The nature of vaginal discharge during pregnancy changes repeatedly. Under the influence of hormones and other factors, they become either transparent, or whitish, or liquid, or thick, and sometimes even normally they can be beige or brown. Of course, the expectant mother has to be a little nervous while she makes sure that this is how it should be.

But it is not without reason that doctors urge to contact them with the appearance of the slightest disturbing or incomprehensible signs. Because very often vaginal discharge during pregnancy is evidence of pathological processes that require urgent medical intervention.

Gynecologists also classify such conditions as leakage. amniotic fluid. If you notice that your underwear is systematically getting wet and moist from vaginal discharge, then you should definitely make sure that it does not leak water.

Normally, the outflow of amniotic fluid accompanies the onset of the birth process. At the moment of the strongest contraction, the cervix opens, and the fetal bladder bursts, after which the water immediately leaves. Sometimes this happens even before the contractions begin, and then the pregnant woman should go to the hospital immediately, without waiting for the contractions to begin.

However, it often also happens that the water begins to leak in small portions long before the due date. First of all, this suggests that the integrity of the fetal bladder is broken, which means that the sterility inside it is now under threat. The closer to childbirth this happens, the more favorable the medical prognosis will be.

Leakage of amniotic fluid threatens the development of intrauterine infections that can get to the baby through the cracks formed in the bladder. If you do not notice or miss the leakage of water in time, then on later dates childbirth can begin prematurely, and in the early stages, an abortion will occur or the fetus will die in utero. In addition, the risk of poor birth detail in the event of childbirth, as well as the occurrence of infectious complications in the mother, increases.

That is why it is very important to be able to recognize a leak as early as possible. And we must admit that this is not easy to do ...

How to identify water leakage during pregnancy

amniotic fluid, as a rule, does not have either a characteristic color or a specific smell by which it could be unmistakably recognized. It is completely transparent, although, nevertheless, it can have a yellowish tint, which confuses expectant mothers even more (and green in case of pathologies), and contain flakes of original lubricant.

The greatest difficulty is that the leakage occurs in small portions, and it can be very difficult for women to distinguish: is it urinary incontinence, vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid - what does water leakage look like?

There are few signs of amniotic fluid leakage. This is mainly sensation of moisture in the perineum: a woman notices that from time to time a certain amount of fluid flows out of the vagina, because of which the underwear becomes wet all the time, it has to be changed frequently and daily pads are used. Discharge during leakage occurs or increases with tension of the vaginal muscles: after sneezing or coughing, prolonged laughter, when a woman stands up or picks up something heavy.

But such symptoms do not always mean that water is guaranteed to leak. Similar signs are also characteristic of urinary incontinence, which often occurs in late pregnancy. It may also be normal vaginal discharge. Therefore, without additional research, it is impossible to accurately determine whether water is leaking.

Amniotic fluid leak test

If there is a suspicion of leakage of amniotic fluid, then the simplest and most affordable thing that a pregnant woman can do in such a situation is to buy and carry out at home a special leak test. It contains a pad impregnated with a reagent that reacts only to substances with a high pH level, like amniotic fluid. If the color of the pad changes while wearing it, you should immediately consult a doctor. detailed instructions how to conduct a leak test at home is included in each amnitest package.

Analysis for amniotic fluid leakage

A more reliable result can be obtained by passing amniotic fluid leak test. To do this, you need to visit a gynecologist, and he will take a swab from the vagina. If cells contained in the amniotic fluid are found in the smear, then leakage will be confirmed.

Will ultrasound show amniotic fluid leakage?

In fear of the worst and possible consequences, pregnant women are ready to undergo any examinations to make sure that everything is in order. In this regard, many women are interested in whether they see leakage of amniotic fluid on ultrasound.

The fact that the wall of the fetal bladder, through which the amniotic fluid is released, is not intact, is not visible on ultrasound. However, the specialist, of course, diagnoses oligohydramnios, one of the reasons for which may be prolonged leakage of water. Holding ultrasound in dynamics, it is able to confirm the leakage of amniotic fluid if its amount decreases.

