What is the leakage of amniotic fluid. How to identify water leakage during pregnancy. Special home check tests

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:

• nutrition;
• protection against premature contact with 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?

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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) (see also:).

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. Briefly saves the situation using sanitary pads. 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 inserted into the pad will react to the presence of amniotic fluid by changing color (we recommend reading:). 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 later dates(from 35 weeks) does not threaten the life of the child and mother (see also:). 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.

When do you need to urgently see a doctor?

The release of water at any gestation period requires an immediate appeal to a gynecologist. If the health of the pregnant woman allows, on a weekday you should immediately contact the consultation where the woman is registered. On a day off or with a significant amount of fluid released, it will not be superfluous to call an ambulance.

Doubts about the origin of the discharge can be checked by the dry diaper method. If a wet spot appears on the fabric after half an hour, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. Dangerous symptoms - pain in the lower abdomen, chills, temperature 38 and above, discharge mixed with pus or blood.

Pregnancy is a hectic time, full of worries and alarming symptoms. One of the reasons for concern is the fear of not recognizing the leakage of amniotic fluid. Women are often interested in the symptoms and mechanism of this phenomenon: how to distinguish when amniotic fluid flows out, and when the discharge is completely natural and does not require concern. In many cases, such leakage goes unnoticed only because the woman confuses the release of amniotic fluid with intense natural vaginal discharge. Often in practice there are moments when women worry absolutely in vain. The secretions that they mistook for amniotic fluid actually turn out to be natural secretions or urine.

Therefore, it is so important to have at least elementary knowledge in this area and independently distinguish between pathological and normal discharges. The course of further actions already depends on this. If there really is leakage of amniotic fluid - you need to act immediately - call an ambulance, consult a doctor. If the liquid is of a different nature, it is worth making sure of this as soon as possible and not worrying for a single extra minute.

It is necessary to understand that amniotic fluid refers to the fluid that acts as the habitat of the fetus. It provides reliable protection, supplies nutrients, removes decay products, toxins. Also, thanks to this environment, the child is completely safe and protected from the damaging effects of mechanical factors. The fluid contributes to a comfortable position, in which the walls of the uterus do not squeeze the fetus, provides turgor, serves as a shock absorber of movements, and ensures normal and complete formation.

The liquid with fetal membranes has bactericidal properties, which prevents contamination by microorganisms from the external environment.

The reservoir of this fluid is the fetal bladder, the development and formation of which occurs as the child develops. The amount of fluid also increases as the baby develops, up to 1-1.5 liters by the expected date of birth. It is formed by perspiration of maternal blood components through the placental vessels.

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ICD-10 code

O42 Premature rupture of membranes

Epidemiology

Despite the fact that such a phenomenon takes place, a lot is said and written about it, it does not occur very often. Leakage occurs in about one in 30,000 cases. There is constant debate among scientists and practitioners as to how much amniotic fluid should be taken as the norm. Doctors agree that the volume is in direct proportion to the gestational age and is approximately 35 ml at the tenth week. By the fourteenth, this volume increases by about 3 times and averages 100 ml. At the twentieth week, this volume is 400 ml. The largest volume of fluid is observed at week 38 - approximately 1000-1500 ml. Immediately before the birth of the baby, these figures decrease and reach about 1000 ml.

The composition of amniotic fluid is quite interesting: approximately 98% of it is formed by water, the rest is substances dissolved in it. In 85 women, water is poured out on time, in 15% it happens prematurely.

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Causes of amniotic fluid leakage

The ability to take the right measures is directly proportional to the knowledge of the reasons for which the amniotic fluid leaks. The problem is that determining the exact cause of leakage is a rather complicated and time-consuming process. It is not always possible to identify one specific cause.

Knowing the causes of leaks is essential in order to be able to take the right action. Determining the exact cause of leakage is quite difficult. Especially when the amount of water is negligible. The study of this issue is still being conducted by scientists from around the world, and there is still no exact answer. Most researchers identify a number of reasons that can directly or indirectly affect this phenomenon. On average, there are five main reasons.

Most researchers tend to assume that leakage is the result of infectious and inflammatory diseases affecting both external and internal reproductive organs. These processes are closely related to the development of pathogenic microflora. As a result, the placenta and fetal membranes soften. The process may result in severe bleeding, the fetus may undergo hypoxia.

The process can also begin because the fetus is incorrectly presented, and the pelvic region is narrowed. This provokes leakage and is accompanied by a slow opening of the cervix. Also, if there is cervical insufficiency (which occurs in a quarter of pregnant women), the water will leak. The fetal bladder protrudes, becomes highly vulnerable, which significantly increases the risk of developing an infectious process. The amniotic cavity becomes inflamed, inside which the development of pathogenic microflora occurs.

The action of chemical, narcotic, harmful substances, nicotine, pathological lesions of bone tissue, the large size of the fetus, twins entail cervical insufficiency, which can cause leakage.

Often, leakage begins because the woman underwent invasive research methods. The taking of amniotic fluid is especially negative if the woman underwent a biopsy of the chorionic villi.

After sex, intense discharge is observed, often mistakenly confused with amniotic fluid. It must be remembered that natural vaginal discharge is quite intense. After sex, they intensify. In addition to all the liquid, semen is added. In addition, semen contains prostaglandins, which stimulate additional mucus synthesis. Leakage takes place only with the likelihood of miscarriage, excessive tone. During intercourse, excitement occurs, the tone increases. For your own peace of mind, it is better to test.

