Are the waters renewed during pregnancy. How to understand what kind of allocation. When to Be Careful

Most mothers, even after giving birth to a baby, do not know the word amnion at all. A given word has a lot to do with pregnancy. This term has been designated amniotic sac where the child actually grows and develops. It is in it that are provided excellent conditions For intrauterine life fetus. Like all organs, the fetal bladder performs certain tasks, and one of them is the development amniotic fluid, which fills the amnion cavity and performs a number of functions important for the fetus.

The value of the liquid is difficult to overestimate, it is she who forms the first and comfortable environment fetal habitat. It is always cozy and quiet here, besides, a stable temperature is provided, namely 37 degrees. The amniotic fluid also performs protective functions - it prevents penetration from outside world various microorganisms and other external influences of a negative nature on the fetus.

Amniotic fluid is released continuously, but unevenly. Its volume increases in proportion to the gestational age, reaching a maximum around 36 weeks, and averages 1000-1500 ml. The amount of fetal water is slightly reduced immediately before childbirth, this is due to the natural excretion of fluid from the mother's body.

Composition of amniotic fluid

Note that the composition of the amniotic fluid, like the amount, tends to change by different terms. The composition is very unstable and complex. In the composition of the fetal water - fats, proteins, hormones, carbohydrates, vitamins, enzymes, oxygen, trace elements, carbon dioxide, immunoglobulins, antigens and other substances.

Indicators amniotic fluid early and later dates pregnancy

Work products are sometimes found in the composition sebaceous glands, integuments of the skin, hair, substances from the blood of the mother. Amniotic fluid, fetus, mother's body - exchange of substances is constantly observed between them. The baby urinates into amniotic fluid, which is renewed every 3 hours, which maintains the composition necessary for the baby.

Functions of amniotic fluid

As mentioned above, in the intrauterine formation and habitation of a child, the role of amniotic fluid is simply enormous. Its importance is great throughout pregnancy, including the moment the baby is born. Amniotic fluid performs certain functions:

Metabolism. A significant part of the substances that ensure the normal functioning of the child's body comes from the amniotic fluid. The fetus, in turn, releases processed products into the amniotic fluid, which are excreted through the mother's excretory system.
Mechanical protection. The amniotic fluid, as well as the fetal bladder itself, serve to protect the child from all kinds of mechanical damage, creating a kind of reliable "airbag". Amniotic fluid, moreover, prevents tissue fusion and squeezing of the umbilical cord. In addition, it is the waters that provide active and free movement for the baby, which naturally has a positive effect on its development.
Sterility. There is no need to doubt the sterility of amniotic fluid - they are always sterile. In addition, they ideally maintain a clean living environment and serve as protection for the child from the effects and penetration of various infections. As noted above, every 3 hours the water is renewed, while the chemical composition is always preserved. This process continues until the moment of their complete outpouring, when the back waters flow out after the birth of the baby.

The importance of amniotic fluid is also great during childbirth. Actually, all childbirth begins with the outflow of the anterior waters located in the lower part of the fetal bladder. With their weight, they press on the mother's neck, which causes it to open. The amniotic fluid preserves and maintains favorable conditions for the fetus during contractions, washing the birth canal during the outflow, which only helps the baby to move easily through them.

Diagnostic value

Among other things, amniotic fluid carries a lot of important information concerning the condition and development of the fetus. Here, the composition, and volume, and consistency, and transparency, the color of the amniotic fluid, determined during laboratory tests.

When analyzing the fetal waters, it is always possible to determine the sex of the child and the blood type, to predict probable hereditary diseases, the occurrence of hypoxia, disorders metabolic processes. A woman is advised to perform an amniocentesis if she is suspected of developing anomalies, various pathologies, disorders in the fetus of a genetic nature. Having completed it, mommy will once again make sure that everything is in order with the baby. According to the composition of the amniotic fluid, it is realistic to determine the degree of readiness of the child for birth or emergency delivery. In particular, the stage of maturity of the child's lungs and respiratory system is determined.

