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37 weeks amniotic fluid leakage. How to understand that water is leaking during pregnancy

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 lie in wait for the expectant mother at every turn. Experiencing anxiety for themselves and their baby-belly, 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 recognize in time such a symptom as amniotic fluid leakage.

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 idea of how amniotic fluid leaks.

What is amniotic fluid and why does it leak?

Throughout pregnancy, the baby is in the fetal bladder - the 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 "airbag" in case of injuries and falls);
prevents blood flow disturbance (does not allow the walls of the uterus to squeeze 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 liquid, odorless, in an amount equal to 1-1.5 liters.

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

injuries in the abdomen (in this situation, the admixture of blood in the amniotic fluid may indicate premature detachment of the placenta);
intrauterine infection (in this case, the wall of the fetal bladder becomes thinner, followed by the formation of a crack or rupture);
carrying out intrauterine diagnostics (puncture of the fetal bladder - amniocentesis, biopsy of the chorionic villi, etc.);
overstretching of the amnion (observed with polyhydramnios or multiple pregnancy).

IMPORTANT! Normally, the outflow of amniotic fluid occurs during childbirth. If amniotic fluid leaks at less than 37 weeks of gestation, this is a premature rupture of the membranes, in which the woman must be hospitalized.

How does amniotic fluid leak? Change in the amount and nature of secretions.

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

If amniotic fluid leaks, then:

when moving, for example, walking, the volume of secretions will increase;
the nature of the discharge will change (liquid, odorless, transparent);
the 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 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 does amniotic fluid leak? We determine at home.

Test "White sheet".

No special devices for determining the leakage of amniotic fluid, except for clean bed linen, are not required in this case.

In order not to confuse the leakage of water with urine and vaginal discharge, before lying on a white sheet, it is necessary to empty the bladder, toilet the external genital organs, blotting excess moisture with a towel. Since amniotic fluid leaks almost imperceptibly, you should lie still on a folded sheet for 40-60 minutes. The presence of a wet colorless spot on the linen indicates a premature outflow 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 the leakage of water, which is relevant if a woman cannot see a doctor in the near future, but suspects the outflow of amniotic fluid.

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

It is necessary to notify the doctor about the change in the nature of the discharge during pregnancy. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of an outpouring 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 method of research, in which the analysis of secretions is carried out (the sampling is carried out in the posterior fornix of the vagina). If there is a rupture of the amnion, then elements of amniotic fluid will be detected in the smear.

With ultrasound, it is quite difficult to determine a crack or rupture of the fetal bladder. If you have ultrasound results for the last two weeks, you can compare the amount of amniotic fluid, which should normally remain unchanged until the birth itself.

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

Premature rupture of amniotic fluid is a complication of pregnancy that can lead to sad consequences. Lack of treatment for leakage of amniotic fluid can lead to premature birth, the development of intrauterine infection, pathological labor, which greatly reduces the chances of the baby to survive. Leakage of amniotic fluid should not be taken lightly; at the first symptoms, you should immediately seek qualified help from a medical institution.

During pregnancy, the so-called amniotic fluid is formed in the body of a woman. It surrounds the fetus and performs various functions: metabolism, protection from external influences, maintaining sterility, etc. Its outpouring, as a rule, is a sign of the onset of labor. However, it happens that even before the expected birth, the water begins to leak. It is then that the question may arise, how to distinguish the leakage of amniotic fluid from the discharge.

How to distinguish the leakage of amniotic fluid?

It is not difficult to notice a one-time outpouring of amniotic fluid. It can be up to 500 ml in volume. This happens when the rupture of the fetal bladder fell on its base at the cervix. In this case, nothing prevents the liquid from immediately coming out. If the rupture occurred elsewhere, then the amniotic fluid can drain gradually. Their small amount can easily be confused with normal discharge or urinary incontinence, which is sometimes observed in pregnant women.

Water leakage can be recognized by a number of basic signs:

Duration: waters flow constantly, until the birth of a child; discharge may appear or disappear.
Consistency: liquid, like water, in ordinary secretions it is thicker (mucous or cheesy).
Smell: peculiar, not like the smell of urine or secretions.
Color: Normally clear, but may have a brownish, reddish, or greenish tinge, which is a bad sign (urgent medical attention required); the discharge is usually whitish in color.