Risk factors

If a woman has an infectious process in the genital area, she automatically falls into the risk group. Especially if problems arose long before the woman became pregnant. Women in labor with congenital uterine defects and cervical insufficiency require increased attention, as the cervix loses its ability to resist the pressure of a growing baby. With polyhydramnios and multiple pregnancy, part of the fluid may leak.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on the pathological condition of the cervix, in which it does not close enough and part of the fluid is poured out. In this position, microorganisms easily penetrate the neck, which cause an inflammatory and infectious process. As a result of vital activity, reproduction of microorganisms, the inflammatory process spreads further, the walls of the uterus become thinner, the fetal membranes also become thin and lose their elasticity. They are unable to fully perform their functions. The process is aggravated, and the fluid begins to be released through the cervix. It can stand out in drops, almost imperceptibly, or abundantly. In later pregnancy, leakage can occur as the pelvic floor muscles relax and fluid outflow becomes uncontrollable.

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Symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage

It is quite difficult to detect leakage if the woman is on early dates. First, the volume of liquid is still small. Secondly, all secretions are intensified, which can confuse a woman, confuse sensations. Amniotic fluid can be recognized by a transparent or greenish tint and the absence of any smell. The discharge is aggravated by lying in a horizontal position. They are spontaneous and cannot be controlled.

In the later stages, it is much easier to detect leakage, more precisely, it cannot be overlooked: there is an abundant separation of liquid, about 0.5 liters. At these stages, the liquid already acquires a slight specific smell, accompanied by contractions. This is a sign of an approaching birth, which usually occurs within the next 3 hours.

First signs

If wet spots appear on the underwear, these are the first signs. At the initial stages, the amount of liquid is insignificant, later - plentiful. If at first the liquid may leak out in small drops and it may not be noticed, then in the later stages the liquid is poured out, it has an unusual smell.

The rate of leakage of amniotic fluid

Normally, the outflow of fluid should occur only when labor has already begun. It shouldn't be there any other time. Water flows out through the genital tract. This should happen no earlier than 38 weeks. 500 ml of liquid is poured at a time. The smell comes out unusual, specific. All this is accompanied by contractions, the strength and intensity gradually increases.

Feelings of leakage of amniotic fluid

There is a feeling of a sharp or gradual flow of fluid from the female genital tract. There are no specific sensations observed. Pain, burning, itching is not felt. With the outflow of fluid immediately before childbirth, contractions immediately follow the outflow, which can be painful.

Leakage of amniotic fluid in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester

The only way out of the situation is an abortion. Until now, in practice, there are no cases of conservation that would be crowned with success. Most attempts ended in severe sepsis of the mother and fetus. Leakage is accompanied by the active spread of pathogenic microflora and the inflammatory process, the walls of the amniotic cavity become thinner and lose their elasticity. In many cases, leakage is the result of a woman's fall. It is also often observed in people who have been subjected to violence.

Up to 20 weeks, leakage is always accompanied by inflammation. At this stage, it is impossible to save the baby. If it was possible to save, the newborn had multiple disorders, often incompatible with life.

Fluid spillage in the second trimester still carries a number of risks and threats to life. Optimal conditions are formed for the penetration of the infection inside, its spread and reproduction. As soon as there are all grounds for making a diagnosis, an ultrasound is prescribed. With the help of ultrasound, they determine how mature the fetus is, determine the degree of its readiness for existence outside the mother's body.

With a sufficient degree of development of the kidneys and respiratory organs, they begin to stimulate labor activity. This is the best option because it saves a child's life. If the child is not yet mature enough, it is necessary to prolong the pregnancy and wait for the fetus to be ready for birth.

If the amniotic fluid leaks in the third trimester, an ultrasound is performed, which makes it possible to assess the degree of maturity of the fetus. If the fetus is ready to exist outside the uterus, labor is stimulated. With insufficient maturity of the fetus, prolongation of pregnancy is carried out.

Leakage of amniotic fluid at 38, 39, 40 weeks of pregnancy

In any of these periods, you can expect the onset of labor, so if there is an outpouring of fluid, you should expect an early birth. Usually, immediately after the outflow of fluid, contractions and further childbirth begin. If this does not happen, after a while, labor should be stimulated to avoid complications. The baby is ready for birth.

Leakage of amniotic fluid without contractions

Contractions usually start right away. But there are times when there are no contractions for a long time.

If a fluid leak occurs, you need to quickly go to the maternity hospital, where you must tell the doctor the exact time when the fluid began to leak.

This is information by which the doctor determines the child's condition and potential threats. In some cases, after the outpouring of contractions does not happen. This period can last up to 72 hours. Usually, if there are no contractions within 12 hours after the outflow of water, stimulation is performed. At the risk of infection, stimulation is carried out after 5-6 hours.

Leakage can be observed both at night and during the day. Usually, wet marks on the sheet indicate nighttime leakage.

stages

There are three stages of amniotic fluid leakage - leakage at an early stage of pregnancy is the most dangerous and often ends in a forced abortion.

Leakage in the middle stage of pregnancy is also dangerous, entailing the risk of infection of the fetus. With sufficient maturity of the baby, childbirth is artificially induced. If the baby is not yet ready for independent existence, prolongation of pregnancy is carried out.

In the third, late stage, leakage is relatively safe. Usually at this time the fetus is already mature and childbirth occurs: natural or artificially induced. If the fetus is immature, the pregnancy is prolonged until maturity.

Forms

Leakage of amniotic fluid can develop within the normal range, and may be pathological. In the first case, such a phenomenon is part of natural childbirth, it occurs at the moment when the first stage of childbirth is nearing its end. In this case, the cervix opens completely or partially. If the leakage is pathological, effusion can occur at absolutely any stage, even in the first trimester. There are 5 main types of leakage: timely, premature, earlier, late and rupture due to high cervical rupture.

Complications and consequences

Leads to unpredictable consequences. They will not be only if the fetus is full-term and is already able to live an independent life, outside the uterus. If the pregnancy is premature, serious consequences and complications can occur, up to intrauterine infection of the fetus and infectious damage to the body. Chorioamnionitis is a common complication. Endometritis also often develops, during which the uterus itself becomes inflamed. The result is the spread of the infectious process throughout the body.

