Recognize the Characteristics of Amniotic Water Leaking and Should Be Alert

Bumisuka.com – Recognize the Characteristics of Amniotic Water Leaking and Should Be Alert. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the fetus while in the womb. One of its functions is to protect pregnancy and support the baby in the womb.

At the highest level, the volume of amniotic fluid can reach 1 liter. When the womb is 36 weeks old, the amniotic fluid begins to decrease or leak. It can even seep to prepare for birth.

However, a leak that is too high or called oligohydramnios needs to be watched out for. The following are the causes and characteristics of leaking amniotic fluid that you should know.

Risk of leakage of bodily fluids

Reported by Healthline, seeping amniotic fluid, especially in large quantities, can increase the risk to the womb. This applies at any gestational age.

Leaking amniotic fluid in the first and second trimester, can cause the following complications:

• Birth defects
• Miscarriage
• Premature birth
• Stillbirth

If it occurs in the third trimester, low amniotic fluid levels can cause:

• Labor difficulties, including the fetus being entangled in the umbilical cord which can affect its ability to receive oxygen
• Increased risk for caesarean section
• Slowed fetal growth

Given its function as a protector, loss of amniotic fluid is certainly very dangerous. Therefore, it is important for the mother and others around her to know the signs of leaking amniotic fluid.

The characteristics of amniotic fluid leaking

A mother’s body goes through many unusual things during pregnancy. Including increased production of fluids, both in the urine, vaginal secretions, to the amniotic fluid.

The shape and color of the liquid can be similar. In fact, not a few mothers find it difficult to tell the difference. So, how to find out the characteristics of amniotic fluid leaking?

1. Characteristics of amniotic fluid

Cleveland Clinic describes the color of healthy water as similar to straw, which is pale yellow. Meanwhile, when the fetus has passed the first feces or meconium, the amniotic fluid can be brown or green. Such conditions should immediately seek medical attention.

In addition, other characteristics of amniotic fluid, namely:

• Clear, can also be accompanied by white spots or blood mucus
• No smell
• Not sticky

Unlike urine, which may be retained, amniotic discharge is generally more difficult to control. You may experience small pops to loud bursts when your water breaks.

2. Underpants are always wet

Distinguishing amniotic fluid from urine can be a little tricky. The reason is, both of them have the same effect, which makes the underwear wet so that it makes it uncomfortable.

To differentiate between the two, do an experiment by emptying the urine first, then dry the vaginal area. Next, replace dry underwear.

Watch to see if the underwear is wet again! If so, it could be a sign that the amniotic fluid is leaking. If this happens, you should immediately contact the health service to ensure the condition of you and the fetus in the womb.

3. Try standing up

If you are still not sure about the liquid that is coming out, try standing up slowly. Observe whether more and more fluid is seeping out, especially if the urine is empty.

If the answer is yes, it could be amniotic fluid seeping. An increasingly swift flow indicates a hole or tear in the amniotic fluid.

Pressure when standing will increase the volume of amniotic secretions. The vaginal area can also feel wetter, which means more leaks.

4. See a doctor

The only way to be sure that the amniotic fluid is leaking is to ask an expert directly. This step is an effective way to get the right answer and treatment.

Especially if you feel symptoms of seepage, but haven’t had contractions. The doctor may provide several treatments to prevent infection.

When to see a doctor?

Apart from getting a definite answer whether the amniotic fluid is leaking or not, you need to see a doctor immediately if you find that the amniotic fluid is of an unusual color.

It was mentioned in the first point that the condition of the fetus that has passed its first poop can cause the amniotic fluid to change color. If left unchecked, this can cause respiratory complications when the baby is born.

You also need to visit your obstetrician immediately if you get an explosive sensation. This indicates that the waters have broken and that labor may soon take place.

It is estimated that a third of the amniotic fluid changes every hour. That is, the fetus is at small risk of drying out. However, amniotic fluid can cause infection in the uterus. Therefore, it is important to know the characteristics of amniotic fluid leaking so that you can get medical help immediately.