow pelvis in a woman,
polyhydramnios,
multiple pregnancy,
abnormal presentation of the fetus,
bad habits and serious diseases in the mother,
injury.

As a result, large or small tears appear in the membranes, which should reliably protect the child. This situation requires immediate medical attention. But the problem is that diagnosing these conditions can sometimes be difficult.

How to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid

We got to the main question: how to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid. This problem worries not only pregnant women, but also obstetricians and gynecologists. After all, if there was a "depressurization" of the membranes, then an infection can penetrate to the child. And the gap may also increase, and then there will be a premature rupture of amniotic fluid - and premature birth ...

Signs of a leak

It may seem that the symptoms of such a "leak" are obvious. When some kind of extraneous liquid flows out, it is hard not to notice it. But a woman, when she feels the water leaking, can confuse this with two states:

Urinary incontinence.
Inflammatory discharge.

Wet underwear, stains on the pads, liquid profuse discharge - how do you know if this is amniotic fluid?

It is best if you trust your doctor. But if it is far away or waiting for a long time, there is an easy way to test yourself. To do this, take three simple steps:

Go to the bathroom and get rid of excess fluid.
Wash and dry yourself.
Lie naked on a light dry sheet and lie down for 15-20 minutes.

Are there damp spots on the sheet? In this case, a "leak" can be suspected. Urgently to the gynecologist!

If you managed to find a problem using this method, this is good (in terms of the fact that now you will not waste precious time and ask for help in time)! But how often does it happen that the liquid oozes out in drops. How to distinguish drip from discharge?

Previously, only gynecologists could answer this question. Now you can find out everything at home. How can a doctor determine that it is amniotic fluid that is leaking, and not urine or vaginal secretions? He has several ways:

Examination: The doctor can simply see the transparent moisture when viewed in the mirrors.
Smear: when dry, the amniotic fluid forms on the slide a pattern resembling frosty patterns - a "fern leaf".
Ultrasound : by ultrasound, one can judge the level of amniotic fluid, the condition of the fetus and membranes.
The nitrazine test is the determination of the pH of the secretions. When water leaks, the pH becomes neutral from acidic.
Amniocentesis: A safe dye is injected into the uterine cavity through a puncture in the abdomen. If after that staining of the tampon in the vagina appears, then there is a water leak. This method is only used in particularly difficult cases.
Immunological tests.

Outpouring tests

Immunological tests respond to specific substances found only in the amniotic fluid. There are two types of tests:

To determine the PSIFR-1
To determine PAMG-1.

Both of these tests detect specific proteins. I will not decipher their names - you will forget them right away anyway. Here's what is important for you and me: the accuracy of tests for PAMG - 1 - 98.8%. At PSIFR-1 - four times lower.

The PAMG-1 Amnishur test was recognized as the gold standard. Its accuracy is almost 99%, it allows you to determine even traces of amniotic fluid.

In addition, there are tests for home use that are pH based. For example, the famous Frautest amnio pads. They are much cheaper than immunoassay. But they give 17% false negative results and 13% false positives. Whether it is worth using them is up to you. In any case, when purchasing diagnostic test strips or pads, ask about their mechanism of action and the accuracy of the results.

Premature rupture of amniotic fluid

Strictly speaking, everything that we discussed with you, including dripping water, is considered a premature outpouring. However, in everyday life, this is more often called a massive outpouring of water before the onset of attempts.

In this case, the symptoms are obvious. You suddenly find yourself wet, a warm transparent liquid flows down your legs, which you cannot hold. Her pressure increases with coughing, straining, contractions.

I understand that the situation is exciting. But for doctors, remember two things:

color of discharge,
their number (what size spot or puddle did you see?)

And without delay - to the hospital! It is highly desirable that your baby is born within the next 6 hours.

For those who still do not believe that you need to go to the hospital right away, or are delaying it from fear of childbirth, I will list the complications that threaten you and your baby:

Infections, sepsis.
Lack of oxygen in a child.
Placental abruption and heavy bleeding.
Abnormalities of labor.
Intracranial hemorrhage in a child
Deformation of the arms and legs of the fetus.

Hope everything is clear. In each case, if water leakage is detected, obstetricians-gynecologists have to solve a difficult question: "to give birth or not to give birth?" Or rather, to give birth now or to let the baby grow up, despite the depressurization of the fetal bladder.

