False leakage of amniotic fluid. Water environment. All about amniotic fluid

18.09.2019

Everything in the body of a pregnant woman is arranged in order to safely endure and give birth to a child. For example, amniotic fluid is an amazing environment in which the baby lives all nine months of pregnancy and which helps him to be born softly and comfortably.

Where does amniotic fluid come from?

Let's start with the fact that a child swims in the uterus for a reason: around him, like around an astronaut, there is a kind of spacesuit - special membranes, they are called so: fetal membranes. Together with the placenta, they form the fetal bladder, which is filled with amniotic fluid..

At the very beginning of pregnancy, it is the cells that produce amniotic fluid. In the later stages, amniotic fluid is additionally produced by the baby's kidneys. The baby first swallows water, they are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and then they leave the body with urine back into the fetal bladder. About every three hours, the fluid in the amniotic sac completely updated. That is, the "waste" waters come out, and their place is taken by new ones - completely renewed. And this water cycle continues for 40 weeks.

Why amniotic fluid is needed for a child and mother

It would seem that a person is a land creature, and cannot be under water for a long time. So why is the baby in the water during pregnancy? Everything is very simple: for the development of a child at any stage of life, a harmonious environment is needed. And water is great for that. It softens the effect of the law of universal gravitation, too loud noises of our world do not reach through the water. And the amniotic fluid is always the same temperature, which means that the child will not overheat or become cold, even if the mother suffers from heat or, conversely, freezes from the cold.

Amniotic fluid: quantity and quality

With each ultrasound during pregnancy, the doctor also evaluates the amniotic fluid: their quantity, transparency, the presence of extraneous suspension.

Quantity. If there is less or more water than it should be in a certain period, then perhaps something is wrong in the woman's body. But, fortunately, this rarely happens, but the conclusion "moderate" after ultrasound occurs all the time. This diagnosis always worries a future mother, but usually it means that the amount of amniotic fluid has decreased slightly. If additional examinations (, dopplerography) show that everything is in order with the baby, then there is nothing wrong with moderate oligohydramnios, perhaps this is such a feature of the course of pregnancy.

Quality. Normally, amniotic fluid is clear, like water. By the end of pregnancy, they sometimes become a little cloudy due to the fact that epidermal cells from the baby’s skin get into them, particles of the original lubricant - they give a small suspension in the waters, which can be seen on ultrasound. This is also a variation of the norm.

In Latin, the fetal bladder is called "amnion", hence the fluid surrounding the baby is called amniotic. It is believed that the smell of amniotic fluid is similar to the aroma of mother's milk, so a newly born baby can accurately determine where the mother's breast is.

When and how do the waters break

All expectant mothers have heard about the fact that at some point in childbirth or right in front of them, amniotic fluid is poured out. And of course, pregnant women have the same questions: how and when does this happen? what will i feel? what to do after the water breaks?

When the waters break. Ideally, the waters are shed during the first stage of labor, when the cervix is completely or almost completely open. The fetal bladder becomes thinner and breaks during the contraction. Immediately after this, the contractions intensify significantly, and the birth of a child is just around the corner. But the waters can break even before the start of contractions, so to speak, "out of the blue." This moment is called the premature outpouring of the waters. If there are contractions, but the cervix is not yet ready, then such an outpouring of water is called early.

How the waters go. Amniotic fluid is poured out in different ways. They can, like in feature films - suddenly, in a public place, the expectant mother's legs start to flow water. Yes, this happens, but still the drama of the situation in the cinema is somewhat exaggerated. Amniotic fluid does not always flow in a strong stream, very often not all waters come out, but only the so-called front, that is, those that are located in front of the baby's head, and they are usually 100-200 ml. The rest of the amniotic fluid rear water - poured out after the birth of a child.

So usually the expectant mother feels that her underwear has suddenly become very wet, or it seems to her that she has experienced involuntary urination. But there may be such an option: the fetal bladder did not burst completely, but only torn somewhere and the water leaves in small portions. Then the woman will only feel that the discharge has become more abundant and watery than before. This is called amniotic fluid leakage.

