What is anterior water during pregnancy. Intrauterine period: what contributes to the normal course of pregnancy

The first pregnancy is like a new life in which unfamiliar and sometimes unexpected phenomena await a woman. It is worth getting used to the growing volume of the body and weight, changes in mood and taste preferences, as new discoveries begin. Some of them are pleasant and encouraging, brightening up 9 months of waiting for a baby. It is better to learn about others early, and it is desirable only in theory, without encountering in practice. For example, about how amniotic fluid leaks and what needs to be done in this case. For most pregnant women, amniotic fluid leakage is a nightmare that they scare themselves and each other with.

In fact, amniotic fluid leaks far from everyone and not as often as it might seem if you wind yourself up. But every woman should know what to do in case of leakage of amniotic fluid - at least just in case. This will help determine if the amniotic fluid is actually leaking or not. Moreover, leakage is possible not only during the first pregnancy, and the information will be useful to you or your loved ones in the future. As you know, fear has big eyes, but in everything related to pregnancy and health in general, one cannot rely on intuition and fragmentary information. It is necessary to clearly understand how amniotic fluid leaks and what to do in this case.

Amniotic fluid and its leakage
Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the embryo. Amniotic fluid, or amniotic fluid, surrounds the baby throughout fetal development and protects him from all infections, physical and any other dangers. According to the chemical composition, the amniotic fluid is rich in vitamins, salts, hormones, amino acids, and also contains waste products, fluffy hairs and particles of the skin of the fetus. This determines the functions and capabilities of amniotic fluid:

• Nutrition of the fetus in the early stages of development occurs by absorption of substances from the amniotic fluid directly through the skin. At a later date, the baby captures amniotic fluid in small sips.
  
• Protection against physical influences from the outside according to the principle of depreciation. From chemical threats and infections, amniotic fluid is protected due to the tightness of the amniotic sac plus active immunoglobulin proteins in the composition of the fluid itself.
  
• Creating an environment that is comfortable for the embryo: free "swimming" in the liquid, under conditions of constant pressure and constant temperature. In addition, the amniotic fluid muffles the noise and other harsh sounds coming from outside.
  
• Perinatal diagnostics: according to the analysis of amniotic fluid samples, diseases (genetic, congenital), possible disorders and the condition of the fetus as a whole are determined. In addition, amniotic fluid allows you to find out the sex and blood type of the embryo.
  

As you can see, amniotic fluid is necessary for both the child and doctors. And only for a pregnant woman they cause trouble, although, according to the idea of ​​​​nature, they should not cause trouble. In the normal course of pregnancy, amniotic fluid is poured out only during childbirth, and before that it is securely held by the amnion (amniotic membrane). Amniotic fluid sometimes leaks a little after 37 weeks of pregnancy. But if the leakage of amniotic fluid occurs earlier than that, then this may indicate pathologies during pregnancy, fetal development, and even cause premature birth.

How and why amniotic fluid leaks?
Normally, amniotic fluid is poured out at the end of the first stage of labor, when the cervix opens. Premature discharge, which began long before the onset of labor, and especially for a period of less than 37 weeks, is called amniotic fluid leakage. The reasons for leakage are different:

• Physical trauma.
  
• Weak cervix, unable to withstand the pressure of the weight of the fetus.
  
• Incorrect position of the fetus due to the peculiarities of the physique of the mother or other problems.
  
• Infection.
  
• Excess amniotic fluid (so-called polyhydramnios).
  
• Outside intervention during diagnostics.
  

Sometimes leakage of amniotic fluid can be a sign of multiple pregnancy, but in any case, this phenomenon cannot be ignored. True, many women, due to excessive suspiciousness, tend to self-diagnose amniotic fluid leakage and other disorders. This is also strictly prohibited, because it causes stress for both the expectant mother herself and the child inside her.

Signs of amniotic fluid leakage. How amniotic fluid leaks
It is important to notice and determine the leakage of water in a timely manner, but not to confuse it with other natural body secretions, urination, etc. It’s easy to make a mistake, especially given the excitement associated with pregnancy. Therefore, remember how amniotic fluid leaks:

1. Premature rupture of amniotic fluid occurs profusely, approximately in the amount of half a liter. You can't help but notice the release of a clear liquid in this amount. It indicates a rupture of the amniotic sac.
   