If the baby is full-term, then the issue, as a rule, is resolved in the direction of childbirth. The main thing is to seek medical help in time, and not to wind yourself up with doubts at home!

Let this problem not touch you, my dears! But still. If you are going on a long trip in the third trimester, bring the Amnishur test with you. To be fully armed in case of anything. After all, now you know how to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid! And if there are pregnant friends in your environment, share the article with them, maybe it will be useful for them too.

Until next time, Anastasia Smolinets

Throughout pregnancy, the baby in the uterus is surrounded by amniotic fluid. Many pregnant mothers are worried about whether they are leaking amniotic fluid, because during this period there is much more vaginal discharge, and it is quite difficult to truly assess whether it is leaking or not. Determine leakage at home
3. Test for leakage of amniotic fluid at home
4. Diagnostics on an outpatient basis
5. Signs and symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage
6. The main reasons for the onset of amniotic fluid leakage
7. What are the consequences of a pregnant woman if she is suspected of water leakage?
8. Prevention of leakage
9. Treatment

Let's figure out what amniotic fluid represents, what is their main function, the main causes of rupture of the membrane of the membranes, risk groups, symptoms, signs of rupture, and most importantly - how to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid at home.

The amniotic fluid is a natural normal environment for the full growth, development and intrauterine existence of the fetus. They perform three main functions in the body of a pregnant woman:

1. Protection- water protects the baby from unintentional effects from the external environment (unexpected shocks, blows when a pregnant mother falls), and from pathogenic microorganisms that can, if the integrity of the fetal membrane is violated, penetrate the baby along the ascending paths through the vagina through the cervical canal (you need to know, that the amniotic fluid is sterile!). 2. Safety of the umbilical cord- amniotic fluid surrounds the entire intrauterine space, creating optimal blood flow in the umbilical cord, stopping its compression by the fetus. This helps in providing the baby with adequate nutrition, supply of oxygen through a huge vessel.3. Natural environment Is a biological fluid. In it, metabolic processes take place between the baby and mommy (secretion of fetal secrets, self-purification of fluid or filtration, by excretion through the blood with mom's urine).

Rupture of amniotic fluid is a normal physiological process, but if it occurs during full-term pregnancy (more than 37 weeks of gestation) at the end of the first period of labor with sufficient dilation of the cervix. During the process of the next contraction, under the pressure of the baby's head, the amniotic bubble breaks, and all the liquid comes out. The normal amount of water by 39 weeks of gestation reaches 1000-1500 milliliters.

If an outpouring or leakage occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy (in the first trimester, leakage is impossible, since the amount of water is too little), or during the third, but not 37 weeks, it is very dangerous for the unborn baby.

Pathogenic microorganisms can easily penetrate through the tear in the placental barrier and lead to the formation of infectious processes, unless, of course, preventive measures are taken in a timely manner.

Determine leakage at home

It is important for every pregnant mom to know the main symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage.

How to reliably determine a pregnant woman at home leakage of amniotic fluid: In case of premature rupture of amniotic fluid, at least 400 ml of fluid is released. Water flows down the legs in a trickle, and it is impossible not to notice it.

But if there is a high tear or a small crack, in this situation it is more difficult for a pregnant woman to learn about the integrity of the shell.

In the absence of precious time and the opportunity to purchase a test to determine the leakage of water, at home, you can perform the following measures: A woman needs to empty her bladder completely, even if there is no urge to urinate, then perform a thorough toilet of the external genital organs and wipe the perineum area dry with a towel.

Lay on the bed, preferably a white cotton sheet or a piece of cloth, diaper. Lie on a clean sheet, and after 10-20 minutes look for wet spots on the dry cloth. If spots are present, the likelihood of leakage of amniotic fluid is not excluded.

But if this is not amniotic fluid, but, say, abundant vaginal discharge? In such situations, the expectant mother needs to be able to distinguish amniotic fluid from vaginal discharge or urine.

Waters normally have a transparent color and in consistency resemble ordinary water. Sometimes the waters can be greenish or brown - this indicates a serious pathology and requires immediate hospitalization.

Urine, on the other hand, has a slightly yellowish color and a specific smell, as for the discharge, it depends on their nature, but in consistency they are thicker, in most women they are whitish, mucous.