How long can amniotic fluid leak?

Most often, pregnant women begin to suspect leakage in the later stages, especially when there is less and less left before the expected date of birth.

During this period, the risks of losing the integrity of the fetal bladder increase, and the woman herself becomes more and more suspicious and worries about every occasion and even without. However, trouble can happen at an earlier date.

Water leakage in early pregnancy

This happens infrequently, and even more rarely can it be detected. This means that not even every experienced doctor is able to diagnose leakage of amniotic fluid in the early stages of pregnancy or even suspect it. After all, the amount of amniotic fluid during this period is still insignificant, and vaginal discharge, as a rule, is abundant, watery and transparent. Leaking in scanty portions, the waters mix with whites and thus “hide”. Difficulties in diagnosis often lead to the fact that for this reason the pregnancy is terminated in the early stages.

In most cases, water begins to leak late in pregnancy. This significantly increases the chances of its preservation. But you still need to understand that it is impossible to stop the process somehow. If there is not much left before the expected date of birth, and the child is already ready to be born without serious consequences for his health, then the doctors will most likely decide on the birth on an emergency basis: they will perform stimulation or a caesarean section. Otherwise, the mother will be admitted to the hospital for preservation and prescribed therapy that will reduce the risks intrauterine infection the child and will help to safely wait for the period when the lungs and other vital organs of the baby are ripe in order to carry out early delivery.

Leakage of water during pregnancy: causes

From the very beginning of its development future baby securely protected from possible negative impacts outside world. One form of this protection is a sealed amniotic sac filled with sterile amniotic fluid. Here, in a small cozy dwelling of the crumbs, the necessary conditions for its favorable development are preserved and maintained.

As the baby grows, the amount of amniotic fluid increases, providing, among other things, the nutrition necessary for the baby and the environment for comfortable movement. And if the water began to leak, then this only says one thing: the integrity of the fetal bladder is broken, which, of course, should not be normal. But there may be several reasons leading to thinning of the bubble walls, ruptures and microcracks:

• bad habits during pregnancy;
• infectious diseases, including genitourinary infections suffered by the expectant mother, inflammatory processes in the vagina or uterus (most often, leakage occurs due to colpitis, endocervicitis);
• some chronic diseases of a pregnant woman;
• isthmic-cervical insufficiency (when the cervix is ​​not able to hold the fetus inside the uterus properly);
• carrying multiple pregnancies;
• polyhydramnios;
• trauma during pregnancy;
• neoplasms on the uterus;
• pathology of the structure of the uterus or pelvic bones (most often a narrow pelvis during pregnancy);
• rupture of the amniotic sac prior to leakage (eg, after amniocentesis, cordocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling).

Whatever the reason for the trouble, it is always necessary to act in the same way. If amniotic fluid began to leak, then without medical supervision there is practically no chance that the pregnancy will end safely. Be sure to tell the doctor if something confuses or worries you: competent medical support will help the baby be born without any risks.

If there was a premature rupture of amniotic fluid, then you need to urgently go to the hospital!

Especially for - Larisa Nezabudkina

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 pathological condition may be 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 skin child, and in the later stages of pregnancy, the baby swallows a small amount of amniotic fluid and receives part of the nutrients orally.
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 a brown or green tint, with a pronounced odor, which clearly indicate the presence of a pregnancy pathology.

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 , as:

• 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 preterm pregnancy differs 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.

Carrying a child is a very important period for a woman, in which you need to be careful and careful so that the pregnancy proceeds normally and the child is born healthy!

The main thing in the article

Signs and symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage

During pregnancy, discharge appears - they can be different color, density, with impurities and smell. Some discharge is normal and is associated with a sharp change in hormonal levels, but still you should not take them too lightly. It is better to consult with your leading gynecologist.