What is dangerous leakage of amniotic fluid?

Leakage is an unsafe process. The danger lies in the fact that only part of the liquid remains, and the rest lose their ability to function normally. The fetus becomes vulnerable, the risk of infection, sepsis increases. As a result, both the fetus and the mother may die.

This is due to the violation of the natural barrier, which protects the fetus from infection, mechanical damage. Various microorganisms can penetrate through this barrier: viruses, bacteria, fungi. It is possible to compress the umbilical cord, as a result of which normal metabolism is disturbed. The conditions under which free movement and full development of the fetus are possible are violated. The synthesis of the necessary components, tightness and sterility are violated.

Diagnosis of amniotic fluid leakage

Diagnosis can be carried out independently, or at a medical consultation. Assess the nature of the secretions that remain on the sheet, underwear. Commercial test systems are on sale. For example, special pads, express tests, the action of which is based on the difference in pH. Amniotic fluid is characterized by the highest acidity. The system contains an indicator that reacts to the liquid that falls on it. In this case, the hue of the indicator and the medium change.

At the doctor's appointment, special laboratory and instrumental methods of research are available.

How to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid at home?

You should resort to the help of a small test. The bladder needs to be empty. The perineum should be clean and not wet. The bed must be laid white fabric. You should lie on it, lie quietly, without moving, for about an hour. After that, you can get up. If there are no discharges, you don't have to worry.

Express tests for amniotic fluid leakage

Most of the tests are easy to use, absolutely not complicated. Their principle of operation is to determine the level of acidity. The indicator interacts with various media, resulting in chemical reactions. Initially tests yellow color. When the indicator is exposed to natural vaginal discharge, pH 4.5, no reaction occurs. Because it initially corresponds to this level of acidity. The reaction occurs when other liquids enter, then a color change occurs.

For example, urine has a pH of 5.5, which corresponds to a greenish-blue tint. The amniotic fluid has the highest acidity, pH = 7. When they hit the indicator, it turns into an intense blue-green color.

Amniotic fluid leak test strips

A method that makes it possible to clarify the nature of the discharge. The appearance of two strips indicates the presence of leakage, one strip indicates that the secreted fluid is not amniotic. If there are no strips, the test is not suitable, or it was performed incorrectly. The procedure must be repeated.

Amniotic fluid leak test

Instructions for the amniotic fluid leak test

Specialists and manufacturers have developed a special step-by-step instruction. You need to prepare the test, print the package, read the instructions. The test contains a special test tube with a solvent.

It is necessary to conduct a sampling of biological material to be examined. To do this, you need to take a swab and make a smear yourself, collecting vaginal discharge on it. After that, the swab is placed in a test tube with a solvent and a further reaction is observed. The first reaction occurs within 1 minute. If amniotic fluid is excreted, it contains placental immunoglobulin. It is he who reacts with the solvent.

After that, a special indicator, presented in the kit in the form of a strip, must be placed in the test tube. The result will be known after 5-10 minutes. In the presence of amniotic fluid, a blue-green color will appear.

Amnishur test for the determination of amniotic fluid leakage

Testing should be carried out in accordance with the standard instructions for using such systems. The reaction is manifested by a change in color if placental microglobulin is present in the smear. The main reaction takes place in the test tube between the reagent, the swab with the swab and the indicator.

The method is absolutely reliable and effective, it is used both in home practice and in professional practice to detect the outflow of amniotic fluid. The advantage of the test is that it reacts even to minimal amounts of liquid, which makes it possible to detect pathology long before the first visible signs appear.

Gaskets for leakage of amniotic fluid

Today you can buy special gaskets that make it possible to determine the cause of leaks. Outwardly, the pads are the same as ordinary sanitary pads, the difference is that they include an indicator that reacts even to a slight release of amniotic fluid. The test is surprisingly simple: the pad is attached to the underwear and left for the whole day. Then check its condition. If there is leakage of amniotic fluid, the pad changes color, becoming blue-blue. If it is any other selection, there is no change in color.

Frautest for leakage of amniotic fluid

The test, which is produced by the FRAUTEST company, whose products are used in professional obstetric practice and are recognized by experts around the world. The test is issued in the form of gaskets, which include an indicator. For the ingress of amniotic fluid, a change in the color of the test system is characteristic. The test takes 12 hours.

Grandma's method for determining the leakage of amniotic fluid

Analysis for amniotic fluid leakage

Sometimes it can be difficult to make a correct diagnosis. Difficulties arise even when the inspection is carried out by a professional. Therefore, analysis is the basis of diagnostics, which allows you to get absolutely accurate results. Even instrumental diagnostics does not give accurate results.

Color of amniotic fluid when leaking

Color is an important diagnostic feature by which the doctor determines a lot. Normal amniotic fluid is clear. Turbidity and a different color indicates various pathologies. With the appearance of a yellow tint and slight turbidity, you can also not worry, since such a picture is considered as a variant of the norm.

If a reddish tint and slight inclusions appear against the background of yellow waters, the process is accompanied by contractions - we can safely say: childbirth has begun.

The green color of the water is a negative sign, the fetus is seriously damaged. Talks about defecation in the womb, deficiency, the likelihood of developing intrauterine pneumonia. Possible hypoxia.

The appearance of a dark brown hue is a catastrophic situation. In 99% indicates intrauterine fetal death. There is an urgent need to save the mother's life urgently. However, at present, this pathology is quite rare, since women regularly visit a doctor and such a pathology can be noticed in a timely manner.

The appearance of a red color, which indicates the discovery of bleeding.