What to do after the water breaks. It doesn’t matter if there are contractions or not, a lot of water has broken or just a little bit - all this is a reason to immediately go to the hospital. There is nothing to be afraid of here: today it is believed that the safe anhydrous interval is no longer 6 hours as before, but much more. But, nevertheless, if the waters have poured out, the mother must be under the constant supervision of doctors.

Fears during pregnancy about amniotic fluid

Expectant mothers are often worried, and various horror stories from the Internet and stories of good friends only increase anxiety. What usually worries a woman when it comes to amniotic fluid?

The fetal bladder will burst (tear) ahead of time, but I won’t notice it. Usually this fear appears at the end of pregnancy, when the amount of vaginal discharge increases under the influence of hormones. Often there are so many of them and they are so plentiful that it seems to the woman that her water is leaking.

In fact, water and discharge can be distinguished: the discharge is mucous, denser or thicker, leaving a characteristic white color or a dried spot on the linen. Amniotic fluid is still water, it is not viscous, does not stretch like discharge, and dries up on linen without a characteristic trace.

But if doubts remain, is it water or just liquid vaginal discharge, you should not sit at home and be afraid. It is better to go to the doctor for a consultation - he will certainly see what it is. If the situation repeats, then you can buy a special test at the pharmacy that shows whether there is water leakage or not (it can be in the form of a regular strip, similar to a pregnancy test, or even in the form of a special pad).

In childbirth, all women pierce the fetal bladder, and what if they do it to me? The opening of the fetal bladder is very actively discussed and condemned on the Internet, and this is understandable: many women do not understand why they had it done. Yes, this manipulation is indeed carried out often, but the rumors that the fetal bladder is opened in maternity hospitals for everyone in a row are somewhat exaggerated. So why are they opening it anyway? Here are the most common cases.

If the contractions are weakened, then opening the fetal bladder can intensify them and then you will not have to prescribe stimulation with.
Sometimes the fetal bladder does not have anterior waters, such a bladder is called flat. As a result, its membranes are pulled over the child's head, and the bubble not only does not help normal labor activity, but also delays it.
Rarely, but it happens that the fetal membranes are so dense that even when the cervix is fully opened, the bladder itself does not open. If it is not opened, then the straining period is delayed, since such a fetal bladder interferes with the advancement of the baby's head. Previously, if the bubble was not opened, the child could be born in the fetal membranes in a state of asphyxia. They said about such children: "Born in a shirt, he will be happy!" And happiness here is in one thing - they managed to get him out of this “shirt” alive.

Discussion

Comment on the article "Amniotic fluid during pregnancy and childbirth: how much and why?"

At present, the optimal mode of delivery for infected women has not been fully determined. To make a decision, the doctor needs to know the results of a comprehensive virological study. Natural childbirth includes a whole range of measures aimed at adequate pain relief, prevention of fetal hypoxia and early rupture of amniotic fluid, and reduction of trauma to the birth canal in the mother and skin of the baby. Only when all preventive measures are observed ...

Discussion

Absolutely agree. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no consensus on the safest management of childbirth with hepatitis C. According to statistics, the likelihood of a child being infected with hepatitis is slightly lower with a planned caesarean section than with natural childbirth. However, none of these methods can guarantee the safety of the child in terms of infection with hepatitis. Therefore, the choice of method of delivery is based more on the obstetric history than on knowledge of the presence of this infection.

What is low water? This is a special condition during pregnancy of a woman, of a pathological nature, in which the amniotic fluid surrounding and protecting the child in the amniotic cavity is much less than its recommended values. As a rule, the diagnosis of oligohydramnios is made in pregnant patients much less often than polyhydramnios. The low content of amniotic fluid, in the vast majority of cases, indicates various abnormalities occurring in the development of the fetus, and can cause ...

Pregnancy at 37-40 weeks is full-term and labor can begin at any time. And there are three main signs that indicate their imminent approach. Removal of the mucous plug. It can occur 2 weeks before delivery, but most often a day. The cork looks like a small lump of pinkish, brown or yellowish mucus. Often the cork leaves not entirely, but in parts. During pregnancy, it closes the entrance to the cervical canal, protecting the fetal bladder from ...