Amniotic fluid leak test at home

But if you have a water leakage test purchased in advance from a pharmacy or someone can provide it in the next hour, then of course you need to use it. There are two types of dough - strip and pad.

The first and second types of test have the same effect.

Methods defines the vaginal environment. Normally, a healthy mother has an acidic environment, and the waters have a neutral environment. These diagnostic methods are not one hundred percent reliable, because not all pregnant women have an acidic vaginal environment, the change occurs due to the presence of infectious processes in the vagina, which lead to an alkaline or neutral environment. Still, a pregnant woman can independently make sure of the reliability of all methods, especially as it concerns the health of her baby, it is better to contact a specialist in advance for qualified help at the first suspicion.

Diagnostics on an outpatient basis

An outpatient doctor diagnoses amniotic fluid leakage using:

Amniotest- test to determine the leakage of amniotic (amniotic) fluid. Amniotest shows the presence of a special protein in the vagina, which is found only in the amniotic fluid. Accordingly, the protein enters the vagina only one way when the amniotic membrane ruptures. The test is performed in a matter of seconds, it is enough just to blot the contents of the vagina and the test is colored in a certain color, indicating the presence or absence of protein.
Cytological examination- research that requires more time. It is necessary to collect the contents of the vagina. The laboratory assistant observes the structure of the secret under a microscope. If a pattern appears that is similar in structure to fern leaves, this is amniotic fluid.
Ultrasound procedure- with this type of study, the integrity of the fetal membrane is not visible, but the doctor will be able to determine the amount of amniotic fluid. If there is less amniotic fluid - oligohydramnios, the likelihood of a tear is present.

Signs and symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage

What symptoms can a pregnant woman observe when amniotic fluid is leaking?

The discharge became similar in consistency to water.
The expectant mother will clearly feel the release of fluid from the genital tract when changing body position, movement, or, if slightly pushing.
The abdominal circumference or the bottom of the uterus has decreased in size.
With a large rupture of the ovum, the liquid will flow down the legs in a trickle.

The main reasons for the onset of amniotic fluid leakage

Firstly, the presence of infectious processes in the body in a pregnant woman. Pathogenic microorganisms by waste products lead to thinning of the amniotic membrane, in this regard, there is a risk of cracks or rupture of the membranes.
Secondly, cervical insufficiency. The cervix opens by the gravity of the growing fetus by several centimeters, and the fetal bladder sags into the cervical canal, where it can crack under light load.
Thirdly, diagnostic measures, which were carried out during the initial stages of pregnancy, according to indications. For example, amniocentesis, cordocentesis.
Fourth, the pregnancy is multiple. Any multiple pregnancy increases the risk of amniotic fluid leakage.
Fifth, the indirect causes of the pathology are the bad habits of the mother, injuries, and abnormal presentation of the fetus.

What are the consequences for a pregnant woman if she suspects water leakage?

The most insidious complication is intrauterine infection of the unborn baby.

The formation of infectious and inflammatory complications in the mother herself (inflammation of the layers of the uterus, inflammation of the fetal membrane). Outpouring provokes the appearance of premature labor, or weakness of labor activity

Abruption of the placenta With the progression of labor, a premature baby develops a distress syndrome (the baby's lungs cannot independently participate in the act of breathing, due to their unpreparedness, they stick together and further independent gas exchange is impossible).

Leakage prevention

Preventive measures for the leakage of amniotic fluid can be carried out by the expectant mother:

1. Treatment of a focus of infection in a pregnant woman.

2. If an inconsistency of the cervix is found, it is necessary to take care of the emerging pathology in advance. To do this, sutures are applied to the cervix (sutured), and an obstetric unloading pessary (ring) is introduced.

3. Carrying out therapy aimed at preserving pregnancy.

4. Lead a healthy lifestyle.

Treatment

Treatment of a pregnant woman with the appearance of premature leakage of amniotic fluid includes:

In case of premature pregnancy, doctors carry out all possible measures to preserve the health of the mother and her baby (expectant tactics), but provided that the infection has not occurred. During this time, doctors prepare the respiratory system for its main function, using special drugs for treatment.

Mom is prescribed antibiotics to prevent the formation of an infectious process.

The pregnant woman is on bed rest with daily CTG monitoring (control of the absence of fetal hypoxia).