2. The amniotic sac may not burst, but only slightly tear, then the leakage of fluid is scanty, but constant. You can distinguish it from other secretions by smell and color, but not always.
   
3. If the smell and color of the discharge are clearly expressed, then, without a doubt, this is a sign of a violation of the course of pregnancy. Reddish, brown, with a greenish hue of the liquid require immediate medical attention.
   

What to do with leakage of amniotic fluid
What to do if amniotic fluid leaks? First of all, do not panic and soberly assess the situation. You may need to confirm the diagnosis, but this is best done by a doctor. Leakage of amniotic fluid cannot be ignored or “observed” longer. But what exactly to do depends on the circumstances, your well-being and the duration of the pregnancy. Here is a list of the main actions for detecting leakage of amniotic fluid:
The main thing that a pregnant woman needs to do when amniotic fluid leaks is to see a doctor, in no case waiting for the usual scheduled examination. If you act quickly and correctly, you will be able to avoid bad consequences. Timely diagnosis and therapy for leakage of amniotic fluid increases the likelihood of normal labor and protection against infections.

The safety of amniotic fluid leakage is directly proportional to the gestational age. The longer the term, the less risk to health and life. In any case, now you know how amniotic fluid leaks, and the strategy of behavior in this case. And we sincerely wish you not to face this problem and give birth to a healthy, beautiful and happy baby!

During pregnancy, the female body is characterized by various kinds of discharge. The reason for this is hormonal changes, the presence of diseases, colds. Allocations can be transparent, watery, thick. It is quite natural to have beige or brown blobs. Such a phenomenon can seriously scare the expectant mother, who does not yet know how to recognize their character, which is quite logical.

Table large scheme
baby inside measurements
pain observation development
pregnant mother drinking

Very often, discharge indicates the development of a pathology that requires urgent medical intervention. This type of pathology includes leakage of amniotic fluid.

What is dangerous and does the smell matter?

What is amniotic fluid? Amniotic fluid or amniotic fluid is a biologically active substance found inside the fetal membranes. It provides protective, shock-absorbing and other functions, is fully responsible for the life of the fetus.

The outflow of amniotic fluid before the onset of natural childbirth according to the established deadlines is considered normal. During contractions, the cervix opens and the fetal bladder bursts, after which the water leaves. Rarely, the process can begin without contractions. In this case, the pregnant woman immediately goes to the maternity ward.

When the state is not happy

There are times when amniotic fluid is secreted in a small amount long before the onset of labor. This phenomenon indicates that the integrity of the fetal bladder is broken. As a result, the sterility inside it is under threat. The closer to childbirth a pathology is detected, the less threat it poses to the child, which means that medical prognosis will be better. It is important to know how to distinguish amniotic fluid leakage from pathological discharge, genital infection and other diseases.

Leakage of amniotic fluid contributes to the development of infection, which can get to the baby through the cracks in the bladder. Untimely provision of medical assistance with the release of amniotic fluid in late pregnancy leads to premature birth, abortion, and fetal death in utero. In addition, pathology leads to weak labor activity at the onset of childbirth, as well as the development of infectious complications in the mother.

Reasons for the release of amniotic fluid

Determining the cause, as well as understanding how the pathology occurs, is difficult. There are several main reasons for this phenomenon. These include the following.