Smear for leakage of amniotic fluid

For analysis, you need to take an ordinary smear from the vaginal environment and apply it to a glass slide. If, upon drying, the smear forms a structure resembling a fern leaf, or a maple leaf, it is amniotic fluid.

Instrumental diagnostics

It is preferable to focus on the results of the analyzes, since instrumental diagnostics is uninformative.

Ultrasound to detect amniotic fluid leakage

Perform an ultrasound. This study makes it possible to indirectly confirm the diagnosis. According to the results of ultrasound, a diagnosis is made: oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, does not directly indicate leakage.

Differential Diagnosis

A differentiated diagnosis is carried out, during which amniotic fluid, urine or ordinary vaginal discharge are differentiated. Laboratory diagnostics prevails over instrumental.

The smell of amniotic fluid when leaking

Amniotic fluid is odorless. In late pregnancy, they may have a slight specific odor.

How to distinguish leakage of amniotic fluid from discharge?

You can distinguish between these two types of secretions in appearance. The waters are clear and slightly cloudy. Vaginal discharge is thicker and slimy, has a different shade, often white or yellowish.

Amniotic fluid leakage or urinary incontinence

Amniotic fluid leaks constantly and cannot be controlled by muscle effort. Urine has a yellow tint and the smell of urine, which cannot be said about amniotic odes. They are usually colorless and odorless. With pathology, amniotic fluid acquires green, brown, red and other shades.

Cervix with leakage of amniotic fluid

The cervix opens directly during childbirth. Leakage does not depend on the state of the cervix, but is determined by the state of the fetal bladder. Most often, leaks are observed with a closed cervix, but sometimes it is also open.

Treatment of amniotic fluid leakage

Treatment for leakage of amniotic fluid is not carried out. The doctor determines the likelihood of infection and, in accordance with this, takes further actions: prolongs the pregnancy or stimulates labor activity. Sometimes antibiotic therapy may be used to prevent infection. Also used funds aimed at relaxing muscles, uterus, restorative agents, vitamins.

What to do with leakage of amniotic fluid?

If you find leakage of amniotic fluid, you should immediately call an ambulance or consult a doctor. It is important to remain calm and not panic. If hospitalization is offered, in no case should you refuse. Only with the constant supervision of doctors and proper treatment can the further development of pathology be prevented.

How to stop the leakage of amniotic fluid?

It is impossible to stop the leakage of amniotic fluid. You can only consult a doctor in a timely manner and take the necessary measures to prevent infection and maintain pregnancy.

Medications

Any medicines must be taken strictly on the recommendation of a doctor, preferably with inpatient treatment. Means that regulate the tone of the uterus are extremely dangerous, have many side effects. Many of them are taken under strict control of blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram indicators.

In order to ensure the prolongation of pregnancy, ginipral is taken, which reduces the excessive tone of the uterus. It contracts less frequently and less intensely. The active substance is hexoprenaline sulfate. Tablets contain 500 mg of active ingredient. Tablets are taken first, 1 pc. every 3 hours, then every 4-6 hours. The daily dose is 4-8 tablets. Taking pills should be accompanied by constant monitoring of the work of the heart of the mother and fetus. With a heart rate of more than 130 beats / min, the dosage is reduced. The drug has numerous side effects, both for the mother and for the baby. Up to cardiac and respiratory failure, hypoxia. In newborns, anemia, acidosis, and hypoglycemia are possible.

Salbupart is a drug in which the contractile activity of the uterus is significantly reduced. The drug is administered intravenously. One ampoule is mixed with 500 ml of saline and infused at a rate of 5 drops per minute.

Brikanil - relieves spasm, hypertonicity, provides muscle relaxation. Used when threatened spontaneous miscarriage, cervical insufficiency. The drug is prescribed 2.5 - 5 mg 3 times a day (1-2 tablets).

Partusisten is a drug that is prescribed to relax smooth muscles. Enter intravenously. The optimal dosage is individual, varies widely from 0.5 to 3.0 mcg / min. During the infusion, 2 ampoules of the drug (10 ml) are added to a 230 ml saline solution.

Utrozhestan and leakage of amniotic fluid

The secretions formed when the suppository melts are often confused with the leakage of amniotic fluid. To get an accurate answer, it is better to test for amniotic fluid leakage.

vitamins

A pregnant woman, both in the normal course of pregnancy and in pathology, needs vitamins. It is recommended to take vitamins in the following daily concentration:

• vitamin H - 150 mcg
• vitamin C - 1000 mg
• vitamin D - 45 mg
• vitamin K - 360 mcg.

Physiotherapy treatment

When carrying out the prolongation of pregnancy, some physiotherapeutic procedures can be used, for example, exposure to ultrasound. Physiotherapy is used to relax smooth muscles (electric procedures), to eliminate and prevent further spread of the inflammatory and infectious process. Electrophoresis is also often used, which ensures deep penetration of drugs into organs.

Alternative treatment

When referring to folk remedies for the treatment of leakage of amniotic fluid, it is better to first consult a doctor. Folk remedies effective and safe when used correctly, as well as as part of complex therapy.

One of effective means, contributing to the relaxation of the muscles of the uterus, are therapeutic baths. Baths are carried out at home. The duration of the bath is 15-20 minutes, the frequency of admission is 3-4 times a week. A bath with coniferous extract has proven itself well. To prepare a bath, a decoction of pine needles is made separately, about 2-3 liters. Then fill the bath, make a comfortable temperature and pour in the extract of the needles. If desired, you can add a few branches of needles, cones. After taking a bath, do not immediately wipe yourself off, wait 3-5 minutes until the moisture is absorbed by the skin.

Therapeutic rubdowns have a positive effect. For this, salt concentrate is used. About 1 teaspoon of salt is dissolved in a glass of water. Make water at room temperature, wipe the body with the resulting solution. The duration of rubdowns is 5-10 minutes. You can not immediately wipe yourself, you should wait until all the moisture is absorbed. Salt helps to eliminate toxins, excess fluid. Blood pressure decreases, metabolic processes normalize.