Allocations may indicate a developing pathology, in our case, the leakage of amniotic fluid. In medicine they are called amniotic fluid , which is located in the fetal egg and provides the child with safety and vitality throughout the pregnancy.

Recognizing the leakage of amniotic fluid is very difficult, since they have neither color nor smell, and are not much different from water. The temperature of the waters is approximately 37°C.

A pregnant woman should be alerted by the periodic release of a warm, incomprehensible liquid, this happens most often with pressure on the abdominal cavity. For example, if you sneezed or coughed, even if you abruptly got out of bed, straining your stomach.

In 50% of women, amniotic fluid leakage is accompanied by lower abdominal pain and nausea, as well as uncontrolled vaginal discharge. But this happens most often when the bladder has a sufficiently large damage, and the discharge is simply impossible not to notice.

If you have any doubts, even if they turn out to be false in the future, it is still worth going to the doctor and getting checked, or at least doing a water leak test.

Causes of amniotic fluid leakage in the second and third trimester of pregnancy

Leakage of amniotic fluid occurs mainly in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, when there is more water, and the fetus is gaining weight faster.

The reason for the leakage of amniotic fluid is one - bladder injury . But there can be several reasons for damage to its integrity, and they depend on the gestational age. For example:

• Infectious origin of pathology . When an infection appears in the body that affects the genitals, which is very dangerous during pregnancy and threatens with premature resolution of childbirth.
• Toxic impact. When the expectant mother could not give up alcohol, smoking or drugs for the period of pregnancy.
• Diseases and unresolved pathologies, which are found in women suffering from anemia, dystrophy, connective tissue diseases.
• When the fetus in the third trimester of pregnancy lies incorrectly , or if mommy's pelvis is too narrow.
• When labor begins too earlyabout and is developing very quickly. In this case, you need to urgently call an ambulance.
• If a woman expects the arrival of two babies and more.
• When the cervix is ​​not elastic enough and begins to open, unable to withstand the pressure of the weight of the fetus. In medicine it is called cervical insufficiency . In this case, the bladder descends and begins to sag, and under pressure, the walls of the amniotic bladder are damaged, as a result of which the amniotic fluid leaks.
• After hard blow to the stomach or falls.

How to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid at home

When you don't have time to run out to buy a water leak test and you're having doubts about discharge, you can test it yourself at home.

What do we have to do?

1. Stop drinking liquid.
2. Go to the toilet so that your bladder is empty.
3. Wash yourself, wipe your genitals dry.
4. Lay a white cloth on the bed, sit on it without underwear.
5. You can lie down a little or sit for about 15-20 minutes.
6. After the time has elapsed, stand up and check the fabric for stains.
7. If spots are present, and this is not a thick discharge (as is usual during pregnancy), then most likely you are leaking amniotic fluid.

What does amniotic fluid leakage look like?

As stated earlier, amniotic fluid is odorless and colorless, and looks like water, only slightly slippery.

Also, amniotic fluid may have a specific smell, but such discharge speaks not just of water leakage, but of a serious problem - a possibly developing pathology! In this case, hospitalization should take place urgently.

Feelings of leakage of amniotic fluid

When water leaks, the first thing a woman feels is moisture in the perineum. Not just wet underwear when incontinence occurs, but a feeling of water in the perineum, portions of which increase with exertion or pressure.

What color is amniotic fluid when it leaks?

Amniotic fluid is colorless normal course pregnancy. If the pregnancy proceeds with pathology, then the color of the water may be with a hint of green or Brown, which does not mean anything good and requires urgent hospitalization.

What is the rate of water leakage?

Leakage of water is considered normal only at the end of the last month of pregnancy, when the body is already preparing for childbirth and the uterus gradually begins to open slightly. Not everyone's amniotic sac bursts overnight with the onset of contractions. In 50% of women, in about a couple of days, the amniotic fluid begins to leak a little, and by the time the birth begins, the obstetrician-gynecologist bursts it, since there is no longer sufficient pressure.

However, everything happens differently for each woman in labor, and it is simply impossible to create a template in order to sign the history of each pregnancy under it.

