If the course of pregnancy is normal, the outflow of amniotic fluid occurs after 38 weeks of age. It is impossible to ignore this process, because about half a liter of liquid leaves the woman's body at once, after which fights begin.
It is much harder to recognize how leakage of amniotic fluid occurs. It can begin at any stage of pregnancy and threatens with the most significant complications. The liquid can be released in droplets for a long time, and the woman is not always able to notice it. Therefore, it is necessary to have an idea of how the leakage of amniotic fluid looks, in order to diagnose it in time.
Discharges of this kind usually do not have color and smell, which distinguishes them from urine and vaginal secretion. There may be an increase in the volume of excretions when lying down. If the fetus is already infected, chorioamniotitis develops, the body temperature rises. The mother and child have tachycardia. Characterized by soreness of the uterus during palpation, during the examination, purulent discharge from the cervix can be noted.
How to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid?
Amnioscopy
This procedure involves a doctor examining the lower pole of the fetal egg, which is carried out using a special device. This technique is suitable only if the cervix is sufficiently formed and slightly opened, and the area of rupture of the bladder is in the field of view of the device.
Test for the flow of amniotic fluid
Test strip Amnishur is very reliable and can be used at home, without the help of a doctor. According to the principle of action, the test is similar to the pregnancy test. It is sensitive to a specific protein contained in the amniotic fluid. A positive result, that is, that leakage takes place, will be indicated by two lines on the test strip.
Smear on leakage of amniotic fluid
A very common method of diagnosis. It is based on the fact that vaginal discharge, in which the fetal water is contained, after drawing on the slide and drying, create a pattern similar to fern leaves. This test is carried out laboratory and often gives inaccurate results.
Litmus paper and test pads for leakage of amniotic fluid
These tests are based on the determination of the acidity of the vaginal discharge. Normally, the vaginal environment is acidic, and the amniotic fluid is neutral. Penetration of amniotic fluid in the vagina leads to a decrease in the acidity of the vaginal environment. However, the accuracy of this technique is low, since acidity can also decrease due to infectious diseases.
Valsava Method
It is reduced to the assertion that when the cough flows, the leakage of the fluid increases. It can only be informative if there is a strong leakage of water.
Another way to find out at home - the leakage of amniotic fluid or secretions - with the usual daily laying.
What should I do if there is a suspicion of leakage of amniotic fluid?
The main thing is not to start panicking. First of all, when amniotic fluid appears, you should seek medical help. If the problem has not yet gone too far, and the infection of the fetus has not begun, qualified medics can help to keep the pregnancy. Otherwise, the consequences of leakage of amniotic fluid can be the most negative, up to the death of the baby in the womb.