Oriental incense in combination with relaxing, meditative music has a long relaxing effect. It is recommended to light candles and aroma sticks. Place around the room. Turn on calm, relaxing music. Lie down in the center of the circle, close your eyes and try to relax as much as possible. It is necessary to feel every cell of the body, to feel how they relax, become light and motionless. At the same time, all thoughts and worries should be released. Just enjoy the aromas and music without doing anything and without thinking about anything. Moving is also not recommended. You need to listen to your heartbeat, breathing, try to feel the movements of the baby. The duration of this procedure is at least 30 minutes. Conducted daily for at least 1 month.

Herbal treatment

When treating with herbs, it is necessary to carefully study their properties. It is better to first consult with a doctor who will help you accurately and correctly select the necessary remedy, dosage and correctly include it in complex therapy.

Grass blue cornflower helps to relax, reduce the tone of the uterus. To prepare a decoction, about 5 grams of herbs are poured into a glass of boiling water and drunk throughout the day.

Chamomile herb has an anti-inflammatory effect. To prepare a decoction, approximately 15-20 grams of herbs are poured with 2-3 cups of boiling water and drunk throughout the day. You can also include chamomile in your tea by simply adding a few tablespoons of the herb to your teapot.

Useful decoction of nettle and stevia. Herbs are taken in equal proportions, mixed with each other. To prepare a decoction, you need to take 30-40 grams of grass, pour 1-2 cups of boiling water. Drink as tea throughout the day. You can add sugar or honey to taste.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies, contrary to popular belief, are not safe. They can have numerous side effects. Some homeopathic remedies may have an abortive effect. Therefore, it is important to take precautions. First of all, you need to consult a doctor for advice, and only after that take any means.

• Nutrient Blend

A mixture is prepared from an equal amount of dried apricots, raisins, prunes, figs. These substances are ground through a meat grinder, 25 pieces of finely chopped walnut are added. Fill the resulting mixture with honey. Insist 3-4 days, use 1 tablespoon 1-2 times a day. It has an immunostimulating effect, relieves fatigue, weakness. Increases the efficiency and endurance of the body.

• Rosehip decoction

Rosehip broth is drunk in its pure form, or added to taste in tea. Helps eliminate edema, remove excess fluid from the body. Saturates the body with vitamins and nutrients.

• Mix "Healing"

To prepare the mixture, take about 200 g of juicy aloe leaves. Approximately 250 grams of honey and 400 grams of grape wine are added. Insist 7 days in a dark place. Drink 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. Helps to reduce the outflow of fluid, stabilize the state of the body, normalize metabolism.

Remedy for fatigue and excessive fluid secretion

It is recommended to take powder from the dried fruits of lemongrass, 0.5 grams per day, pouring honey on top. The course of treatment is 30 days. Increases efficiency, improves well-being, eliminates swelling and excessive discharge of their female genital tract.

Surgery

If delivery is necessary, and it is impossible to carry out childbirth through natural routes, an operation is performed C-section. If labor has already begun, no outflow of water is noted, an amniotomy is performed, in which the fetal bladder is pierced, as a result of which the fluid is poured out.

If the pregnancy is full-term and the baby is ready for independent existence outside the uterus, the prognosis is favorable. Then labor is stimulated, or caesarean section. With the immaturity of the respiratory system of the fetus and its unpreparedness for independent existence, prolongation of pregnancy, expectant therapy is carried out. The forecast can be both positive and negative. Infection, sepsis may develop, which increases the risk of death of both the mother and the fetus.

If amniotic fluid leakage occurs at the very beginning of pregnancy, the prognosis is poor. An abortion is required, it is impossible to save the child, there is a threat to survival. Otherwise, the closer to childbirth leakage begins, the more favorable the prognosis.

Changes in the hormonal background that occur in the female body during pregnancy affect everything, including the nature of the discharge from the genital organs. From the school biology course, each of us knows that normally they should not have color and smell, however, it turns out that this is not all.

During pregnancy, they should remain just secretions, and not drops of leaking amniotic fluid. How to distinguish one from the other and how to understand that water is leaking during pregnancy? We'll talk about this.

Much has been said about the role of amniotic fluid. This is both a barrier, and protection, and a habitat for the baby, therefore, their condition, or rather, the absence of signs of their leakage, should be closely monitored. How long can they leak? On any, and the leakage is not always significant, massive. Sometimes everything happens bit by bit.

The easiest way is in the later stages, especially just before delivery. There, water often comes out rapidly: the bubble bursts, and its contents pour out sharply. In total, about a glass of liquid comes out, so it is very difficult to confuse this process with something else.

In the early stages, everything is usually different: leakage is so insignificant that sometimes they do not attach importance to it, because it mixes with natural secretions. The situation is aggravated by the fact that during the pregnancy itself, the amount of these secretions increases. That is, a woman, as if she constantly feels moisture on her underwear, as a result of which she stops paying attention to it, but in vain. The condition is insidious and fraught with serious consequences.

How to check if water is leaking? Ideally, this can only be done with the help of special tests, analyzes carried out in the laboratory. But there are ways in which the presence of a problem can be suspected. Take a look at yourself. If you notice that when you change the position of the body, while sneezing, coughing, the amount of discharge increases slightly, it's time to see a doctor.

You should also suspect that something was wrong when you see a wet spot on the sheet after sleep. This happens in the second or third trimester, when the amount of amniotic fluid is large enough. By the way, if you feel leakage when coughing or sneezing, do not rush to panic. In women, especially after 30 years, muscles can weaken, resulting in minor urinary incontinence. There is little pleasant, but compared to the consequences that occur due to leakage of amniotic fluid, this is just a banal nuisance.