Amniotic fluid pathologies

For the favorable development of the child in the womb, it is important that the amniotic fluid is always maintained in the required condition and quantity. Cases of changing it chemical composition and volumes indicate pathologies and disorders.

. It is considered polyhydramnios when there is an excess of amniotic fluid over 1.5 liters. Still exact definition why this happens does not exist, but some probable reasons do exist. These include: cardiovascular diseases, jade, intrauterine infections, diabetes, Rhesus conflict, multiple pregnancy, congenital malformations of the fetus.
As a rule, this pathology is inherent in the second and third trimesters. In case of sudden development of polyhydramnios, it is necessary to carry out emergency delivery.
. Less common, but just as dangerous to the fetus and noted Negative influence on general development. With oligohydramnios, childbirth for the most part occurs earlier than the designated date and with complications.
The volume of amniotic fluid with oligohydramnios is not more than 500 ml. At the same time, the woman has constant pain in the abdomen, which intensifies when the fetus moves, while there is a decrease in the activity of the child.
. It should be noted here that in order for the baby to survive, the fetal bladder must be complete, right up to the birth itself. The onset of labor marks the rupture of the fetal bladder and the further outflow of amniotic fluid, which should ideally occur in a timely manner. ABOUT early start childbirth says premature discharge of water, which should be a signal for immediate treatment to the hospital.
It would be reasonable for mommy, in case of certain suspicions, to immediately tell the doctor about the leakage of water. fetal bladder in similar cases it tears in the upper lateral part and the amniotic fluid leaks from the hole formed in small portions.
Leakage of amniotic fluid can be detected by a woman on her own, in home environment. To do this, she needs to go special test, and it consists in the following: a woman must first visit the toilet, then wash herself and dry herself dry, and then lie down on a dry and clean sheet. Wait 15 minutes. If during these minutes wet spots appear, you should call ambulance.
. It is considered normal when the fetal waters are transparent, like water. True, sometimes, by the end of pregnancy, their slight turbidity is noted. Whitish flakes are also found due to the “shedding” of the baby. The original lubrication, epidermal cells are washed off his skin, and lanugo fluffy hairs come off.
This phenomenon is considered normal. But in the event of a lack of oxygen, which experts formulate as fetal hypoxia, a reflex release of meconium from the rectum is possible. At the same time, the amniotic fluid changes color to green or brown and poses a real threat to the crumbs.

These states need medical care. Naturally, if you suspect any violation, you should visit your gynecologist. In order to be completely calm during pregnancy, you should not miss regular examinations by a gynecologist and do not ignore examinations.

Amniotic fluid becomes the natural habitat of the fetus for the entire period of its intrauterine development. IN normal conditions this biologically active liquid medium departs shortly before childbirth.

If there is different kind pathologies and diseases, amniotic fluid may leave earlier normal term. It is important to be able to timely establish the fact of amniotic fluid discharge and know how to behave in such situations.

Functions of amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid provides the vital activity of the fetus as a whole. Among their main functions are the following provisions:

1. Nutrition developing child. Amniotic fluid contains a number of nutrients, necessary for normal development fetus.

2. Maintaining the required pressure and temperature indicators at a stable level.

3. Protecting the child from adverse influences. Thanks to the amniotic fluid, the intensity of various external pressures, shocks, etc., decreases.

4. Protection from infectious processes.

5. Creation of conditions for the free movement of the baby.

6. Protection against excessive noise.

Normally, intrauterine fluids depart when a regular labor activity and some dilatation of the cervix.

Leakage of amniotic fluid during different periods of pregnancy

The sooner the water breaks, the more dangerous it is for the developing child.

Up to 20 weeks

The main reasons for the discharge of water on early stages pregnancies are:

infection of the fetus;
development inflammatory process- chorioamnionitis.

There is no single algorithm of actions for the discharge of water at this stage of pregnancy. In most cases, doctors recommend termination of pregnancy. If the child can be saved, with a high degree of probability he will be born with many pathologies, including:

blindness;
cerebral paralysis;
lack of hearing;
severe respiratory failure.