Upon reaching full-term pregnancy and maturity of the lungs in the fetus, either operative labor or spontaneous labor is prescribed, the choice depends on the indications and assessment of the condition of the fetus.

Treatment for each pregnant woman is individual.

With a full-term pregnancy - in the absence of the onset of labor, an anhydrous period of more than 5 hours is dangerous for the baby, so the doctor begins to stimulate labor.

It is important to remember that if you have experienced or suspect a premature leakage of amniotic fluid, you should immediately seek qualified help. Your baby's health is in your hands.

Test pad to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid) in the vaginal discharge of a pregnant woman

According to statistics, in at least 10% of pregnancy cases, a premature rupture of the amniotic membrane occurs, which can lead to premature birth, intrauterine infection and other complications. Leakage of amniotic fluid may not always be detectable by conventional clinical examination (if fluid loss is slow or intermittent), and therefore confirmation by a diagnostic test can be very helpful. The FRAUTEST test is recommended for both normal pregnancy and high-risk pregnancies. Many women experience urinary incontinence during the third trimester of pregnancy, which is often confused with amniotic fluid leakage.

Leakage of amniotic fluid increases the risk of infection for both mother and baby, and early diagnosis can help:

- prevent complications or premature birth;

- to determine the possible rupture of the membranes;

- timely contact the maternity ward;

OPERATING PRINCIPLE

FRAUTEST amnio is a non-invasive self-diagnosis test that can be easily used at home. The test is able to distinguish amniotic fluid from heavy vaginal discharge and urine, which prevents often unnecessary visits to the doctor, which can be regarded as a "false alarm".

The test strip consists of a conventional strip with included test strip with a proprietary polymer containing a colorimetric indicator that changes from yellow to green-blue when in contact with high pH liquids. Normally, the vaginal pH is 3.8-4.5, the pH of the amniotic fluid is 6.5-7. The test strip changes color when it comes in contact with a liquid that has a pH greater than 5.5.

The test distinguishes amniotic fluid from urine due to the use of a polymer matrix, which uses a special composition of ingredients that reverses the color change back to yellow when it reacts with ammonia concentrations in urine.

The pH indicator is bonded to the polymer and sits internally between the two absorbent layers of the pad. Physical contact of a woman's body with diagnostic components is completely absent.

TESTING

Before testing, make sure that the test package is sealed and should be opened immediately before testing. Each test is for single use only.

1. Open the foil bag with dry hands and remove the test strip.

2. Stick the spacer onto your underwear (fig. 1). The yellow liner should be in front of the vagina. The test pad can be worn like a normal pad for 12 hours, or it can be removed as soon as you feel a leak.

3. When the pad is sufficiently moistened, remove it from the underwear.

4. Check the gasket for stains immediately after removing it from the laundry (fig. 2, 3).

EVALUATION OF RESULTS

Grade the result should be done in a well-lit place.

Positive result

If blue or green spots of any intensity, size, shape or location appear on the pad, it means that the leaking fluid is most likely amniotic fluid. The spots may be fuzzy and more intense at the edges of the yellow stripe.
Caution: The pad also turns blue or green in case of bacterial vaginal infections (such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis). In any case, if you have received a positive result, immediately consult a doctor.

Negative result

If the pad does not change color, it means that the tested fluid is urine or vaginal secretions, and there is no amniotic fluid leakage. Any minimal amount of leaking amniotic fluid will leave visible stains on the pad.
If the test results are positive, you must inform your doctor. The color coloration is stable for 48 hours. If the test result remains negative, and the heavy discharge continues, then you should see a doctor.

ATTENTION

If you suspect you have a bacterial vaginal infection (such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis), you should see your doctor as the test result may be false positive. Confirmation of the presence of a vaginal infection can be assessed using standard diagnostic procedures (smear collection).

During bleeding while reading the results, you may need the help of a specialist.

Stop using the pad immediately if you feel uncomfortable or if your skin is irritated.

The advantages of this test:

Self-monitoring of slow or intermittent leakage, prevention of complications or premature birth, and timely medical attention.
- Highly sensitive and non-invasive (no internal intervention) research method.
- Lack of direct contact of mucous membranes with diagnostic reagents.
- One pad provides 12 hours observation.
- Can be used in any environment. Simple and easy-to-understand result.
- The result lasts for 48 hours.
- Constant accumulation of water (even if the water is released slowly, in small doses and intermittently), and not a spot check, as is the case with other tests.
- Keeping calm provided by self-control.