Amnishur [link-1] According to various authors, the frequency of preterm birth is from 5 to 12% per year and has been on the rise over the past 20 years, despite the rapid development of medicine. About 40% of all preterm births are the result of early rupture of amniotic fluid, which leads to functional underdevelopment of organs and systems, perinatal mortality, and in more than half of cases to intrauterine infection of the fetus. However, you can avoid all unwanted...

Amniotic fluid during pregnancy and childbirth: how much and why? When does the water break during childbirth? Leakage of amniotic fluid.

Discussion

You can order an AmniSure test on the Internet, it is done at home, the issue price is 900-1000 rubles, I had a similar paranoia, starting from your period until 32-33 weeks. I did this test three times - the water is in order)))

a week ago I was discharged from the maternity hospital ... I got there on the same suspicion ..
it was like this: from 2 am to 12 noon four times after going to the toilet, I didn’t have time to get to bed, as something poured down my legs. called her doctor. She recommended not to sit at home, go to the hospital and do a water test. I arrived, the test showed a negative result, but they did not let me go, they hospitalized me. For 11 days, they observed me, did an ultrasound, everything was ok there too, the bubble was intact. TTT.
It seems to me that it is better not to take risks, but to see a doctor as soon as possible! because if it's really leaking water, then it's very bad. I was told that it might lead to premature birth! therefore, for your own peace of mind, it is better to lie in the taxiway.
Also, are your kidneys healthy? it may not be water, but the reaction of sick kidneys. My kidneys on the ultrasound were in order, that it was not clear! didn't happen again.

Amniotic fluid during pregnancy and childbirth: how much and why? Popular discussions in 2009. For some reason, as soon as the theme of giftedness is Red Sun. How I was surprised today!

Discussion

The fact that the poop gets into them (original feces as you saw in the first couple of days after the birth of the baby is black and green). This is obtained from the fact that the child no longer has enough oxygen that enters him through the blood and he tries to breathe with his lungs, and this triggers mechanisms that ideally should start immediately after childbirth. I think that it is difficult to influence this, oxygen may not be enough with low hemoglobin, but again, until you pass the test, until you get the result, you drink the drugs, the process has already begun. And just for prevention, you can’t swallow pills, an excess of iron is also not good, and besides, they usually fix it. Vicious circle. I went to oxygen cocktails with my elder, kololdi ascorbic acid in my vein and one fig the water turned out green

Well, the fact of the matter is that the terms did not pass to everyone! And infections - they somehow come to light or come to light? Analyzes? Mine didn't show any infections ever... Thanks for the replies! :)

04/24/2009 15:44:50, beginner))

Amniotic fluid during pregnancy and childbirth: how much and why? When does the water break during childbirth? Leakage of amniotic fluid. Puncture of the fetal bladder. Where does amniotic fluid come from?

Discussion

dangerous ... if you do not treat the child and depending on how much he swallowed, the consequences of course will still be from hyperactivity to allergies, but children of the first year of life are extremely viable and easily restored, usually such children in the future do not differ in anything special from all children But it is necessary treatment, subsequently mandatory breastfeeding - i.e. save it with all your might.

My girlfriend was like that. Her daughter is now 2.5 years old, a healthy, beautiful, smart girl - mmm.

“The causes of amniotic fluid leakage 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 determine the exact cause, ”explains Aza Balova, obstetrician-gynecologist of the network of centers of reproduction and genetics "Nova Clinic".

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

“Further tactics of pregnancy management in case of amniotic fluid leakage largely depends on the period. The larger it is, the better the prognosis, ”adds the doctor.

The role of amniotic fluid

First, amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid) fills the amniotic sac, providing 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 water softens its movements, protecting the mother from sudden shocks.

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 processes of nutrition of the child 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 waters are 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 amniotic sac is broken long before the due date of delivery, which can lead to serious consequences for the mother and for the child.

Signs and Diagnosis

The 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 is torn in its upper or lateral part, and water can leak in a small amount. Sometimes a woman does not notice leakage 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 by the end of pregnancy may become more abundant and thin than usual. It is also not uncommon for water leakage to be confused with urinary incontinence - an enlarged 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 pregnant woman's belly may decrease in volume, sometimes there is also a decrease in the height of the uterine fundus.