1. Infections that affect the genitals. This reason often occurs during premature pregnancy, in particular, at 39 weeks.
2. The cervix develops rapidly, as a result, enzymes are released that have a stratifying effect on the placenta. There is a softening of the shell of the fetus. Lack of medical intervention can lead to fetal hypoxia during labor, as well as severe bleeding from the uterus.
3. Incorrect presentation of the fetus or a narrow pelvis of the expectant mother. In this case, the pathology develops in the first stage of childbirth, the opening of the uterus occurs very slowly.
4. Cervical insufficiency leading to rupture of membranes, leakage of amniotic fluid at 40 weeks of gestation. This pathology occurs in about a quarter of all pregnant women in the last trimester. As a result, the fetal bladder protrudes, due to which the fetus becomes vulnerable. Viruses that enter the amniotic fluid lead to rupture of the membranes with minimal physiological impact.
5. Bad habits, chronic diseases. This includes women who are alcoholic, smokers, suffering from anemia, dystrophic pathologies, connective tissue diseases.
6. When carrying two babies or more.
7. Anomalies in the development of the uterus. This includes a shortened uterus, isthmic-cervical insufficiency and the presence of a uterine septum. Diseases such as colpitis, endocervicitis, tumors of various kinds also cause pathology. The use of invasive methods of prenatal diagnosis is shown, that is, a sample of amniotic fluid, a biopsy.

It is very important for a woman to know how to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid at home using special tests.

Doctor's examination

Symptoms of the development of pathology

There are cases when the amniotic fluid at the rupture of the fetal bladder departs at once. Then the selection becomes obvious. However, there are cases of leakage of a periodic nature in a small volume. At the same time, it is difficult for a woman to determine the development of pathology.

Many women mistakenly confuse signs of amniotic fluid leakage during the third trimester with urinary incontinence. In rare cases, pathology is the norm in late pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of vaginal discharge increases, which is quite possible in the early stages. Thus, the presence of colpitis, the erroneous acceptance of amniotic fluid for normal discharge, causes the development of symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage in the third trimester.

Mommy in feelings

The symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage are simple. However, not everyone knows how to recognize them correctly. Many women wonder what amniotic fluid leakage looks like. There is only one rule for their definition. Amniotic fluid is odorless and colorless.

Many women wonder what amniotic fluid smells like? There is only one answer - the discharge is odorless.

If at any month of pregnancy a woman has identified discharge of an incomprehensible nature, even if these are false suspicions of amniotic fluid leakage, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. It is difficult to independently determine the presence / absence of pathology even with the help of a special test. This will require medical attention. The photo shows what the leakage of amniotic fluid looks like.

Diagnosis of the release of amniotic fluid

Only a doctor confirms the presence / absence of amniotic fluid in the third trimester. For this, an examination is carried out on a gynecological chair. On examination, a pregnant woman should cough to increase pressure on the intra-abdominal zone. So, if there is a rupture of the bladder, a new portion of the amniotic fluid will be released.

This is what fetal development looks like

Additionally, a smear is taken for the elements of the water, a test is performed for the presence of leakage of amniotic fluid. How to check for amniotic fluid leakage at home using medical supplies? A test pad for determining the leakage of amniotic fluid, the price of which is from 2000 rubles, is based on the determination of placental microglobulin. If the strip changes color upon contact, it means that there has been a leak. Ultrasound is performed to determine what amniotic fluid looks like when leaking.

How to prevent water leakage

When treating the release of amniotic fluid at 34 weeks or any other period, there is no specific technique or single therapy that would equally help all women. All treatment is aimed at eliminating the problem that caused this kind of pathology, as well as maintaining the health of the fetus and mother within the framework of safety. The time of the last exit plays an important role; no more than six hours is considered a safe period. A pregnant woman is prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection of the fetus.

Leakage of amniotic fluid, as in the photo of the pad, for a long time indicates an early birth. If after three hours there are no contractions, stimulation is carried out medically. For this, a hormonal background is preliminarily created for the maturation of the cervix. Alternatively, a caesarean section is performed.

If the pregnancy is premature, then expectant management is mainly used. It is very important to monitor the viability of the fetus. The woman is under the supervision of doctors all the time, bed rest is observed.

At the slightest signs of the body, consult a doctor

To prevent the release of amniotic water at week 25, it is recommended to carry out antiseptic treatment of the genital tract, as well as other mucous membranes to prevent and remove infection. To determine the leakage of amniotic fluid, there are special pads for home use, the Amnishur test. The test pad shows, depending on what color the inner shell has, the presence / absence of pathology.

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Attention!

