Pregnancy is an exciting phase for every woman. Usually, women witness several changes in their bodies during pregnancy. Pregnant women must be extra cautious as certain symptoms can be a sign of labour or other pregnancy complications. An amniotic fluid leak is one such sign that signals the start of your labour. You may notice bladder, and breast leakage, which is completely normal during pregnancy. If you notice amniotic fluid leakage, it is mostly a sign of labour. Know in detail about this pregnancy discharge, which is of serious concern.
When you are pregnant, the fetus grows inside the amniotic sac, which is filled with a water-like substance called amniotic fluid. This fluid contains hormones and essential nutrients for the growth and well-being of the fetus. It acts like a cushion for your baby and protects them from your external movements. It also avoids the compressing of the umbilical cord. The amniotic levels must be maintained throughout the pregnancy to avoid complications. The amniotic sac usually breaks during labour, and the fluid leaks through your vagina. This leakage may occur several weeks before your due date, which is a sign of a serious pregnancy complication.
When there is a puncture or hole in the amniotic sac, it may result in amniotic leakage. As mentioned earlier, amniotic fluid leakage occurs during labour. It is also called water-breaking. Labour is the primary cause of amniotic leakage, and it is completely normal. It is a sign you are about to deliver your baby.
Pregnant women can experience a leak before 37 weeks, which is called preterm PROM. The following are the notable causes of amniotic leaks before full-term pregnancy.
● Vaginal bleeding
● Vaginal infection,UTI
● Large uterus
● Previous history of preterm PROM
● Ascorbic and copper Deficiency
● Smoking
● Drugs
Pregnant women who experience amniotic leaks in the third trimester have low amniotic levels. This condition is called oligohydramnios. The reasons for low levels of amniotic fluid in pregnant women are:
● Genetic health problems
● Sudden rupture of membranes
● Poor fetal growth
● Problems with placenta
● Gestational diabetes
You may notice several pregnancy symptoms. Pregnancy leaks are quite common. It is not easy to decide that you're experiencing amniotic fluid leakage as it is a colourless leak. You may also be confused with other vaginal discharges which are common during pregnancy. Here are some signs of amniotic leaks:
● You can differentiate it from urine which has ammonia smell.
● When you experience pregnancy leaks, you may notice wet underwear.
● When you experience a strong gush of fluid discharges from your vagina, it is for sure amniotic leakage.
● The colour of amniotic fluid may be brown, green, or red and foul-smelling.
Amniotic leaks are normal unless you notice the following abnormal signs and symptoms:
● Foul-smelling, green or brown vaginal discharge
● A rapid increase in heartbeat
● Blood Stained-red coloured amniotic fluid
● Fever
Women who suffer from the following are more likely to experience amniotic leaks:
● Placental abruption
● Pregnant with twin babies
● STD
In the majority of cases, amniotic leaks are not a matter of serious concern, but they can be a threat to the growing fetus. Serious complications due to abnormal amniotic leakage are:
● Fetal distress
● Restricted fetal growth
● High-risk labour
● Reduced oxygen supply to your baby
● Compressed umbilical cord
● Emergency C-Section
● Respiratory issues
● Rupture of membrane
● You may deliver late
● Preterm labour
● Risk of infection to baby
● Risk of infection spreading to uterus-chorioamnionitis leading to septicemia in mother
Your doctor tests the sample of the fluid discharge to ascertain if it is an amniotic leak. Your doctor performs several tests to determine the actual cause behind the leak. A vaginal examination is performed to check for the onset of labour and cervix dilation. An ultrasound is recommended to measure the levels of amniotic fluid. A dye test is also performed to rule out amniotic leaks
Treating amniotic leaks is important as it can be a risk to the well-being of the baby. Early medical intervention can avoid serious pregnancy complications. The treatment for this condition varies based on various factors like the cause of the leak, age, fetal health, and mother’s health. Your doctors may suggest the following treatment plan when you notice amniotic leaks during pregnancy:
● If your baby is fully developed, your doctor may induce labour or go for an emergency C-section.
● You may be asked to refrain from your regular physical activities.
● Bed rest may be advised.
● Antibiotics to Prevent infection in baby And Mother
● In case of infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
● If there is a sign of labour but the baby is underdeveloped, your doctors may postpone labour through medications.
● For pregnant women with oligohydramnios condition, amnioinfusion is injected into the uterus. This prevents your baby’s umbilical being squeezed due to low levels of amniotic fluid.
It is not possible to prevent amniotic leaks during pregnancy. However, it is possible to reduce the risk of amniotic leakage.
● Never miss your prenatal appointments. Regular check-ups can help identify the condition at an early stage.
● Eating a healthy diet can help in preventing amniotic leaks.
● Quit smoking and drinking when you are pregnant.
However, you must be able to determine the type of leak you suffer from. Amniotic leaks can be a serious threat to the health of your baby. It can lead to low levels of amniotic fluid that affects the overall well-being of the fetus. Although it is usually a sign of labour, early amniotic leaks are a matter of concern. Treating the condition at the earliest can save the life of your baby. You must be aware of the warning signs of amniotic leaks to differentiate from other pregnancy leaks.
Yes, amniotic fluid leakage can be a sign of a genital infection.
The amniotic fluid cushions the fetus inside the uterus. The leakage of this liquid can be an evident sign of labour or other pregnancy complications like infections and ruptured membranes.
You must be concerned about amniotic fluid leakage during pregnancy when the discharge is foul-smelling and if the colour of the fluid is brown, green or red. If there is gush of uncontrolled gush of Fluid through Vagina.