How to distinguish water leakage from secretions?

1. Colour. The waters are colorless or slightly greenish in color, and the secretions usually have a clear color - white, beige, brownish, with red impurities.
2. Smell. By smell, it is rather difficult to distinguish water from secretions, since waters have no smell, and healthy women should not have it in secretions either.
3. Texture. The liquid from the bubble resembles ordinary water in texture, perhaps a little slippery in sensations, but the discharge has a clear structure - mucus, curd, liquid.
4. The frequency of manifestation. Every woman has discharge during pregnancy, and by the second trimester she already knows exactly what it is and how abundant it is. Leakage of water appears unexpectedly and is not noticeable from the first trimester of pregnancy, so their appearance should certainly be noticed.

Smear - analysis for leakage of amniotic fluid

A smear test for amniotic fluid leakage can tell you a lot: reassure you if the water is not leaking and the cervix is ​​closed, or give a positive result and you will know exactly what is happening. In addition to the fact that your gynecologist will prescribe you medication, you can find out about the condition of the baby, because the amniotic fluid is very informative in this regard.

Is water leakage visible on ultrasound?

At the beginning of amniotic fluid leakage, ultrasound will not tell you anything. Since with this method of examination, the crack itself, through which the water passes, is not visible.

The only thing that ultrasound can help is to determine the insufficient amount of water (oligohydramnios), which can occur as a result of water leakage for longer than two weeks. Such a diagnosis should make you think and make a smear test for water leakage.

Test for leakage of amniotic fluid Amnishur: instructions, price and photo

Amniotic fluid leak test Amnishur is considered the highest quality, as it is sensitive to all 99%. It is not difficult to make it: everything you need for it is in the package.

To carry out the test in the package you will find:

• test strip (as in pregnancy tests),
• solvent bottle,
• sterile swab.

How to do the Amnishur test?

1. Wash and dry.
2. Insert a tampon into the vagina to a depth of 6 cm and keep it for about 15 minutes.
3. Dip the swab into the vial with the solution (the tip of the swab should come into contact with the solution) - hold for approximately 60-90 seconds.
4. Remove the swab and dip the test strip into the solution at the marked level (hold for at least 10 minutes).
5. During this time, either 1 or 2 strips should appear. If nothing shows up at all, then the test is flawed.

Result: 1 strip - there is no amniotic fluid in the vagina (that is, there is no leakage and the bladder walls are intact); 2 strips - a protein (α-microglobulin) was detected, which is contained in in large numbers in the amniotic fluid (that is, there is leakage).

The cost of such a test is from 1000 to 1500 rubles.

Frautest amniotic fluid leak test: instructions, price and photo

Frautest is a pad that needs to be worn for a day, placed on underwear, like an ordinary "daily".

On a white pad, a yellow strip runs along the entire length in the middle, which changes its color if amniotic fluid gets on it. It may become light blue or greenish.

If the color has not changed, then there is no water leakage!

The cost of Frautest is from 400 to 500 rubles.

Gaskets for determining the leakage of amniotic fluid: description and price

AL-SENSE

Another type of gaskets that determine the leakage of water. The gasket must be used in the same way as the Frautest gasket. The only difference is that at the end of the day you take off the pad, pull out the yellow strip and place it in the special case that comes with the package. This is done to dry the test strip for 30 minutes. When time passes, you can see the result: if you change the color - there are leaks, if you don't change it - there are no leaks.

The cost of such a test is from 300 to 400 rubles.

What to do if the water leakage test is positive: photo of a positive test

If the test for water leakage turned out to be positive, then there is no need to panic and fight in hysterics. Pack up and go to your doctor, who will examine you and take a smear for laboratory analysis. And only by the results of the smear it will be possible to draw any conclusions. And how to cope with this problem, your doctor will tell you, who knows your whole history and pregnancy features, so he can choose the most suitable drug for you if it is too early for you to give birth.