The information published on the site is for informational purposes only and is intended for informational purposes only. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice! The editors of the site do not recommend self-medication. Determining the diagnosis and choosing a treatment method remains the exclusive prerogative of your doctor! Remember that only a complete diagnosis and therapy under the supervision of a doctor will help to completely get rid of the disease!

The fetal bladder in which your unborn baby grows and develops is called the amnion. From the very beginning of pregnancy, it provides the baby with the conditions for intrauterine life. And one of the most important tasks of the amniotic sac is to produce a fluid called amniotic fluid. It fills the entire cavity of the amnion and performs a number of vital functions for the fetus. The waters form the first habitat of the fruit, so their importance cannot be overestimated. Thanks to the amniotic fluid, the baby feels comfortable (there is always a stable temperature here - 37 degrees, quiet and comfortable) and protected (water prevents the ingress of microorganisms from the outside world, as well as any other negative effects on the fetus from the outside).

Amniotic fluid is released continuously, but unevenly. With an increase in the term, its volume also increases, reaching its maximum at approximately 36 weeks of gestation, while averaging 1000-1500 ml. Then, just before the birth, the amount of fetal water may decrease slightly, which is explained by the increased excretion of fluid from the mother's body.

The composition and properties of amniotic fluid

At different stages of development of the baby, not only the quantity, but also the composition of the amniotic fluid changes. It is also unstable and quite complex. The fetal waters contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, hormones, enzymes, vitamins, microelements, carbon dioxide, oxygen, antigens and other substances that determine the fetal blood type. They can also get products of the sebaceous glands (flakes of the original lubricant that covers the baby's body), skin, hair, and even substances from the mother's blood. There is a constant exchange of substances between the fetus, amniotic fluid and the mother's body.

The baby urinates directly into the amniotic fluid, which, by the way, is updated every 3 hours, all the time maintaining the composition necessary for a small one.

What are the functions of amniotic fluid?

The role of amniotic fluid in the intrauterine development and habitation of the child is simply huge! Throughout the entire period - from the very beginning of pregnancy and up to the moment the baby is born - they perform a number of important functions:

• Metabolism: a significant part of the substances necessary for life enters the child's body just from the amniotic fluid. In return, the baby secretes waste products into amniotic fluid, which is excreted through the mother's excretory system.
• Mechanical protection: the fetal bladder and water protect the child from a wide variety of mechanical damage. They create a reliable "safety cushion". Also, amniotic fluid prevents squeezing of the umbilical cord and tissue fusion. In addition, the water makes possible the free active movement of the crumbs, which contributes to its intensive development.
• Sterility: amniotic fluid is always sterile and maintains a perfectly clean living environment. They protect the little one from penetration and exposure to infections. Interestingly, throughout pregnancy, the fetal fluid is updated every 3 hours, always maintaining the required chemical composition. And this process continues until their complete outpouring, when after the birth of a child, the so-called back waters flow out.
• Participation in childbirth: amniotic fluid plays an important role not only during gestation, but also directly in childbirth. Actually, from the outpouring of the so-called anterior waters, which are located in the lower part of the fetal bladder. They press their weight on, forcing her to open up. The waters maintain favorable conditions for the fetus during contractions, and when poured out, they wash the birth canal, which then makes it easier for the child to move along them.

Amniotic fluid analysis

Amniotic fluid contains a lot of important information about the condition and development of the fetus. The volume, composition, transparency, consistency, color of the amniotic fluid, which can be determined during laboratory tests, matter.

An analysis of the fetal waters can determine the blood type and gender of the child, warn of probable hereditary diseases, metabolic disorders, occurrence.

If you suspect the development of anomalies, pathologies and genetic disorders in the fetus, a pregnant woman is also recommended to do an amniocentesis to make sure that everything is fine with the baby.

The composition of the amniotic fluid informs about the degree of readiness of the baby for birth, when it becomes necessary to conduct an emergency birth, in particular, determines the stage of maturity of the respiratory system and lungs of the child.