Due to the fact that the amniotic fluid has no color and a specific smell, their slight leakage can go unnoticed for a long time, and even a doctor is not always able to recognize the problem. For the diagnosis 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 routine vaginal examination and a cough shock test (physical stress during coughing causes increased leakage) can be informative.

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

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

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

It is rare for a woman to independently determine whether amniotic fluid is leaking. If suspicions arise, the clean diaper method is the easiest way to confirm or refute them. To do this, the pregnant woman needs, after completely emptying the bladder and thoroughly washing, just wipe dry and lie down on a clean, dry diaper for 30-60 minutes. If after that a wet spot is found on the diaper, you should immediately seek medical help.

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

One strip means no gap, two - confirm its fact

Causes and consequences of amniotic fluid leakage

The causes of rupture of the membranes are usually the following:

Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs, causing the membranes of the fetal bladder to become thinner and lose elasticity. It can be such common diseases as colpitis or endocervicitis
Isthmic-cervical insufficiency. If the cervix does not close completely, the fetal bladder may 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 the membranes of the fetal bladder are subjected to a large load.
Developmental anomalies, benign or malignant tumors of the uterus
Significant physical activity, physical abuse, abdominal trauma

Leakage of amniotic fluid is a serious complication of pregnancy that requires immediate medical attention and admission to a hospital. The fact is that a violation of the integrity of the bladder threatens with premature onset of labor and infection of the fetus - a baby not protected by a hermetic bladder and a barrier of amniotic fluid is defenseless 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 occurred on

Amniotic fluid surrounds the baby in the womb, providing him with development, nutrition, protection. If the pregnancy is without pathologies, the waters break a few hours before the birth. This is one of the signs of active labor activity. Leakage of water ahead of time is a threat to the health of mother and baby.

How to distinguish the leakage of amniotic fluid ahead of time from natural secretions? How much and how does amniotic fluid flow? What are the causes, negative consequences of pathology? How can a woman find out on her own if amniotic fluid is leaking? Can this be determined at home? What to do to save the child?

What is amniotic fluid?

All 9 months of gestation, the fetus is in the uterine cavity. Its protective shell is a bladder filled with an odorless and colorless amniotic substance. The liquid substance is 97% water. A special biological environment is secreted by the amnion - the inner layer of the bladder. In addition to water, the liquid includes the following nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, hormones, minerals, vitamins, oxygen, immunoglobulins, lipids, skin lubricant.

Amniotic fluid creates favorable conditions for the development of the fetus. They provide it with nutrients, protect it from shock, injury. The shell is completely hermetic, a constant temperature is maintained inside. What does amniotic fluid look like? It is a liquid transparent substance that has no smell.

Functions of a bubble filled with liquid nutrient medium:

food;
protection against premature contact with the environment, microbes and bacteria;
cushioning of shocks, shocks;
maintaining a comfortable temperature;
preventing compression of the umbilical cord, which ensures normal blood flow and oxygen supply;
enlargement of the uterus to provide space for the growing fetus.

Amniotic fluid increases in volume as the fetus grows, reaching a maximum of one and a half liters by week 36. The protective fluid barrier is not broken until the birth process begins.

Why can water leak in pregnant women?

The factors that provoked the early discharge of amniotic fluid are not always clearly defined. The doctor assesses the state of health of the woman in the complex. The effectiveness of treatment depends on how correctly the causes of the pathology are established. Why do ruptures of the walls of the amniotic sac occur? The reasons are as follows:

Inflammation, infection in the genitourinary system of the mother (colpitis, endocervicitis). The walls of the shell become thinner, lose their elasticity. The cervix ripens ahead of schedule, sometimes the placenta exfoliates. This condition is dangerous uterine bleeding, lack of oxygen.
Carrying more than one child.
Isthmic-cervical insufficiency is a pathology in which the cervix does not close completely. She cannot withstand the increasing pressure, which provokes an outpouring.
Blows to the stomach, physical activity.
Polyhydramnios.
Benign and cancerous formations of the reproductive system of a pregnant woman.
The narrow pelvis of the mother, the wrong position of the fetus. With proper delivery, it is not dangerous, but it can cause complications. There is no threat to the health of the woman in labor and the baby, since such a course occurs immediately before childbirth.
The presence of the mother's addiction to alcohol, nicotine, drugs.
Inaccurate sampling during invasive diagnostics: chorionic villus biopsy, amniotic sac puncture for water sampling, amniocentesis.
The development of an infection in the amniotic membrane (chorioamnionitis), which disrupts the structure of the tissues of the bladder.
Diseases and congenital pathologies of the mother (anemia, anorexia, uterine septum, shortened cervix).