Treatment of amniotic fluid leakage

It is impossible to cure the leakage of amniotic fluid. Doctors can only stop the problem for a while, keeping the condition of the mother and baby normal.

The solution to the problem depends on the gestational age and the length of time the water leaks.

• If 10 hours have not passed since the damage to the amniotic egg, then doctors prescribe antibacterial drugs in order to protect the fetus from infection.
• In the case when it is too early to solve the problem with childbirth (premature pregnancy), then doctors prefer to wait in order to keep the child in the womb as long as possible, of course, without risking his life or health. At the same time, the pregnant woman is under the strict supervision of doctors around the clock.
• If the leakage of amniotic fluid began at the end of pregnancy, then perhaps this indicates the readiness of the body and the child for childbirth. To do this, a woman is determined in the hospital, where they are waiting for 6 hours of contractions. If this does not happen, then labor is allowed with the help of stimulation or caesarean section.

It is very important to prevent water leakage during pregnancy. That is, treat the genital tract with antiseptics in order to kill any infection that could harm your child.

Nine months of waiting for a baby future mom can face many problems and unpleasant conditions. Fortunately, most women safely carry and give birth to a baby. However, experts note a serious pathology of pregnancy, which is a common cause premature birth. We are talking about the leakage of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. This complication is diagnosed in 10% of women, and often in those who felt quite normal before. In such a situation, it is very important to recognize the symptoms of water leakage during pregnancy in a timely manner and immediately consult a doctor. Consider how to determine the leakage of water during pregnancy, why it occurs and why it is dangerous.

Why do water leak during pregnancy?

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

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

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

• Neck failure. This pathology is observed in 20-25% of women in the last months of pregnancy. In such a situation, the fetal bladder protrudes, making it very vulnerable;
• Genital infections. With these diseases, the woman's cervix rapidly matures, as a result of which enzymes are released that exfoliate the placenta and soften the fetal membrane;
• The narrow pelvis of a woman and the wrong presentation of the fetus. As a rule, in this case, the leakage of water appears in the first stage of childbirth;
• Multiple pregnancy and some anomalies in the development of the uterus (the presence of a uterine septum, isthmic-cervical insufficiency, a shortened uterus);
• Chronic diseases such as dystrophy, anemia, connective tissue diseases;
• Bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
• Illiterate use of invasive methods of prenatal diagnosis.

How to determine the leakage of water during pregnancy?

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

It is difficult not to notice the symptoms of water leakage during late pregnancy. The closer to the date of birth, the more fluid is poured out. So, 2-3 weeks before the expected start of the birth process, about 500 ml of a liquid that has a peculiar smell can be released.

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

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

Danger of leakage of amniotic fluid

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

• Miscarriage or spontaneous abortion;
• Placental abruption and uterine bleeding;
• Oxygen deficiency and suffocation of the fetus, often this leads to ischemic encephalitis in a child;
• Violations of the process of childbirth (excessive or insufficient activity);
• A premature baby may develop respiratory distress syndrome.

Diagnosis and treatment of pathology

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

• Gynecological examination. During the examination, the doctor asks the woman to cough, after which he visually establishes the presence of water;
• Test with drugs based on nitrazine;
• A smear for the determination of amniotic fluid;
• IGFBP-1 test;
• Amniocentesis with dye injection.

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

Amniotic fluid or amniotic fluid is the natural environment for the life and development of the fetus in the womb.

The main functions of the fetal waters:

• First of all, water protects the child from negative microorganisms, since the fetal bladder is airtight, and the liquid itself is sterile. Also, amniotic fluid ensures the safety of the fetus from mechanical influences from the external environment. For example, when a pregnant woman falls. In addition, the water muffles a lot of noise from outside.

• Fertile water contains many nutrients and useful substances(proteins, fats, vitamins, glucose, salts and hormones). At small stages of pregnancy, they are absorbed through the skin, at more late weeks the child swallows them.

Metabolism.

• The baby not only receives nutrients from the amniotic fluid, but also releases processed foods into them. The amniotic fluid is completely renewed in the norm every 3 hours.