Finally, it is worth noting that the doctor at the reception can identify the problem. Drops in the region of the posterior fornix of the vagina will prompt him to think about the bad. If they are, a smear is taken and further research is carried out within the walls of the laboratory.

How to understand that water is leaking at home

Leakage is a problem in which, in some cases, even termination of pregnancy can be recommended. That is why you need to take care of your own health very carefully. How? To begin with, for the entire period of pregnancy, it is better to abandon bright, seductive (should be read: bikini, thong) underwear. Simply because there are no traces on them.

Another thing is ordinary cotton white panties. How to determine if there is a problem with them? When leaking, there will always be a wet spot on them, which, of course, is slightly darker than the color of the laundry itself.

If the deadline has exceeded the first trimester, the matter can be so serious that even a daily pad will not save you from excess moisture. Have you suspected this? You need to see a doctor immediately.

How else do you know if water is leaking? There are several ways:

• Regular home. This is the simplest option, in which you need to set aside 20-30 minutes of free time, empty your bladder, even if there was no particular urge to urinate, and then lie down on the bed, having previously spread a white cotton sheet. If after 15 - 20 minutes spots appear on it, it is not worth excluding the presence of leakage.
• Homemade, but more accurate. The disadvantage of the first method is that water under such conditions is easily confused with ordinary secretions. To be sure of your guesses, you need to take a pharmacy amnitest. In fact, it is a set of gaskets or strips soaked in a special liquid, and instructions for use.

How it works? It's simple: ideally, future mother the environment is acidic, while the waters are neutral. Therefore, the test reacts to the presence of a neutral medium and indicates leakage if it turns blue-green. Of course, he does not react to urine and discharge.

Note! The presence of moisture on the sheet or confirmation on the test is not a sentence yet, and here's why. In the first case, a woman may have an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, which will then give a wet spot. True, you can try to distinguish them by character.

• The waters are usually clear and very similar to ordinary water (in consistency). Exceptions are cases when they have a pronounced or unexpressed yellowish, brownish tint. They indicate the presence of an infectious process and require immediate hospitalization.
• The discharge is thick, whitish or mucous. Again, there may be exceptions in the form of giving them other characteristic shades, but you should immediately inform the doctor about this, because the health of the baby is at risk.
• With urine, and so everything is clear: it is yellowish and with a specific smell.

Pharmacy tests can lie. This happens when, under the influence of certain conditions, a change in the vaginal environment occurs. For example, in the presence of infection, the acidic environment changes to alkaline or neutral.

In any case, the reliability of both methods is about 80%. They can be used, but there is no need to believe them unconditionally and, moreover, to panic. It is better to just contact a specialist and he will prescribe tests in which you can accurately obtain reliable results.

Why is water leakage dangerous?

Suspected a leak and still wondering what to do? Call your gynecologist immediately. Do you know why? It turns out that premature leakage (up to 37-38 weeks before the onset of labor) is a direct threat to the health and life of the baby. And it is not difficult to verify this by analyzing the functions of amniotic fluid.

Needless to say, the outpouring of amniotic fluid jeopardizes all the functions performed by them, and with them the health of the baby.

Prevention and treatment

Before deciding on the tactics of treatment, the doctor finds out why the water is leaking. Moreover, there are many reasons. Among them:

• Infection. Under its influence, the cervix ripens faster, which means that enzymes are released that lead to placental separation and softening of the bladder walls. Needless to say, that in preterm pregnancy, the condition is dangerous for the development of hypoxia during childbirth, the appearance of massive bleeding.
• Presentation of the fetus (or wrong position), narrow pelvis. Leakage for this reason is usually detected in the first stage of labor. Is it bad? Ask the woman in labor, who, because of this, will have to “enjoy” the process for a longer time in conditions of slow cervical dilatation, or even go for a CS.
• Neck failure. It is diagnosed in every fourth and leads to a protrusion of the bladder and its increased vulnerability. As a result, the shells can be torn at the slightest mechanical impact.
• Bad habits and chronic diseases in a pregnant woman (anemia, dystrophy).
• Multiple pregnancy, abnormal development of the uterus (short, isthmic-cervical insufficiency, etc.).

During therapy, they try to remove the cause of leakage, but first of all, they look at how much time has passed since the tear of the membranes, they do an ultrasound to find out the condition of the fetus.

For short periods, if the leakage is insignificant, most often they just wait. A woman is prescribed bed rest, and, if necessary, special drugs to delay the onset of contractions and the birth itself. The goal is to survive the period of 35 - 36 weeks, after which the child becomes viable and can breathe on his own.

Along the way, antiseptic treatment of mucous membranes can be prescribed to exclude infection. If the waters are completely gone, and the anhydrous period was no longer than 6 hours, antibiotics are prescribed.

With leakage for a period of 39 - 40 weeks stimulate.

Baby. However, unfortunately, the further deterioration of the environmental situation in the world as a whole, the increase in the number of unhealthy people lead to the fact that carrying a baby for 40 weeks without encountering any problem or getting sick turns out to be quite difficult, and this happens not like that. often. In the article we will talk about one of the complications - leakage of amniotic fluid. We will tell you how to understand that amniotic fluid is leaking, and what symptoms indicate this.

The role of amniotic fluid

Important! If you find any of these symptoms in yourself, you must immediately inform the gynecologist. A copious outpouring of fluid means that you need to call an ambulance.

Methods on how to determine the leakage of water during pregnancy are medical and independent.
The first ones are:

• gynecological examination,
• smear microscopy,
• aminotest,
• cytological study.

During a gynecological examination, the doctor may suspect leakage if he finds clear discharge in the area of ​​​​the posterior fornix of the vagina of the pregnant woman.