Based on these signs alone, it is sometimes difficult to understand what they had to face - with abundant secretions or with gradually receding waters. Therefore, there are several methods for determining.

Test for determining the outpouring of waters

To correctly diagnose leakage, you can conduct a test or contact your gynecologist who is observing you.

How to determine at home? The gradual outflow of amniotic fluid, without consulting a doctor, can be detected in two ways:

Put a white diaper on, emptying the bladder before that, wait 1.5-2 hours. If after this time smudges gradually appear, then, most likely, a rupture of the fetal bladder has occurred.
Buy a special test at the pharmacy. They are usually sold in the form of pads that contain special substances to determine the presence / absence of water.

In any case, only a specialist is able to confirm or refute the leakage of amniotic fluid or discharge, so if you have any suspicions, you should immediately seek help.

How does a gynecologist determine?

The gynecologist will conduct an examination on the chair. During this, you may be asked to cough to increase pressure on the intra-abdominal area. If the fetal bladder is damaged, then a small release of fluid will occur. In addition, the doctor will take a smear to identify elements characteristic of the substance. Only according to the results of such analyzes will you have a 100% answer.

Why is water leaking?

Normally, the release of amniotic fluid occurs at the initial stage of labor, when the cervix begins to open slightly, and the fetal bladder spontaneously bursts under stress from contractions. Pregnancy is considered full-term if this process began at 37 weeks or more.

The reasons for premature outflow may be the following:

infectious or inflammatory process in the mother;
premature detachment of the placenta;
injury to a pregnant woman or anomalies in the structure of the body, leading to poor pressing of the fetal bladder;
incomplete closure of the cervix or its inability to withstand intrauterine pressure;
multiple pregnancy or polyhydramnios;
violation of the integrity of the membranes during certain tests (for example, amniocentesis or cordocentesis);
chronic diseases in a woman, bad habits.

Usually, a gynecologist at the beginning of pregnancy reports the danger of premature rupture of amniotic fluid, especially if you have a high risk of developing this phenomenon.

Classification depending on the time of water leakage

The outpouring can occur at different times. Depending on this feature, several of its varieties are distinguished:

Timely - occurs with full or almost full disclosure of the cervix.
Premature - begins before stable labor activity.
Early - at the initial stage of labor, but when the disclosure has not yet begun.
Belated - labor activity is in full swing, but the rupture did not occur due to the high density of the bladder shell (in this case, the doctor pierces the bladder).
Rupture of membranes above the level of the cervical canal.

Any of these options can be considered favorable if the pregnancy is full-term, and labor activity begins in a timely manner. If this happened before 37 weeks, then the doctor will act according to the situation, based on the danger to the fetus and the woman herself.

Why is premature leakage of amniotic fluid dangerous?

The consequences of early leakage of amniotic fluid can already be judged from the functions that this fluid performs for the baby. For example, it protects the fetus from all kinds of infections. Violation of the shell can open access to any viruses and strains. A decrease in the amount of water can also disrupt their barrier function from mechanical damage. And, in addition, this substance prevents the child from being squeezed by the umbilical cord, ensures normal blood circulation in all his limbs.

Amniotic fluid is a unique environment for a living organism, which is enriched with all the elements necessary for its vital activity. It plays the role of the immune system until birth. Any violation in its composition can lead to disastrous consequences. Therefore, early diagnosis of such a phenomenon is able to preserve the pregnancy and the health of the baby to the maximum. And, of course, the duration of pregnancy is considered an important factor determining the danger of the phenomenon. The larger it is, the higher the chances of avoiding any negative consequences.

Gynecological measures to eliminate the outflow of amniotic fluid

The tactics of doctors in the course of identifying such a problem completely depends on the gestational age and the level of readiness of the birth canal.

At the first stages, specialists must find out the time when leakage began. If it is more than six hours, then antibiotic therapy is urgently prescribed to prevent infection of the fetus.

In a full-term pregnancy, after 2-3 hours, labor begins, if this does not happen, its stimulation is prescribed. In this case, it is necessary to find out the readiness for childbirth of the cervix. Her immaturity in this situation also necessitates hormone therapy.

Contraindications to natural delivery become an indication for caesarean section.