IN similar situations doctors prescribe a detailed examination, the results of which make a conclusion about the possibility of prolonging pregnancy and existing risks for the fetus.

At 25-27 weeks

It is also an unfavorable and very dangerous situation. The most common cause of water leakage during this period of pregnancy is urogenital infections.

There is no single algorithm of actions. In most situations, there is no need to think about a favorable outcome for the child. Such children, if they survive, grow up as severely disabled. The doctor informs parents about possible scenarios individually based on the results of the examination.

At 38-40 weeks

The situation is not as dangerous as in earlier dates, but also very unpleasant. Most often, expectant tactics are used to maintain pregnancy. The doctor's task is to set the maximum allowable waiting time and find the most safe way delivery.

Thus, the sooner the water begins to break, the higher the likelihood of complications.

Causes of water leakage

Early discharge of intrauterine water is associated with a variety of damaging factors that affect the body of the fetus and woman.

The most common cause is a urinary tract infection. Under its influence, many pathological changes occur.

Also, fluid leakage may be associated with:

inflammatory processes and infections in the uterus, vagina, cervix, and also the fetal bladder;
isthmic-cervical insufficiency;
failures hormonal background including hyperandrogenism. Because of it, many other pathologies can develop.

Risk factors for fetal fluid leakage

Leakage of amniotic fluid can be caused by various factors. Among the most common are the following:

Infectious diseases.
Injuries.
Much and little water.
Hormonal disruptions.
Careless sexual intercourse.
Falls and other external injuries of the abdomen.

What is dangerous leakage of amniotic fluid?

The main thing is to detect the problem in time and take measures to eliminate it.

The danger of fluid leakage directly depends on the period at which it happened. After 36 weeks, although this phenomenon is not considered normal, it does not pose an excessive danger to the child.

The main thing here is to detect the problem in time and take action. necessary measures. Usually, doctors simply artificially induce labor or use other methods of delivery.

If the patient goes to the hospital on time, and the cavity of her uterus, at the same time, is not infected, doctors try to prolong the pregnancy as much as possible, using the previously mentioned expectant tactics.

Much more dangerous is fluid leakage in the early stages, around 20-25 weeks. But even under such circumstances, this deviation is not a mandatory indicator for an immediate termination of pregnancy.

With timely seeking medical help, the use of tocolytic therapy, antibiotics and bed rest help to significantly improve the situation.

The problem is that many patients do not see a doctor in a timely manner when fluid leaks in the early stages. Usually they come to the hospital with already developed infections and other complications, and sometimes even with a dead fetus.

In such situations, the pregnancy is terminated, and the woman is prescribed a course of treatment.

Thus, even if the waters did not begin to depart during the established period, the possibility of maintaining the pregnancy is present.

The main thing is to detect the problem in time and take measures to eliminate it.

Symptoms and signs of leakage

It is quite difficult to independently determine the leakage of fluid. The main signs are the following:

an increase in the volume of fluid released from the vagina when changing the position of the body or making movements;
if there is a significant gap amniotic sac liquid begins to flow. A pregnant woman cannot hold back the flow even with strong tension in the pelvic muscles;
with a small rupture of the bubble, it is possible to confirm the leakage of water only by passing the appropriate tests. There are also home tests.

Check out available methods medical and self-determination of the presence of amniotic fluid leakage, described below.

Methods for detecting leakage of amniotic fluid

The expediency of using one or another medical method is determined by a specialist in accordance with the conditions of a particular situation.

Gynecological examination

An extremely uninformative, but still widely used method. During the examination, the doctor discovers a clear liquid in the area of the posterior fornix of the vagina. The patient is asked to cough. If the detected fluid is amniotic fluid, it will begin to leak from the cervical canal.

The main drawback is that with such an examination, amniotic fluid can be confused with sperm, urine, natural secretions and other liquids.

smear microscopy

Also not the most reliable method. A swab of fluid is taken and placed on a glass slide. When dried, the liquid crystallizes and a pattern is created on the glass that resembles fern leaves.

The main disadvantage is similar drawing manifested in the presence of impurities of sperm in the smear.