The main pathologies of amniotic fluid

In order for the child to develop safely, the amniotic fluid must be present and maintained in a certain amount and condition. A change in its volume and chemical composition in some cases indicates violations and pathologies:

• Polyhydramnios. They say about when the volume of amniotic fluid exceeds 1.5 liters. Why this happens, doctors cannot find out exactly, but still they identify a number of probable causes: nephritis, cardiovascular diseases, intrauterine infections, Rh conflict. Most often, this pathology is found in the second and third trimesters. If polyhydramnios developed suddenly, then childbirth must be carried out urgently.
• Low water. Oligohydramnios is less common, but it is also dangerous for the fetus and negatively affects its development. Childbirth with oligohydramnios often occurs prematurely and passes with complications. With oligohydramnios, the volume of amniotic fluid does not exceed 500 ml. At the same time, the woman experiences constant pain in the abdomen, aggravated by, and the child's activity is reduced.
• Water leakage. The fetal bladder must maintain its integrity until the birth itself, otherwise, the baby will not be able to survive. The rupture of the fetal bladder and the outflow of amniotic fluid mark the onset of labor and ideally should occur in a timely manner. Premature discharge of water indicates an early onset of labor and should be a reason for urgent treatment to the hospital. You should also tell your doctor about water leakage immediately if you suspect it. In this case, the fetal bladder bursts in the upper lateral part, and amniotic fluid leaks from the hole in small portions.
• Green waters. Normally, fetal water is clear, like water. By the end of pregnancy, they may become a little cloudy and contain whitish flakes, because the baby “sheds”: fluffy lanugo hair and epidermal cells, as well as original lubricant, come off the skin. Such waters are normal and create a favorable habitat for the baby. But when the baby experiences a lack of oxygen (which doctors call fetal hypoxia), a reflex release of meconium from the rectum can occur. In this case, the waters turn green or brown and pose a certain danger to the crumbs.

Any of these conditions requires medical attention, so if you suspect any violations, you should contact your gynecologist. And for greater peace of mind - do not miss scheduled regular examinations and do not neglect referrals for examinations. I help control the state of amniotic fluid with ultrasound, CTG, blood tests for intrauterine infections, for Rh antibodies, for TORCH infections.

Specially for- Elena Kichak

Knowing that in the near future a woman will become a mother, she tries to minimize all existing risks that may be dangerous for the health and development of the baby in the womb. Unfortunately, not always everything depends solely on the woman herself.

The thing is that often the real threat is hidden in harmless situations. The most common of them is a slight leakage of water during pregnancy. As a rule, this problem is diagnosed untimely, which leads to very serious complications.

general information

The embryo inside the mother's womb develops for nine months in its own "world", which is actually a small fetal bladder (amnion). It is filled with a special nutrient substance. This is the so-called amniotic fluid (otherwise - amniotic fluid). They are constantly updated, thanks to which the most comfortable atmosphere for the baby is created inside the womb. In the case of a normal pregnancy, the amniotic membrane ruptures on its own at the first stage of labor, when the cervix begins to gradually open. However, very often the integrity of the bubble is broken much earlier. Leakage of water during pregnancy, according to experts, can occur even in the first trimester.

The role of amniotic fluid

1. Protection of the umbilical cord from compression between the walls of the vagina and the body of the child.
2. Providing immune protection.
3. Protection of the fetus from various kinds of mechanical influences.
4. Hermetic isolation from the influence of infections.
5. Thermoregulation.
6. Prevention of bleeding.

Nature has made sure that all the shells remain airtight until the baby is born. However, often due to some factors, the bladder itself bursts, which entails leakage of water during pregnancy.

Why does the rupture of the membranes occur?

1. Various infectious / inflammatory diseases in the genital area. Toxins secreted by bacteria consistently lead to thinning of the walls of the fetal bladder itself, microcracks appear. Quite often, pregnant women are unaware of the presence of this kind of ailment, but even the most common dysbacteriosis can cause this problem.
2. Bad habits. Women who smoke and abuse alcohol are several times more likely to be diagnosed with leakage of amniotic fluid.
3. Insufficiency of the cervix. In the case of this pathology, the cervix itself is not fully closed. After a while, the fetal bladder begins to protrude directly into the cervical canal. As a result, it can easily become infected and rupture even with little physical exertion.