In the case when leakage was detected for up to 35 weeks, if there are no signs of infection, the woman is observed in the hospital. This is due to the fact that before this period the development of the child's respiratory tract occurs, and every day is very important for him. In this case, the woman is shown:

bed rest;
Ultrasound, CTG and other monitoring of the baby's condition;
prevention of hypoxia;
antibiotic therapy in case of infection.

Prevention

In itself, the prevention of early outflow of amniotic fluid includes the early treatment of isthmic-cervical insufficiency and the threat of abortion. In the latter case, the woman is placed in a medical institution for preservation. In addition, it is necessary to carry out sanitation of the birth canal and prevention of inflammatory and infectious diseases.

Any uncharacteristic phenomena, whether it be, must be promptly reported to the gynecologist who is leading your pregnancy. Early diagnosis of many diseases and pathologies can increase the chances of a favorable birth.

is one of the main problems in modern obstetrics.

This is a complication that occurs in 10% of women with a normal pregnancy and ranks first among the causes leading to premature birth. About 38% of all preterm births are provoked by PROM, and 20% of all perinatal deaths occur as a result of complications associated with amniotic fluid leakage and preterm birth.

Why do so many complications arise, how to determine that you are at risk, and most importantly, what to do in this case? We will try to understand everything, starting with the most basic.

The role of amniotic fluid

Amniotic (amniotic) fluid is produced by the inner layer of the amniotic sac, the amnion, which forms a closed hermetic cavity. The outer shell - the chorion - is denser and protects the amnion from damage.

Amniotic fluid plays the role of a kind of shock absorber, protecting the child from shock when the mother turns or falls, and does not allow strong uterine muscles to squeeze the fetus and umbilical cord. Amniotic fluid is involved in the nutrition and development of the child. But most importantly, the amniotic fluid is sterile. The fetal bladder is an obstacle in the way of microorganisms that can harm the developing baby. That is why the violation of the integrity of the bubble is so dangerous.

Causes of premature rupture of membranes

Infectious diseases of the genital organs and inflammatory diseases of other organs and systems in the mother.

This is one of the main reasons why PROM develops. Toxins released by bacteria during their life activity lead to thinning of the walls and, as a result, to microcracks or ruptures of the fetal membrane. Often women are not even aware that they have an infection, but even a common one can already cause PROM.

Clinically narrow pelvis and incorrect position of the child

The rupture of the bladder occurs already in the process of childbirth. In the normal position of the child, when the head is inserted, a belt of contact is formed, and the waters are divided into anterior and posterior. With a transverse or pelvic presentation of the child, the contact belt is not formed, and all the water rushes to the lower part of the fetal bladder. This leads to the fact that the shells do not withstand pressure and burst.

Cervical insufficiency

In this case, the cervix is not completely closed, which leads to the fact that the fetal bladder protrudes into the cervical canal, is easily infected and can rupture even with little physical exertion.

Amniocentesis and chorionic biopsy

These diagnostic methods can sometimes lead to rupture of the membranes.

mother's bad habits

Women who smoke and abuse alcohol are more at risk of PROM.

Multiple pregnancy and malformations of the uterus

Any developmental anomaly or multiple pregnancy at times increases the likelihood of PROM.

How to recognize that PRPO has occurred and there is leakage of amniotic fluid?

If a massive outflow of amniotic fluid has occurred, it is difficult to confuse it with anything else. But the problem is that when examining a woman with suspected PPROM, 47% of doctors doubt the correct diagnosis. With microcracks or lateral ruptures, water can leak drop by drop almost imperceptibly, and it is quite difficult to determine that this is PRPO.

Signs to watch out for

Normal discharge became more abundant and watery.
The discharge increases with a change in the position of the body.
The abdomen visually decreases in size or the height of the uterine fundus becomes lower.

In the event of the above symptoms, it is necessary to exclude the leakage of amniotic fluid as soon as possible.

Complications

Premature rupture of membranes increases infant mortality by 4 times. The most common complications of PROM are infection and respiratory distress syndrome.

Respiratory distress syndrome. The most severe complication in premature babies. The lungs of a child have not yet developed and cannot independently participate in the act of breathing. They stick together from the inside, not allowing air to circulate. These children require expensive surfactant injections and mechanical ventilation.
Infectious complications in mother and child. The most common complication. It develops regardless of the gestational age 6-32 hours after the rupture, causing severe consequences. Sometimes so serious that it is not possible to save the child.