Aminotest

Used most frequently. Considered one of the most effective methods determination of rupture of the amniotic membranes.

A puncture is made on the surface of the patient's abdomen to inject a solution of indigo carmine. Half an hour later, a cotton swab is inserted into the vagina. If it stains, there is leakage.

The method is accurate, but expensive and painful. The main disadvantage is the possibility of infection, bleeding and other problems that can affect the normal course of pregnancy and even lead to its termination. Severe complications occur in about 1 in 250-300 cases.

Cytological examination

One of the most simple methods diagnostics. A swab is taken from the region of the posterior fornix of the vagina. If the integrity of the amniotic membranes is violated, water elements will be detected in the smear.

There are ways to detect leakage of intrauterine water on your own.

Dry sheet test

The simplest and most common test. Allows you to distinguish amniotic fluid from simple secretions, the volume of which increases closer to the end of pregnancy.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

the pregnant woman goes to the toilet;
is washed and wiped;
lies on a dry sheet (a diaper or a piece of other clean and dry cloth is also suitable);
waiting for about 15 minutes.

If during the specified time wet marks appear on the sheet, there is water leakage.

In such a situation, you must immediately call an ambulance.

FRAUTEST amnio

A modern method of home determination of intrauterine water leakage. With this test, intrauterine fluids can be distinguished from urine and vaginal discharge.

The test is equipped with a special yellow colorimetric indicator. When interacting with a high pH environment, the indicator becomes green-bluish. Under normal conditions, the pH of the vagina does not exceed 4.5. A similar indicator for amniotic fluid is about 7. The indicator changes color when in contact with liquids whose pH exceeds 5.5.

The test was found to be fairly accurate. At the same time, it is extremely easy to use. The check is performed as follows:

1. The test is removed from the foil bag. It is important that your hands are clean and dry.

2. The gasket is glued to underwear so that the yellow indicator is located opposite the entrance to the vagina. The test can be left on for 12 hours, just like a regular pad. It can also be removed earlier, at the first sensation of water leakage.

3. After the appearance of a feeling of leakage or after 12 hours, the test is removed from the underwear.

4. The color of the indicator is checked. If it changed to bluish green need to seek medical help.

The test is not only easy to use and accurate, but also relatively inexpensive. The average cost is about 350-400 rubles. The tool is popular, so you can buy it in almost every pharmacy.

How to distinguish intrauterine water from urine and secretions

Often, pregnant women mistakenly identify fluid leakage, confusing it with urine and simple vaginal discharge, the volume of which can increase significantly closer to the end of pregnancy.

Methods for self-determination of leakage were given in the previous section. In general, it is extremely difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from vaginal discharge and urine without medical help. Therefore, if you suspect a problem in question, immediately contact the hospital and follow the doctor's instructions.

What to do if premature leakage of fetal water is detected?

The outflow of liquid indicates damage to the fruit membranes. This, as already noted, can lead to extremely adverse consequences.

If the problem is found at home, you should immediately consult a doctor, or even better, call an ambulance.

If a problem is detected by a doctor, he will prescribe treatment and give recommendations in accordance with the characteristics of a particular situation.

Treatment of leakage of fetal water

The order of treatment is appointed in accordance with the term and the characteristics of the situation.

Pregnancies lasting less than 20-22 weeks cannot be saved in most situations.

If the fluid began to drain after 20-22 weeks, doctors make every effort to maintain the pregnancy. The main method, as noted, is it's a waiting tactic. It is aimed at prolonging pregnancy so that the child gets the maximum chance of being born full-term and healthy.

To prevent premature birth, doctors usually prescribe tocolytics for the patient.

The volume and quality of the released waters are checked regularly. Every four hours the nurse changes the diaper. With a frequency of 5 days, sowing of vaginal discharge is done. The condition of the fetus is checked using cardiotocography.

If the problem appeared before 34 weeks of pregnancy, additional glucocorticoids may be prescribed. They are used to prevent the development distress syndrome The child has.