In this case, he will ask the woman to cough, if after that the liquid flows from the cervical canal, then it is likely that the fetal bladder is damaged. The gynecological method is the most common and least informative.

When taking a smear, the analysis is placed on the glass. If there is a leak, after it dries, it will take the form of a fern leaf. The method is also uninformative, since a similar pattern can occur in the presence of sperm.

Aminotest is an analysis during which an indigo-carmine solution is injected into the woman's abdomen with a syringe. After 30 minutes, a swab is inserted into the pregnant woman's vagina.
Its staining indicates a rupture of the fetal bladder. Aminotest is accurate, expensive and painful. It has a number of side effects: the possibility of infection, the appearance of bleeding and other complications.

A cytological examination involves taking a smear from the zone of the posterior fornix of the vagina and detecting the presence of amniotic fluid in it.

Express test at home

There are two ways to determine leakage at home. At the first time, a woman needs to urinate, then wash well, wipe dry.

After she needs to take a diaper or a sheet and lie on it. The presence of wet spots after 15 minutes indicates a violation of the bladder membrane.
In pharmacies, you can buy a test pad for leakage of amniotic fluid. The pad has an indicator that allows you to distinguish amniotic fluid from other secretions and urine by pH.

It sticks to the underwear for 12 hours or until the moment when the woman feels the discharge.

After removing the gasket, check the color of the indicator. Staining it in bluish-green requires immediate medical attention.

What amniotic fluid looks like when leaking, you can see in the photo.

Danger of premature discharge of water

Premature leakage of a liquid medium from the fetal bladder carries a number of dangers for both the pregnant woman and the baby.

For woman

When there is a violation of the surface of the fetal bladder, its content becomes non-sterile, so there is a high risk of infection entering both the child and the uterus.

Infection of the uterus usually leads to the death of the child and provokes the development of severe septic complications in the mother.

Did you know? The uterus is a unique human organ that is able to increase in volume by about 500 times during the bearing of a baby, and then return to its original state. Thus, the weight of a woman's uterus in a normal state is approximately 40-60 g, the volume of her cavity is 5-6 cubic meters. cm, and by the end of pregnancy - 1-1.2 kg and 500 cu. cm respectively.

For the fetus

If the leakage began before the 20th week, then additional tests will be required in order to decide whether it makes sense to prolong.
Most likely, the cause of the complication was infection, and this is fraught with the development of a number of pathologies in him.

Often children in such cases are born blind, deaf, suffer from severe respiratory failure or cerebral palsy. Therefore, doctors often decide to terminate the pregnancy. Bladder rupture at 25-27 weeks is usually due to the development of a urogenital infection.

The council of doctors must determine the possible risks for the child and decide on the further preservation of the pregnancy or its termination. The risk of developing disability in the baby is quite high.

At a period of 38-40 weeks, a slight rupture of the bladder and the outflow of a liquid medium from it does not pose such a strong threat to the baby as in previous periods. Usually doctors in this moment resort to waiting tactics.

Important! The longer the period of leakage of amniotic fluid lasts, the more serious complications can occur in the child and mother..

What to do if amniotic fluid leaks

If the problem was discovered by a woman on her own at home, then she should call an ambulance team or contact a antenatal clinic.
If a leak is detected by a gynecologist during a routine examination, depending on the specific situation, they will be prescribed treatment, recommendations will be given, additional tests will be prescribed, and a decision will be made on the further management of the pregnancy.

If a complication is detected in the period from the 20-22nd week, in most cases the child can be saved.

A waiting tactic is used, taking tocolytics and glucocorticoids (sometimes antibiotics), bed rest, sterile conditions, blood tests and vaginal cultures, daily monitoring of the volume and condition of the water.

Prevention of premature discharge of water

In order to prevent premature discharge of amniotic fluid, it is necessary:

• timely treat infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, teeth, throat, kidneys;
• to carry out timely treatment of istvico-church insufficiency;
• adhere to preservation therapy if there is a risk of premature termination of pregnancy;
• give up heavy physical exertion, be careful when walking, running to avoid falls;
• observe personal hygiene.

Leakage of amniotic fluid is a serious complication of pregnancy. However, with its timely detection and treatment, the child in most cases is born full-term and healthy.

In order not to miss the problem, it is necessary to visit the gynecologist according to the plan, undergo the necessary examinations, be attentive to yourself and your body.

A pregnant woman faces various difficulties throughout the entire period of bearing her baby. It is remarkable that many bear a child without serious problems and postpartum complications. However, there is a percentage of women who are not lucky enough to have a certain type of pregnancy pathology. An example of such a pathological condition is the leakage of amniotic fluid, which is dangerous to life and health baby circumstance.

Amniotic fluid, also called amniotic fluid, are a special biological environment for the embryo. Their synthesis occurs in the amniotic membrane of the baby. Filling the cavity of the pregnant uterus, they surround the fetus and play a huge role in ensuring the normal development and growth of the child in the mother's tummy.

By its composition, amniotic fluid is a complex fluid that contains many nutrients and other substances:

• proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• lipids;
• vitamins;
• enzymatic, hormonal systems;

• mineral components;
• immunoglobulins;
• gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide);
• skin lubrication of the fetus;
• vellus hair.

The main functions of amniotic fluid

The main functions of amniotic fluid are:

1. Providing the child with all the necessary nutrients in addition to the main source of nutrition through the placenta and umbilical cord. All the necessary substances are absorbed by the skin of the child, and in the later stages of pregnancy, the baby himself swallows a small amount of amniotic fluid and orally receives some of the nutrients.
2. Maintaining a constant temperature regime(within 37 degrees), as well as constancy of pressure.
3. Providing a protective function in relation to the baby - a decrease in the strength of shocks from the outside, softening the vibrations inside the fetal egg.
4. Protective antibacterial function, mediated by the presence of antibodies in the composition of water.
5. Ensuring free movement and the movements of the baby in the womb.
6. Reducing the intensity of sound exposure from the outside.