First signs and general symptoms

How does amniotic fluid leak? This happens in small quantities. It is often difficult to distinguish the released amnion from urine, female secretions. You can understand by the feeling of moisture in the perineum. Underwear has to be changed up to ten times a day - it is constantly wet. The use of sanitary pads saves the situation for a short time. With tension, physical effort, leakage becomes stronger. This happens when lifting weights, laughing, coughing, sudden movements.

How can amniotic fluid leak when the cervix is closed? This happens when the fetal membrane ruptures. Signs of leakage depend on the size of the damage. When a medium or large volume of fluid is released, a woman feels it flows down her legs. Pads are not absorbent. Spills can be insignificant even with a large tear, if the sections of the shell are layered on top of each other at the site of damage.

The photo shows what the amniotic fluid looks like. It is transparent and colorless. The discharge does not smell. The presence of a sharp stench means the addition of an infection. It is dangerous for the life of a woman and a baby. Traces of blood are a sign of placental abruption. Meconium is detected - the fetus is deficient in oxygen. Leaks can occur periodically, be regular, accompanied by contractions.

Diagnostic measures

If POV is suspected, a gynecologist should be consulted as soon as possible. The further course of pregnancy, the birth of a healthy baby depends on this. How to recognize a leak? Initially, testing methods available for use at home can confirm concerns. There are several methods based on the reaction of test strips. The leak test is based on the elevated pH of the effluent. Only a specialist can reliably distinguish whether amniotic fluid, urine, or vaginal discharge is leaking.

In a hospital setting

A gynecologist examines a pregnant woman. The doctor asks the woman to move around in the chair, to cough. During POV, fluid will come out of the vagina. This is the primary diagnostic method with low efficiency. More reliable methods are a cytological smear of the posterior vaginal fornix, amniotest, frautest.

A gynecological smear helps determine POV. Amniotic fluid, drying on a glass slide, forms a pattern of crystals. It resembles a fern leaf.

The amnio test has a high degree of reliability. The procedure consists in the intramuscular injection of a dye into the abdomen. A white swab is placed in the vagina. If it changes color, it means POV. Such a test is not only expensive and painful, but also risky, so it is rarely used. In one case out of 200, a puncture of the bladder leads to internal bleeding, infection. The most terrible consequence is the termination of pregnancy.

The lack of amniotic fluid at a certain stage of pregnancy is sometimes detected during a routine ultrasound examination. This indirectly indicates a leak. In some cases, on the screen of an ultrasound monitor, you can see damage to the membrane surrounding the fetus, their size and location. A small gap will be difficult to detect.

The laboratory test for amniotic fluid leakage is based on the detection of specific proteins. A gynecological smear is taken with a sterile swab. It is placed in a test tube with a reagent. The laboratory assistant evaluates the result, revealing the premature outflow of the amnion.

Home Leak Tests

Pharmacological companies produce special tests with instructions. With their help, you can independently determine the POV. The test is attached to underwear like a regular pad. You need to wear it for 12 hours. The indicator embedded in the pad will react to the presence of amniotic fluid by changing color. The usual pH of vaginal discharge is up to 5.5, in amniotic fluid it is up to 7. The water leakage test contains an indicator. From contact with amniotic fluid, it will become a bright green, blue color.

There are pads that are removed when wet. They are placed for half an hour in a special container. When the indicator changes color to yellow-green, it means that liquids from the bladder are leaking.

What is the danger of leakage?

Rupture of the membrane, loss of amniotic fluid cause serious consequences. The most dangerous and common complications:

rupture of the membrane protecting the fetus ahead of time;
infection;
premature delivery, which is dangerous by asphyxia, unpreparedness of the lungs of the newborn for functioning, cerebral hemorrhage.