In addition, children suffer from hypoxia, premature or abnormal labor activity may begin.

Standard diagnosis of amniotic fluid leakage

To date, there are several methods for determining leakage.

The most common and known to many women is the nitrazine test, or litmus strip. This indirect diagnostic method determines the acidity of the vagina. A healthy vagina has an acidic environment, and when amniotic fluid enters, it shifts to the neutral side, as indicated by the test. But the acidity of the vagina also changes with infection, the presence or leakage of urine. Therefore, in 30-40% of cases, the tests give a false positive result, and the woman is subjected to unreasonable hospitalization.
Arbreization symptom. The contents of the vagina are taken. In the presence of impurities of amniotic fluid, it crystallizes with the formation of a pattern similar to fern leaves. The result of the test can also be affected by infection, the presence of semen, or leakage of urine.
Amniocentesis. If other diagnostic methods have given a negative result, but the condition of the pregnant woman is of concern, an amniocentesis with a dye is performed. A harmless dye is injected into the cavity of the amniotic sac, and a clean swab is placed in the vagina. If the tampon is stained, it means 100% that there is leakage. This method is used very rarely and in extreme cases, since in itself it can provoke a rupture.

Modern immunological diagnostic method using the Amnishua test (AmniSure)

Unlike previous methods, the test does not require the assistance of medical personnel and can be carried out by the woman herself at home.

The principle of the Amnishua test is based on the determination of placental alpha-1-microglobulin (PAGM-1), which is present in amniotic fluid in large quantities from early pregnancy and is not found in other body fluids. The Amnishua test even reacts to traces of PAMG-1 in the vagina. Its sensitivity is 98.9% and is comparable in accuracy to dye amniocentesis.

How to use the test?

Diagnosis takes about 5 minutes and does not require the use of mirrors. The Amnishua kit includes a test strip (outwardly similar to a pregnancy test), a reagent bottle and a sterile swab. With the help of a tampon, a small amount of vaginal discharge is taken, after which the tampon must be placed in a vial, shaken slightly, then the test strip is lowered into the vial, and you can read the results. Two red lines - there is a gap, one line - there is no gap. Even if one of the lines has a faint pink tint, this also indicates that there is leakage.

Is a test necessary if there is no suspicion of leakage?

It is advisable for every pregnant woman to have such a test for amniotic fluid leakage in her purse, especially if she travels out of town or on vacation. The rupture may occur spontaneously, and the nearest medical center will be too far away. If the test gives a positive result, then there is a 100% gap, and you need to urgently go to the maternity hospital. And if the test is negative, then you can safely enjoy your vacation further. The fact is that during pregnancy, under the influence of progesterone, vaginal secretion increases, and sometimes it can be so abundant that some women confuse it with amniotic fluid. In this case, adequate diagnosis is also needed to avoid unnecessary hospitalization and preventive measures aimed at eliminating leakage.

It is worth noting that the test determines only the fact of the gap, and does not indicate the degree and presence of complications. The Amnishua test is not curative or preventive - it is only a diagnosis, and if the result is positive, you should immediately seek medical help.

The introduction of the Amnishua test has revolutionized the algorithm for diagnosing premature rupture of membranes around the world. It has never been so easy and fast. If the result is positive, no additional testing is required. And where traditional diagnostic methods failed before, Amnishua gives amazing results. It makes it possible to start the prevention of complications in case of rupture in time and to avoid unreasonable hospitalization in its absence.

Management of pregnant women in PROM

There are two management strategies for pregnant women with PROM.

Preterm pregnancy before

Pregnancy is kept for as long as possible. In some cases, up to two months or more. But only in a hospital! The woman is in a sterile maternity unit, where the condition of the fetus is constantly monitored. Antibiotics, drugs that accelerate the maturation of the lungs and tocolytic drugs that prevent uterine contractions are introduced. If the condition of the fetus worsens, infection occurs or detachment begins, the woman is delivered on an emergency basis.

Term pregnancy and more

In this case, the woman is also placed in a hospital and observed. Carry out a thorough sanitation of the vagina and monitor the condition of the child. Stimulation is carried out only if the child's condition worsens.