Thus, amniotic fluid is essential for the baby at any stage of intrauterine development.

How does a normal discharge of amniotic fluid occur?

Normally, with any pregnancy, there comes a moment when the amniotic fluid begins to pour out. It happens in the form two main options.

1. In the first variant, the fetal membranes, tearing in the center, provide one-time outpouring about 250 ml of amniotic fluid. The tear occurs right near the exit from the uterus. A pregnant woman feels at such a moment a sudden wetness of her underwear and clothes.
2. In the second option, the rupture of the baby's membranes occurs on their lateral part, that is, above the place of exit from the uterus. This ensures that there is no instantaneous expiration, and also gradual leakage of amniotic fluid in small amounts over a period of time.

As mentioned above, amniotic fluid can be poured out only if the integrity of the amniotic membrane of the fetus is violated. Amniotic fluid leakage is a rather dangerous phenomenon. primarily for the child.

• First, in case of untimely rendered medical care it threatens miscarriage or even spontaneous abortion. Secondly, there is a risk from the walls of the uterus, asphyxia of the child.
• Thirdly, water leakage can provoke disturbances in the normal birth process, that is, its reduced or increased intensity. A particularly important consequence is the formation of respiratory distress syndrome in a newborn premature baby.

Causes of amniotic fluid leakage

In the normal course of pregnancy, the amniotic fluid will be poured out only at the end of the first birth period, that is, after sufficient opening of the cervical canal. But in some cases, the wife observes the leakage of water in the earlier period of bearing the baby. Thus, the leakage of amniotic fluid is considered to be their early expiration at a time earlier than the course of pregnancy.

The list of etiological factors that can cause leakage of amniotic fluid includes:

• The presence of cervical insufficiency, leading to the "protrusion" of the bladder in which the fetus is located, which only increases the risk of infection of the child with an infectious onset.
• Infected genitals of the mother, which leads to increased maturation of the cervix and high rates of production of specialized enzymes that can provoke exfoliation of the placenta and softening of the membranes of the fetus.
• Small transverse dimensions of the pelvic ring of the expectant mother.
• Incorrect position of the baby in the womb.
• The presence of the development of several embryos in the uterine cavity (multiple pregnancy).
• Abnormal structure of the uterus (uterine septum, congenital shortening of the organ).
• Chronic general somatic diseases (anemic syndrome, dystrophic changes in organs and tissues in various manifestations).
• Abuse of alcoholic beverages, smoking experience.
• Incorrectly planned and illiterately carried out invasive diagnostic methods in the prenatal period.

Symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage

How does amniotic fluid leak? In almost all cases, the symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage appear in the later stages of gestation. In the early stages, the appearance of such signs is also possible, however, their determination is quite difficult due to the small amount of fluid released. There is so little of it that, mixed with the usual vaginal discharge, it will completely go unnoticed by a woman.

In certain cases, a pregnant woman may take the minimal discharge that has occurred for a manifestation of urinary incontinence. In the later stages of pregnancy, leaks will be distinguished by their abundance, and the woman will not confuse them with anything else. Often the amount of discharge increases with the tension of the pelvic muscles or active repositioning.

What does amniotic fluid look like? Amniotic fluid can have a different character. In some cases it is a colorless transparent liquid, while in others it is reddish, with brown or green tint, with a pronounced odor, which clearly indicate the presence of pathology from pregnancy.

How to diagnose amniotic fluid leakage

Currently, there are many methods that allow you to accurately determine the presence of excessive discharge of amniotic fluid at the first suspicion of the mother. Specialized amniotic fluid tests using indicator test strips.

One such test for amniotic fluid leakage is Frautest amnio. The essence of its implementation lies in the fact that a pregnant woman wears a special pad on her underwear, which contains a test strip. When you feel the pad getting wet, it is removed, the strip is taken out and placed in the case attached in the set for half an hour. Next, the color of the strip is evaluated: if it turns yellow-green, the test can be considered positive.

The formation of such a color reaction is associated with the determination of the acidity of the discharge of a woman, and to be more precise, amniotic fluid has an alkaline reaction, and ordinary vaginal discharge is acidic. This makes it possible to distinguish them from each other. The main advantage of the “Frautestamnio” amniotic fluid test is its ease of use and highly sensitive reaction to even minimal traces of amniotic fluid in the discharge.

Another kind of test AmniSure ROM is based on the method for determining the alpha-microglobulin protein, which is highly specific for the composition of amniotic fluid. The kit includes a swab, a vial of solvent and a test strip.

After collecting secretions with a swab, it is placed in a test tube for one minute. Next, the test strip is immersed in the same test tube, and the results are read on a clean, light surface from this strip. The presence of two strips indicates the presence of amniotic fluid in the discharge of a pregnant woman.

In addition to quick tests, the following are used: research methods, How:

• Collection of a woman's gynecological history, information about pregnancy, examination and instrumental examination.
• Taking a smear from the vagina.
• (ultrasound).
• Carrying out amniocentesis with the introduction of a dye.

All therapeutic measures are aimed at preserving the life and health of the baby. But the tactics of managing patients with full-term and premature pregnancy varies significantly.

Prevention of leakage of amniotic fluid

• Timely detection and treatment of cervical insufficiency.
• Timely preserving therapy in relation to the fetus (prevention of spontaneous miscarriage).
• Sanitation of chronic foci of infection in a woman's body, including in the genital tract.

A lively discussion consisting of your questions and advice to each other is welcome. Share your own experience and clarify any unclear points on this topic. Your active discussion of the problem of premature leakage of amniotic fluid during pregnancy benefits not only you, but all readers.