Leaking amniotic fluid is often experienced by pregnant women. However, quite a lot of women are not aware that they are experiencing this condition. In fact, leaking amniotic fluid that is allowed to continue can cause serious health problems, ranging from infection, miscarriage, to the death of the fetus in the womb.
Amniotic fluid is a protective fluid for the fetus that is in the uterus and amniotic sac during pregnancy. In addition to allowing the fetus to move freely in the uterus before birth, amniotic fluid also functions to support the development of fetal organs, and to maintain a stable temperature in the uterus so that the fetus feels comfortable.
Get to know the characteristics of the amniotic fluid leaking or leaking
During pregnancy, generally some pregnant women will discharge from the vagina which is more diverse and more numerous. That is why some pregnant women find it difficult to distinguish between leaking amniotic fluid, urine, or other vaginal fluids.
To distinguish them, pregnant women need to know the characteristics and differences between amniotic fluid and urine.
Amniotic fluid has a clear or yellowish color, often leaves white spots on underwear, but is odorless. Leaking amniotic fluid can also be accompanied by mucus or a little blood.
Meanwhile, urine has a characteristic odor, while other vaginal fluids, such as vaginal discharge, are usually white or yellowish in color and thick.
Normally, amniotic fluid will seep or come out of the vagina before delivery or when signs of labor have appeared when the gestational age is full term. The gestational age is declared to be quite a month, when it has reached 37-40 weeks.
If the amniotic fluid leaks before it’s time to give birth, especially if it occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, this condition can be dangerous. Pregnant women also need to be vigilant if the amniotic fluid that comes out of the vagina is fairly large and occurs continuously.
In addition, if the discharge is green or yellow-brown in color, has a thick texture, and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as feeling frequent urge to urinate, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, signs of fetal distress, or fever.
Leaking amniotic fluid accompanied by these symptoms can indicate an infection in the membranes, disturbances in the baby in the womb, or premature rupture of the membranes. If this happens, pregnant women need to immediately see a doctor for treatment.
Dangers of Amniotic Water Leaking
Amniotic fluid leaking in small amounts and not too often is considered normal. However, pregnant women still have to be vigilant. The reason is, if the leaking amniotic fluid is allowed to continue, the amount of amniotic fluid that protects the fetus will decrease.
The following are risks that can occur when pregnant women lose a lot of amniotic fluid in the first and second trimesters:
- Miscarriage
- Babies with birth defects
- Babies born prematurely
- infant death
Meanwhile, losing large amounts of amniotic fluid in the third trimester will make labor difficult. In conditions of lack of amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord can be pinched and wrapped around the baby’s neck, thereby reducing the flow of oxygen to the fetus. Excessive leakage of amniotic fluid can also increase the risk of needing a cesarean section.
Risk factors for leaking amniotic fluid
If the amniotic fluid leaks before delivery or occurs when the gestational age is full term, then this is normal. However, if the amniotic fluid leaks out prematurely, which is under 37 weeks of gestation, and is not accompanied by signs of labor, then this needs to be watched out for.
The following are some things that can increase the risk of pregnant women experiencing amniotic fluid leaking too early or premature rupture of the membranes:
- Have you ever had a medical procedure or surgery on the cervix?
- Pregnant with twins
- Have given birth prematurely in previous deliveries
- Suffering from infections, such as sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections
- Have a uterine deformity or a short cervix
- Vaginal bleeding in the second and third trimesters
In addition to the factors above, pregnant women are also at high risk of leaking or leaking amniotic fluid if they have an unhealthy lifestyle, such as consuming alcoholic beverages, smoking, rarely eating nutritious foods, and rarely exercising.
If pregnant women experience leaking amniotic fluid, be sure to tell your obstetrician when undergoing a pregnancy test. If the amount of amniotic fluid that leaks a lot and has the potential to threaten the pregnancy, the doctor may recommend that delivery be carried out immediately to prevent complications.