Possible dangers

As noted above, the amniotic fluid plays the role of complex protection, that is, it protects the baby from most dangers. If it is not enough, very serious complications can occur. Below we list just a few of them.

1. Detachment of the placenta. In the absence of emergency hospitalization, the chance of saving the fetus is extremely low.
2. In the first trimester, amniotic fluid leakage can provoke intrauterine fetal death.
3. Fetal suffocation. In the future, due to a violation of metabolic processes in a child, ischemic encephalitis may occur.
4. Premature babies are very likely to develop distress syndrome. This problem occurs because the lungs are underdeveloped and do not produce surfactant.

Based on the foregoing, it becomes clear that seeking qualified help is simply necessary for such a problem as water leakage during pregnancy.

Symptoms

According to experts, it is easiest to diagnose the presence of pathology on the last
months. The thing is that by this time the volume of amniotic fluid is approximately 1.5 liters. In this case, leakage is difficult to miss, as the nature of the discharge from the vagina changes. They become more plentiful and even liquid in consistency, a woman begins to regularly feel moisture on her underwear.

To detect leakage of amniotic fluid in the early stages, a pregnant woman needs to carefully monitor the amount and appearance of vaginal discharge. It is important to note that amniotic fluid does not differ in color or characteristic odor.

At home, leakage of water during pregnancy can be detected by means of the most common fabric pad, which must be placed in underwear. If a wet, colorless spot regularly appears on it, this problem is most likely to occur. Ordinary sanitary napkins are not suitable for this at-home test, as they tend to absorb relatively quickly.

How to determine the leakage yourself?

Modern medicine does not stand still. Today, in almost every pharmacy, you can purchase a special test that will determine the presence or absence of this problem in a few minutes. Its cost is low, and a wide variety of brands allows you to buy the most suitable option. The amniotic fluid leak test usually consists of a test strip, a reagent bottle, and a swab. Initially, with the help of a tampon, discharge from the vagina is taken. Then it should be placed in a bottle and shaken a little. At the final stage, an indicator strip is lowered into it. Two lines indicate that there is a gap, one - there is no gap. If one of the strips has a faint pink tint, there is still a slight leak.

Standard diagnostic methods

1. Gynecological examination. In this case, the specialist asks the patient to cough to create pressure on the fetal bladder itself. In the event of a breakthrough, the doctor will be able to visually determine the presence of water in the vagina.
2. A special smear also helps to confirm the leakage of amniotic fluid during pregnancy. The doctor applies a sample of secretions to a glass slide. So, if it contains amniotic fluid, then later, during crystallization, it will create a special pattern on the glass that looks like a fern leaf.
3. Ultrasound procedure. This method allows you to determine the presence of a problem, but only in late pregnancy.
4. Injection of a safe dye during the amniocentesis procedure. The specialist introduces a safe dye into the amnion, which directly stains the amniotic fluid itself. Then, after about 30 minutes, a tampon is inserted into the vagina. If there is leakage of water during pregnancy, the signs will be visible immediately (the tampon will be stained). This method is one of the most informative, but not always safe for the fetus.

Management of pregnancy

Currently, there are two options for managing pregnant women with this
problem.

Pregnancy up to 37 weeks

In this case, they try to keep the pregnancy as long as possible. A woman is hospitalized on a mandatory basis and placed in a sterile maternity unit, where the condition of the fetus is constantly monitored. The future woman in labor is prescribed antibiotics and tocolytic drugs that prevent spontaneous contraction of the uterus. If the condition of the baby in the womb worsens, infection is observed, delivery is carried out urgently.

Pregnancy 37 weeks or more

If, for example, leakage of water was detected at a period of 39 weeks of pregnancy, then the woman is also hospitalized and observed. Stimulation of labor is recommended only if the condition of the fetus for some reason has deteriorated sharply.