“The reasons for the leakage of amniotic fluid can be very different. Most often, the release of amniotic fluid is due to some kind of inflammatory process in the body. Also, leakage can be provoked by isthmic-cervical insufficiency, anatomical anomalies in the structure of the uterus, abdominal trauma and many other factors. Sometimes it is not possible to establish the exact cause, ”explains Aza Balova, obstetrician-gynecologist of the network of centers of reproduction and genetics "Nova Clinic".

According to our expert, leakage of amniotic fluid is very dangerous, since it is associated with a high risk of stillbirth, death in the perinatal period, as well as the development of various diseases in newborns.

“The further tactics of pregnancy during the leakage of amniotic fluid largely depends on the period. The larger it is, the better the prognosis, ”the doctor adds.

The role of amniotic fluid

First, the amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid) fills the fetal bladder, creating a comfortable and safe environment for the developing fetus throughout pregnancy. Thanks to the amniotic fluid, the fetus can move freely and actively, while the waters soften its movements, protecting the mother from sudden jolts.

Secondly, the waters form a kind of shock-absorbing barrier that protects the child from external influences, from being squeezed by the walls of the uterus.

In addition, sterile amniotic fluid is involved in the child's feeding processes and does not allow pathogenic organisms from the external environment to penetrate into the fetal bladder. The waters are renewed every few hours, while constantly maintaining the optimal chemical composition.

By the end of pregnancy, the volume of amniotic fluid reaches 1.5 liters. Normally, the fetal bladder ruptures and water is poured out during the first stage of labor at a gestational age of at least 38 weeks. In 10-15 percent of pregnant women, the integrity of the membrane of the fetal bladder is violated long before the due date of birth, which can lead to serious consequences for the mother and the baby.

Signs and diagnosis

Massive discharge of water is difficult to confuse with something, since a large volume of liquid is poured out at a time. But in some cases, a hidden rupture of the fetal bladder occurs, the membrane tears in its upper or lateral part and water may leak in a small amount. Sometimes a woman doesn't notice the leak for a long time.

The main sign of amniotic fluid leakage is watery discharge, which increases with physical exertion and a change in body position.

Sometimes, especially in late pregnancy, water leakage can be easily confused with normal vaginal discharge, which may become more abundant and thinner than usual towards the end of pregnancy. It is also not uncommon for water leakage to be confused with urinary incontinence - the increased volume of the uterus presses on the bladder, and with physical exertion, laughter or sudden movements, urine can be involuntarily excreted in small quantities.

Photo: AntonioGuillem / iStock / Getty Images PlusGetty Images

If water leaks in large quantities, the belly of the pregnant woman may decrease in volume, sometimes there is also a decrease in the height of the fundus of the uterus.

Due to the fact that amniotic fluid does not have a color and a specific odor, their slight leakage can go unnoticed for a long time, and even a doctor is not always able to recognize the problem. For diagnostics in this case, special tests are prescribed. Most often, this is a cytological analysis of a smear from the posterior fornix of the vagina, designed to determine the presence of elements of amniotic fluid in the vaginal discharge.

With profuse leakage, diagnostic methods such as a regular vaginal examination and a test of a cough impulse can be informative (physical tension when coughing causes an increase in leakage).

If other methods do not give an accurate result, in cases where the condition of the pregnant woman inspires fears for her and the fetus's life and health, the amniocentesis method is used - a safe non-toxic dye is injected into the cavity of the fetal bladder, and a clean tampon is placed in the patient's vagina.

Staining the tampon with one hundred percent probability indicates the leakage of water, but the amniocentesis method is dangerous in itself, since during its implementation the integrity of the membrane of the fetal bladder has to be forcedly violated.

Photo: Tetra Images - Jamie Grill / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images

A woman rarely manages to independently determine if amniotic fluid is leaking. If suspicions have arisen, the simplest way to confirm or deny them is the "clean diaper" method. To do this, a pregnant woman needs, after a complete emptying of the bladder and thorough washing, simply wipe herself dry and lie down on a clean, dry diaper for 30-60 minutes. If after this a damp spot is found on the diaper, you should immediately seek medical help.