The severity of the consequences for mother and child depends on the gestation period at which leakage occurred. This factor also determines the possibility of further preservation of pregnancy.

In the early stages

Leakage, release of amniotic fluid for up to 20-22 weeks is considered early. In most cases, the life of the baby can not be saved. The rupture of the membrane is accompanied by infection of the protective environment, which is not comparable with the vital activity of the fetus. With a small amount of leakage, after a complete examination, a conclusion is made about the admissibility of maintaining pregnancy. A newborn can be born with a number of congenital pathologies: paralysis, blindness, lung problems, heart failure.

If the fetus or membrane is infected, further gestation is impossible. This causes inflammation in the reproductive system of the mother, which is dangerous for her life. To prevent possible complications, the uterine cavity is cleaned.

In 2nd and 3rd trimesters

There are no medications that can be used to repair the rupture of the shell. In case of leakage after the second trimester, the pregnant woman is sent under the constant supervision of doctors to the hospital. The membrane of the bladder is examined on an ultrasound machine. Therapeutic measures are not carried out. Doctors monitor the woman's condition in dynamics. Regular gynecological examinations are carried out.

The pregnant woman should be in a calm atmosphere. Shown bed rest, lack of physical activity. Leakage of amniotic fluid in the later stages (from 35 weeks) does not threaten the life of the child and mother. The condition is met if the woman sought medical help immediately after detecting signs of POV. When the outpouring of water occurs at 39-40 weeks, this means the onset of labor.

What to do?

If you suspect water leakage during pregnancy, you should immediately do a test. The results should be reported to the gynecologist immediately. This is exactly the case when it is better to play it safe and raise a false alarm than to risk the life of a child. It is advisable that during pregnancy a woman should always have a test pad on hand to determine leakage. If you feel wet, you need to use it immediately. If there is a bubble rupture, the clock counts. The task of doctors is to prevent the spread of infection, to provide inpatient monitoring.

In the third trimester, with POV, labor is stimulated. Preliminarily, the degree of maturity of the life support systems of the fetus outside the mother's womb is analyzed on an ultrasound machine. If the lungs are not ready to breathe on their own, efforts are directed to prolonging the gestation. To prevent the spread of infection, a woman is prescribed antibacterial drugs. The blood flow of the fetus, the presence of movements is assessed daily. Mother is shown bed rest. Body temperature is constantly monitored. Its increase may indicate the development of an infection.

There is no need to remind that amniotic fluid is a vital, natural environment for the active growth and development of the unborn child. The waters contain fetal cells, metabolic products and biologically active components such as hormones.

Therefore, the amount of fluid, the biochemical composition have certain parameters, the shift of which in one direction or another is fraught not only with complications, but is a danger to the viability of the unborn baby.

Causes of untimely discharge of water

Normally, the outflow of amniotic fluid occurs during physiological labor after 38-39 weeks of pregnancy. As the cervix opens and contractions intensify, the membranes of the fetal bladder break and some of the water comes out.

However, in some situations, leakage during pregnancy occurs either earlier or later.

If signs of rupture of the membranes appear before the onset of labor, then this is called early or premature discharge of amniotic fluid.

The reasons for this can be both pathological changes in the membranes themselves, the cervix, polyhydramnios, the anatomical features of the pregnant woman, and the pathology of the fetus:

large sizes;
hydrocephalus;
wrong position in the uterus.

Sometimes the gap does not occur in the lower pole of the bubble, but on the side. In this case, the leakage of water occurs slowly. Signs of pathology do not appear immediately. You can diagnose this condition by conducting a special examination.

Diagnosis of early rupture of amniotic fluid

Like any diagnostic measures, the examination procedure includes several stages:

Questioning a pregnant woman about a watery discharge or an increase in its amount. We should not forget that by 38-39 weeks the amount of physiological secretions increases. Some have more, some have less. Moreover, the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the bladder and any minimal load can provoke the release of urine.
Examination of a pregnant woman on a gynecological chair.
The amount of fluid in the uterus can be assessed using ultrasound diagnostics.
If it is possible to collect the discharge, then tests are carried out for the presence of hairs and epithelial scales in them.
In doubtful cases, amnioscopy is used - examination of the presenting part of the fetus. This is an informative, but difficult research method, carried out using a special apparatus - an amnioscope, which allows you to assess the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid.