Remember that amniotic fluid leakage is not the norm! Water cannot seep or accumulate. If the test showed a positive result, be sure to seek help from doctors - they will help maintain the pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

Good day, my dear future moms! Do you know what complication of pregnancy any of you should be warned about? It provokes every fifth preterm 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 determine 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 myself a little in order to systematize the information. A child lives in the uterine cavity before birth for 9 months. There he is surrounded by his own protective shell - the fetal bladder. It is something like an egg shell, only soft. The fetal bladder is completely sealed and reliably protects the baby from premature contact with the outside world.

Especially from a meeting with pathogenic bacteria, for which the child is still completely unprepared. Normally, this barrier is not violated until the very birth.

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

The cavity of the fetal bladder is filled with liquid in which the baby floats like an astronaut in weightlessness. 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.
Does not allow the umbilical cord to pinch during childbirth.

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 during 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 obstetrician-gynecologists can appreciate these beauties. By the nature of the amniotic fluid during childbirth, they sometimes judge, 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 amount.

Amount of amniotic fluid

The amount of amniotic fluid during pregnancy increases with the growth of the fetus. The maximum they can collect is 1.5-2 liters. Anything more is already considered a pathology.

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

How long can water leak? On any. Why this happens is not exactly known. Provoke early rupture of amniotic fluid:

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

As a result, large or small gaps occur in the shells, which should reliably protect the child. This situation requires the immediate intervention of doctors. But the problem is that diagnosing such conditions is sometimes difficult.

How to identify amniotic fluid leakage

We have reached 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 the child. And the gap can also increase, and then there will be a premature outflow 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 foreign liquid flows out, it is difficult not to notice it. But a woman, when she feels water leaking, may confuse this with two conditions:

Urinary incontinence.
Inflammatory secretions.

Wet underwear, stains on pads, heavy liquid discharge - how to understand that this is amniotic fluid?

It is best if you trust your doctor. But if it’s far away or a long wait, there is an easy way to check yourself. To do this, take three simple steps:

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

Are there damp spots on the sheets? In this case, you can suspect a "leak". Urgently to the gynecologist!

If using this method it was possible to detect a problem - 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 drops. How to distinguish drip leakage from secretions?

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? It has several ways:

Examination: the doctor may simply see clear moisture when viewed in the mirrors.
Smear: when dried, the amniotic fluid forms a pattern on a glass slide that resembles frosty patterns - a “fern leaf”.
Ultrasound : ultrasound can be used to judge the level of amniotic fluid, the condition of the fetus and membranes.
The nitrazine test is the determination of the pH of secretions. When water leaks, the pH changes from acidic to neutral.
Amniocentesis: A safe dye is injected into the uterine cavity through a puncture in the abdomen. If after that there is a staining of the tampon in the vagina, it means that there is a water leak. This method is used only in particularly difficult cases.
immunological tests.

Outflow Tests

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

For the definition of PSIFR-1
For the determination of PAMG-1.

Both of these tests detect specific proteins. I will not decipher their names - you will forget them immediately anyway. The following is important for you and me: the accuracy of tests for PAMG is 1 - 98.8%. On PSIFR-1 - four times lower.

The test for PAMG-1 Amnishur is 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 based on pH determination. For example, the famous Frautest amnio pads. They are much cheaper than enzyme immunoassays. But give 17% false negative results and 13% false positive. Whether or not to use them is up to you. In any case, when purchasing diagnostic test strips or pads, take an interest in the mechanism of their action and the accuracy of the results.

Premature rupture of amniotic fluid

Strictly speaking, everything that we have discussed, including the dripping of water, is considered to be their premature outflow. 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 clear 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:

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

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

For those who still do not believe that you need to go to the hospital right away, or delay 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 severe bleeding.
Anomalies of labor activity.
Intracranial hemorrhage in a child
Deformation of the arms and legs of the fetus.

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

If the child 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 wind yourself up with doubts at home!

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

See you soon, Anastasia Smolinets

Hello dear readers! We are accustomed to the fact that in the womb the baby is under reliable protection. Simply because it is surrounded on all sides by amniotic fluid, which is popularly called amniotic fluid.