There are also special tests that allow you to determine the leakage of water with a high degree of probability at home. The test consists of a swab, reagent bottle, and test strip. A tampon is inserted into the vagina for a while, and then placed in a bottle with a solution. After that, a test strip must be lowered into the vial, on which lines appear, indicating a rupture of the membranes or its absence.

One line means there is no gap, two - confirm its fact

Causes and consequences of amniotic fluid leakage

The reasons for rupture of the membranes are usually as follows:

Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs, causing the membranes of the membranes to thin and lose elasticity. These can be such common diseases as colpitis or endocervicitis.
Isthmico-cervical insufficiency. If the cervix does not close completely, a fetal bladder can protrude into the cervical canal. In this state, it can easily become infected and damaged.
Multiple pregnancy. In this case, the walls of the uterus and membranes of the membranes are exposed to great stress.
Developmental abnormalities, benign or malignant formations of the uterus
Significant physical activity, physical abuse, abdominal trauma

Leakage of amniotic fluid is a serious complication of pregnancy, requiring immediate medical attention and hospitalization. The fact is that a violation of the integrity of the bladder threatens with a premature onset of labor and infection of the fetus - the baby is not protected by an airtight bladder and a barrier of amniotic fluid against infections.

The longer the period of water leakage, the more dangerous the situation in which the mother and child are. If the rupture of the fetal bladder occurs on

- A necessary attribute of a problem pregnancy

Advantages: helps to identify water leakage in time

Disadvantages: may show a positive result in inflammatory processes

Every woman who has children knows what amniotic fluid is. This fluid, also called amniotic fluid, surrounds the baby. It has many functions. Firstly, it is protection from infection, and secondly, it softens shocks and shocks.

Normally, it is poured out only during childbirth. This happens after the amniotic sac has ruptured. This happens in the first stage of labor. After that, as a rule, contractions begin.

But sometimes it happens that the water starts to leak. And we need to determine this in time.

At the end of pregnancy, the discharge becomes more, even in a healthy woman. This is due to the load on the bladder. But sometimes it happens that a crack may appear in the amniotic sac, through which water can leak. Sometimes their number is so scanty that a woman practically does not notice it. But from the fact that this does not cause us inconvenience - the danger does not diminish.

If protection is impaired, then a crack in the fetal sac can be a gateway for infections. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful and monitor changes in secretions. Such symptoms can be a gadfly for concern.

a) If you change your position, more fluid flows out.

b) If fluid is running down your legs, and you cannot stop it with the help of muscles, as is done when urinating.

c) The escaping liquid has a color and odor that is different from the color and odor of urine. The discharge can be greenish in color, have a brown tint. But in general, the amniotic fluid is transparent, so it is difficult to determine. even more so if the gap is very small. In this case, it is possible to finally make sure that there is leakage only in the antenatal clinic. There they will take a smear and the result will be one hundred percent.

Therefore, if you have even the slightest doubt, go to the gynecologist without hesitation.

When I gave birth to my first son 25 years ago, there was no question of such tests. However, the women were somehow healthier. I have not even heard that such a problem can arise.

Now such tests are sold in any pharmacy. True, in Ukraine one test costs almost 400 hryvnia, which is about 1200 rubles. In Russia, its price is 200-350 rubles. But if there is a question of the threat of termination of pregnancy, I think no money is important.

It is a test of an ordinary gasket. It just needs to be attached to the panties, from the inside and worn for about 12 hours. But this time is optional. Someone will see the result earlier.

Before use, be sure to wash the genitals well, wipe dry. Be sure to go to the toilet in a small way.

If the discharge is amniotic fluid, then when it enters the testing area, the color of the fluid will change to blue. If the discharge is of a different nature, the colors can be very different, but not blue.

The disadvantage of this test is that the liquid can turn blue and in case of diseases of the reproductive system. Therefore, it is better to go to the doctor, he will prescribe additional tests.

You can determine the leakage without a test. For this, it is enough to be careful. It is necessary to empty the bladder, wash and wipe dry. Instead of a test strip, put a regular piece of clean cloth and walk like that for a couple of hours. Then pull out the fabric and inspect it carefully. As I already wrote, amniotic fluid differs from urine in color and smell.

There are many tests, they are all different. But it is better to play it safe and go to the antenatal clinic. Only timely identification of problems will help you to bear and give birth to a healthy baby.