Participation in labor activity.

• The anterior waters in childbirth put pressure on the cervix, contributing to its disclosure. They also provide an easier passage of the fetus through the birth canal.

The outpouring of water after the 37th week of pregnancy (full-term) is considered physiological at the onset of labor. With the condition that the cervix is ​​open and ready for labor.

If the leakage of water occurs earlier, then this causes concern and is a pathology. In this case, there is a high risk of infection. But rendered on time preventive measures help to avoid this.

Causes

There can be several reasons for water leakage:

Infection.

• Pathogenic microorganisms can lead to thinning of the membranes, so there is a risk of their rupture or cracking.

• This is a pathology in which the cervix is ​​not able to cope with the obturator function, that is, to keep the fetus in the uterine cavity. Therefore, there is a risk of rupture of the fetal bladder. In order to prevent isthmic-cervical insufficiency, sutures are placed on the cervix or a pessary is installed. A pregnant woman with such a pathology should be under the supervision of doctors with bed rest.

Some diagnostic studies.

• For example, amniocentesis or cordocentesis. They are carried out according to genetic indications. With these procedures, the doctor, with the consent of the woman, gently pierces the fetal bladder in order to identify the disease. In a cordocentesis, blood is taken from the umbilical cord for analysis, and in an amniocentesis, amniotic fluid is taken.

Multiple pregnancy or polyhydramnios.

• These factors increase pressure on the amniotic sac and cervix, so rupture can occur.

some pathologies.

• These include: mechanical injuries during pregnancy, incorrect position of the fetus, etc. And also the mother's bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol) can become the cause of the pathology.

Symptoms and signs of water leakage

Signs that indicate the leakage of fetal water:

• vaginal discharge becomes more liquid, like water;
• when moving or changing position, the pregnant woman clearly feels the discharge of water from the genital tract, especially if she pushes slightly at the same time;
• if the rupture of the fetal bladder is large, then the water will flow in a stream;
• the circumference of the abdomen is somewhat reduced.

Diagnostics

Leakage of amniotic fluid can be determined at home. For this, there are special tests that can be bought at any pharmacy.

Tests are of two types:

• test strip.
• test pad.

They have the same mechanism of action - determining the change in the environment (Ph) in the vagina. When amniotic fluid enters the test (in a certain area), it turns green-blue. More details are described in the attached instructions.

These tests do not give a 100% guarantee, since the presence of an infectious process in the vagina can also lead to a change in Ph.

Important! Remember that even if you suspect a leak of fetal fluid, you should immediately inform your obstetrician-gynecologist, as this carries some risks.

Diagnostics on an outpatient basis

The doctor determines the leakage of water using a special smear. When amniotic fluid enters the vagina, a certain protein is found in it, which is found only in amniotic fluid.

What to do when water leaks

The method of eliminating the problem depends on the gestational age at which leakage occurred. However, it is impossible to completely stop the violation; the goal of treatment is to preserve the safety of the fetus and mother.

If leakage occurs at a long gestational age, then this may indicate the imminent onset of childbirth. If contractions do not start after 3 hours, then the obstetrician stimulates labor or performs a caesarean section.

With a premature pregnancy, a woman is in a hospital with strict bed rest. Antibiotics and treatment of the genital tract with antiseptic preparations are prescribed.

Possible complications and prognosis

When the membranes rupture, there is a very high risk of infection of the fetus. As soon as water leakage is confirmed, the doctor immediately sends the pregnant woman for an ultrasound scan. With the help of this diagnostic method the degree of maturity of the child is determined. If he is ready to breathe on his own and be born, then a caesarean section is prescribed to avoid the irreversible consequences of infection.

If the fetus is still premature, not ripe, then the pregnant woman is hospitalized urgently. Antibacterial therapy is carried out for the purpose of prevention and strict bed rest is prescribed. As soon as the child can breathe on his own, delivery will be performed.

Some research on pregnancy