And everything would be fine, only for various reasons the integrity of the fetal bladder can be broken, as a result of which their leakage begins. What does it threaten? At best, unpleasant consequences, and at worst, a tragedy. To prevent this from happening, you always need to know how to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid. This is what we will talk about today. Therefore, sit back and remember!

In order to realize the seriousness of the situation, it is necessary to understand the functions that the amniotic fluid performs. In fact, it is a unique filling of the fetal bladder, which for 9 months provides an optimal environment for the crumbs to live.

In addition, she:

protects the baby from all kinds of infections that can penetrate to him through the mother's genitals;
ensures normal blood flow to it, preventing squeezing of the umbilical cord;
protects it from shocks and shocks, without restricting movement at the same time.

Thus, amniotic fluid is an indispensable substance, which at some point may begin to leak. And in order to prevent the possible consequences that such a condition entails, you need to know how to recognize it. Moreover, at the disposal of modern medicine there are several options for detecting leakage of amniotic fluid. But first things first.

2. Reasons

The most common causes of leakage include:

external physical impact, for example, a fall of a pregnant woman or a mechanical injury;
isthmic-cervical insufficiency - it is diagnosed when the cervix is not closed enough, as a result of which it simply cannot cope with the pressure of the growing fetus;
the appearance of neoplasms in the uterus, benign or malignant;
inflammatory processes and infectious diseases of the cervix or vagina, for example, colpitis, endocervicitis;
polyhydramnios and multiple pregnancy;
careless carrying out of some diagnostic procedures, such as chorion biopsy, amniocentesis, cordocentesis.

3. Symptoms

Perhaps all women who have given birth in colors will be able to talk about how to understand that amniotic fluid is leaving. Meanwhile, in the case of their leakage, everything is not so simple.

The fact is that they can not always gush in the same stream that cannot be restrained even by the effort of the genital muscles. And it's good, agree!

If the damage to the fetal membrane was insignificant, the water flows out drop by drop. Mixing with the natural secretions of a woman, they may go unnoticed for some time.

Although sometimes some signs of leakage of amniotic fluid can still be distinguished:

its loss increases with movement and a change in body position;
the appearance of the discharge changes, as evidenced by traces on linen or personal hygiene products. In contrast to the usual thick consistency and a pronounced white tint, it appears transparent with pink, greenish or brownish. It is also worth noting that not only the traces themselves, but also their color should alert. Unfortunately, greenish or cloudy do not bode well.

4. How else to recognize a leak

External examination is not the only thing that can be done at home. The fact is that there is also a kind of test that will show whether there is a loss of amniotic fluid.

For this you need:

Empty the bladder and toilet the genitals;
Put a dry and clean diaper, preferably white, and sit over it for 1.5 - 2 hours. If the diagnosis is confirmed, she will constantly get wet.

In addition, you can always use a special test, which is designed for home verification. It is a pad that needs to be worn for a certain amount of time. Soaked in reagents, it allows you to determine even the minimum proportion of amniotic fluid leakage.

And now the most important thing. When to go to the hospital if at least one of the tests confirmed the fears? Immediately. After all, the life and health of the baby depends on the speed of response of the pregnant woman. In the end, already in the hospital, the doctor will be able to do an additional cytological examination and finally figure out whether there is a problem. Moreover, premature rupture of amniotic fluid is not the worst thing.

5. Complications

Due to premature leakage, there may be:

premature birth;
development of intrauterine infection;
infectious-toxic shock or inflammatory processes in the mother;
weak labor activity.

6. Treatment

It is worth noting that there is no such treatment for this condition. Depending on the gestational age, doctors decide what to do next. If the kidneys and respiratory system of the crumbs are sufficiently developed, even the outflow of amniotic fluid is no longer considered a big problem. In this case, they simply stimulate childbirth, thereby preventing infection of the baby.

Another thing is if he is not yet ready for life outside the mother's womb. Then various activities are carried out aimed at prolonging the pregnancy until the moment when it gets stronger.

First of all, it is:

strict bed rest;
regular examinations of the mother and fetus;
the appointment of hormonal drugs to prepare immature airways for independent life;
antibiotic therapy.

Of course, the leakage of amniotic fluid, especially in the early stages, is a direct threat to the life of the crumbs. But if it does happen, don't panic. You just need to follow all the recommendations of the doctor and believe in the best!

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