Possible consequences

If the leakage of amniotic fluid occurred for a short time, then damage to the bladder can lead to infection of the baby and even his death. In the process of diagnostic examination in different trimesters, doctors without fail take a water analysis to determine the degree of maturity of the internal organs of the child. If their development is normal, and the baby can independently exist outside the uterus, doctors, as a rule, decide to stimulate labor. This measure is necessary to avoid subsequent infection of the fetus.

In addition, for the treatment of this problem, experts recommend bed rest and constant rest. The woman is given antibiotics to prevent the spread of the infection and other drugs whose main purpose is to stop labor if the fetus is not yet ready to be born.

Amniotic fluid is an active biological environment in which the future baby develops in the mother's body. This medium is also called amniotic fluid because it fills the amniotic sac, the membrane that surrounds the fetus. There is an opinion that the smell of amniotic fluid resembles the smell of mother's milk, and this is what helps the newly born baby to easily find the mother's breast.

Composition and volume of amniotic fluid

The volume of amniotic fluid directly depends on the gestational age of the baby's mother. For example, at the tenth week of pregnancy, the average volume is 30 ml, at the thirteenth to fourteenth week the volume is 100 ml, at the eighteenth week - 400 ml. The maximum volume of amniotic fluid is noted at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy: from 1000 ml to 1500 ml. That is, the rate of amniotic fluid should be judged, taking into account the duration of pregnancy. At the end of pregnancy, the volume of amniotic fluid may decrease and be approximately 800 ml.

Now let's figure out how amniotic fluid is updated. During the normal course of pregnancy, approximately 500 ml of amniotic fluid is exchanged in 1 hour. Absolute renewal of amniotic fluid occurs every three hours.

Amniotic fluid contains many components. Each component is important for the normal development of the fetus. The main component, of course, is water, which contains carbohydrate-containing substances, proteins, mineral salts, fats, hormones, enzymes, immunoglobulins.

But with the growth of the baby in the amniotic fluid, in addition to these components, fetal urine, epithelial skin cells, secretions of the sebaceous glands, and hair cells begin to appear. The concentration of components depends on the duration of pregnancy. But the quantity and quality of amniotic fluid can change for various reasons, which can lead to oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios.

In order to determine the volume of amniotic fluid, special calculations are made. The amniotic fluid index is calculated using ultrasound. According to the index of amniotic fluid, one can judge the amount of amniotic fluid.

amniotic fluid color

From the departed amniotic fluid, you can get a lot of information about the condition of the crumbs. Let's try to figure out what the color of amniotic fluid indicates.

Yellow amniotic fluid. If a woman has slightly cloudy or yellow amniotic fluid, then there is no cause for concern. This is the color they should be.

Yellow amniotic fluid with red streaks. If you notice red streaks in the receding waters, but you feel good about it and begin to feel contractions, then you have nothing to be afraid of. Basically, these veins indicate the opening of the cervix.

Dark brown amniotic fluid. Unfortunately, almost always this color indicates that the intrauterine death of the baby has occurred. In this case, you should already take care of saving the life of the mother.

Red color of amniotic fluid. This color warns of a serious danger, both for the child and for the mother. This color indicates that the mother or the baby has started bleeding, and the blood has entered directly into the amniotic fluid. This is a fairly rare case, but if one occurs, then you should immediately call an ambulance, and then take a horizontal position and not move.

Amniotic fluid green. In this case, the forecasts are disappointing, since this color means serious problems for the baby. Why amniotic fluid is green is easy to explain. Green color occurs if the volume of amniotic fluid was too small or intrauterine defecation occurred. Therefore, if you notice that the waters have a green tint, try to get to the hospital as soon as possible.

Meconium aspiration of amniotic fluid

Aspiration of amniotic fluid occurs when meconium enters the amniotic fluid. Meconium in the amniotic fluid is the baby's first stool when the baby has a bowel movement while still in the womb. It happens that during childbirth, the child swallowed amniotic fluid, along with which meconium got into his respiratory tract. Such cases are quite common, so you should not worry too much, because the newborn is given timely assistance and usually everything ends well.

Easy childbirth and healthy babies!