How can a future mother determine the leakage of water?

How to tell if it is amniotic fluid leakage or discharge? Of course, the best way to dot the i's is to visit a gynecologist.

However, in life there are situations when it is not possible to urgently get expert advice and conduct the necessary tests in the doctor's chair. In this case, in order not to waste precious time, it is recommended to take into account the following tips and recommendations:

The life of the fetus is impossible without amniotic fluid.
Normal amniotic fluid is a colorless and clear liquid. Their color changes in case of infection - they become cloudy, greenish or yellow.
A simple home test to determine the nature of leakage (water, urine, mucous discharge from the genitals). After the toilet of the genitals, you need to lie down on a white sheet. The perineal area should be dry. If after 15–25 minutes wet colorless spots appear on it, then it is highly likely that this is water leakage during pregnancy. If during the experiment a yellowish liquid with a typical odor is obtained, then this is most likely urine. Vaginal discharge is usually thicker and whitish. It is advisable not to be alone at this time, but to invite someone from your loved ones.
The same experiment can help to conduct sanitary pads.
In pharmacies, there are special pads that allow, at the right time, to distinguish between early discharge of amniotic fluid and urine leakage.

What to do in this situation?

It is important to notice the leakage of water in time. This situation is fraught with serious complications:

infection of the fetus and the mother's body with the development of endometritis, inflammation of the membranes;
premature birth;
the weakness of the ancestral forces.

At the slightest suspicion of signs of water leakage, a pregnant woman must, without wasting time, appear to a gynecologist for examination and laboratory tests. This is an occasion for emergency treatment in the inpatient department.

The final decision regarding the further management of pregnancy and the timing of delivery is made by the doctor, depending on the time left before delivery and the readiness of the mother's body for childbirth.

When a woman's body is not ready for childbirth

If everything happens before 35 weeks, then all efforts are directed to maintaining the pregnancy. A woman is hospitalized in a hospital, prescribed strict bed rest and special drugs that block uterine contractions.

Before childbirth

With a period exceeding 36–39 weeks, it all depends on the condition of the woman. If we are talking about a problematic pregnancy and the risk of complications is high, then, given the age of the fetus, sufficient for life outside the mother's womb, the issue of caesarean section is being decided.

In other cases, the woman in labor and the fetus are observed, in the conditions of preparation and provision of physiological childbirth.

Prevention

It is recommended to exclude sexual contacts 2 months before the expected date of delivery. If a woman is at risk, then for a period of 38–39 weeks it is better to go to the pregnancy pathology department for control and observation.

In a home first aid kit, it is better to have a special pharmacy test that allows you to find out at any time what fluid is excreted from the body - urine or water.

The first pregnancy is like a new life in which unfamiliar and sometimes unexpected phenomena await a woman. It is worth getting used to the growing volume of the body and weight, changes in mood and taste preferences, as new discoveries begin. Some of them are pleasant and encouraging, brightening up 9 months of waiting for a baby. It is better to learn about others early, and it is desirable only in theory, without encountering in practice. For example, about how amniotic fluid leaks and what needs to be done in this case. For most pregnant women, amniotic fluid leakage is a nightmare that they scare themselves and each other with.

In fact, amniotic fluid leaks far from everyone and not as often as it might seem if you wind yourself up. But every woman should know what to do in case of leakage of amniotic fluid - at least just in case. This will help determine if the amniotic fluid is actually leaking or not. Moreover, leakage is possible not only during the first pregnancy, and the information will be useful to you or your loved ones in the future. As you know, fear has big eyes, but in everything related to pregnancy and health in general, one cannot rely on intuition and fragmentary information. It is necessary to clearly understand how amniotic fluid leaks and what to do in this case.

Amniotic fluid and its leakage
Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the embryo. Amniotic fluid, or amniotic fluid, surrounds the baby throughout fetal development and protects him from all infections, physical and any other dangers. According to the chemical composition, the amniotic fluid is rich in vitamins, salts, hormones, amino acids, and also contains waste products, fluffy hairs and particles of the skin of the fetus. This determines the functions and capabilities of amniotic fluid:

Nutrition of the fetus in the early stages of development occurs by absorption of substances from the amniotic fluid directly through the skin. At a later date, the baby captures amniotic fluid in small sips.
Protection against physical influences from the outside according to the principle of depreciation. From chemical threats and infections, amniotic fluid is protected due to the tightness of the amniotic sac plus active immunoglobulin proteins in the composition of the fluid itself.
Creating an environment that is comfortable for the embryo: free "swimming" in the liquid, under conditions of constant pressure and constant temperature. In addition, the amniotic fluid muffles the noise and other harsh sounds coming from outside.
Perinatal diagnostics: according to the analysis of amniotic fluid samples, diseases (genetic, congenital), possible disorders and the condition of the fetus as a whole are determined. In addition, amniotic fluid allows you to find out the sex and blood type of the embryo.

As you can see, amniotic fluid is necessary for both the child and doctors. And only for a pregnant woman they cause trouble, although, according to the idea of nature, they should not cause trouble. In the normal course of pregnancy, amniotic fluid is poured out only during childbirth, and before that it is securely held by the amnion (amniotic membrane). Amniotic fluid sometimes leaks a little after 37 weeks of pregnancy. But if the leakage of amniotic fluid occurs earlier than that, then this may indicate pathologies during pregnancy, fetal development, and even cause premature birth.

How and why amniotic fluid leaks?
Normally, amniotic fluid is poured out at the end of the first stage of labor, when the cervix opens. Premature discharge, which began long before the onset of labor, and especially for a period of less than 37 weeks, is called amniotic fluid leakage. The reasons for leakage are different:

Physical injury.
Weak cervix, unable to withstand the pressure of the weight of the fetus.
Incorrect position of the fetus due to the peculiarities of the physique of the mother or other problems.
Infection.
Excess amniotic fluid (so-called polyhydramnios).
Outside intervention during diagnostics.

Sometimes leakage of amniotic fluid can be a sign of multiple pregnancy, but in any case, this phenomenon cannot be ignored. True, many women, due to excessive suspiciousness, tend to self-diagnose amniotic fluid leakage and other disorders. This is also strictly prohibited, because it causes stress for both the expectant mother herself and the child inside her.

Signs of amniotic fluid leakage. How amniotic fluid leaks
It is important to notice and determine the leakage of water in a timely manner, but not to confuse it with other natural body secretions, urination, etc. It’s easy to make a mistake, especially given the excitement associated with pregnancy. Therefore, remember how amniotic fluid leaks:

Premature rupture of amniotic fluid occurs profusely, approximately in the amount of half a liter. You can't help but notice the release of a clear liquid in this amount. It indicates a rupture of the amniotic sac.
The amniotic sac may not burst, but only slightly tear, then the leakage of fluid is scanty, but constant. You can distinguish it from other secretions by smell and color, but not always.
If the smell and color of the discharge are clearly expressed, then, without a doubt, this is a sign of a violation of the course of pregnancy. Reddish, brown, with a greenish hue of the liquid require immediate medical attention.

What to do with leakage of amniotic fluid
What to do if amniotic fluid leaks? First of all, do not panic and soberly assess the situation. You may need to confirm the diagnosis, but this is best done by a doctor. Leakage of amniotic fluid cannot be ignored or “observed” longer. But what exactly to do depends on the circumstances, your well-being and the duration of the pregnancy. Here is a list of the main actions for detecting leakage of amniotic fluid:

The main thing that a pregnant woman needs to do when amniotic fluid leaks is to see a doctor, in no case waiting for the usual scheduled examination. If you act quickly and correctly, you will be able to avoid bad consequences. Timely diagnosis and therapy for leakage of amniotic fluid increases the likelihood of normal labor and protection against infections.

The safety of amniotic fluid leakage is directly proportional to the gestational age. The longer the term, the less risk to health and life. In any case, now you know how amniotic fluid leaks, and the strategy of behavior in this case. And we sincerely wish you not to face this problem and give birth to a healthy, beautiful and happy baby!