If it was not possible to prevent the occurrence of chorianamnionitis, or if a deterioration in the condition of the fetus was detected, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. There will also be a choice of the method of delivery that is appropriate in a particular situation.

In case of fluid discharge during a full-term pregnancy with no contractions, the doctor may prescribe labor induction or recommend expectant management until natural childbirth. The most common stimulation is oxytocin. It allows the pregnant woman to go into labor faster.

Prevention of leakage of amniotic fluid

To prevent premature effusion amniotic fluid doctors recommend:

eliminate any foci of infection. These include diseases of the genitourinary system, pyelonephritis, dental diseases, tonsillitis and other problems;
treat in a timely manner isthmic-cervical failure;
take measures to eliminate the risk of abortion. For this, the pregnant woman is prescribed conserving therapy.

In any case, if there is a suspicion of water leakage, you should immediately seek medical help.

The sooner you do this, the greater the chances of maintaining the pregnancy and the birth of a full-term baby.

Amniotic fluid allows the baby to provide reliable protection from injuries, injuries throughout pregnancy. However, how to understand that the waters have broken and how much is considered normal?

How do you know if the waters are breaking?

The girls are worried that it could be that she did not notice how the waters broke. In fact, such experiences are not justified, because it is simply impossible not to notice such a process. The waters can depart both before contractions and after they begin, everything is individual here and is within the normal range. Also, if you are wondering how to know that the waters have broken, you should be aware of two possible scenarios.

In the first case, the water of a woman arriving at interesting position, can depart little by little, gradually, as if leaking. This happens if the membrane of the fetal bladder is torn from the side or from above. In the second case, the waters can leave in a large volume and all at once, about a glass of liquid, so in this case you don’t have to wonder how to understand that the waters are leaving, this cannot be overlooked or missed.

Normally, amniotic fluid should be light in color., even rather colorless, are often slightly cloudy, but do not have an unpleasant or pronounced odor. If you are worried that you may confuse them with urine or secretions, then we give you a few tips. Urine has Strong smell and a specific color, you can delay urination, but not the discharge of water. Also with vaginal discharge: they are not so abundant, they have an acidic environment and their own smell. The waters have an alkaline environment, which can always be checked with litmus paper.

After the water breaks in a pregnant woman, contractions can begin immediately, or maybe after a few hours. It is possible that you will wait for them only by the end of the day. Don't worry - this is normal. Try to apply natural ways labor stimulation: go for a walk, be active, do intense tummy stroking and nipple massage.

Methods of influence

Can water break? Yes, it happens. There are times when contractions have already begun a long time ago, but the water still does not depart. In this case, you should also not panic, but you need to go to the hospital. After examining the woman in labor by a doctor, he can give more time for the water to break naturally or rupture the amniotic sac. The second option will be able to bring closer the beginning of the approach of attempts and, as a result, childbirth. As you can see, there is nothing wrong with the fact that contractions began, but the water did not break. The most important thing in this situation is not to panic and consult a doctor in time.

amniotic fluid color

What should be the color of the amniotic fluid (what color does the water leave)? Normally, they should be transparent, odorless, but it happens that their color changes., what does it mean? Yellow water does not portend danger - here the only thing that needs to be done is to go to the hospital in the next 2-3 hours. If the water - in a red speck at good health women - this indicates the opening of the cervix, and the same is not dangerous.

The green color of the waters means that you can’t relax. Gray-green and greenish shades can be due to two reasons: fetal defecation or insufficient amniotic fluid. In this case, it is necessary to go to the hospital without hesitation and as soon as possible, since the baby may experience serious oxygen starvation. In addition, meconium (a bowel product) swallowed by the baby, once in the lungs, can cause the development of pulmonitis or pneumonia in the newborn.

Dark brown is the color of unhappiness. And this indicates the intrauterine death of the fetus, in this case, the fetus should be removed as soon as possible, because it long stay can cause the death of matter.

The red color of the waters is also dangerous, it can indicate the presence of internal bleeding in the fetus or woman. At the slightest suspicion, it is urgent to call an ambulance, take a horizontal position and not move.

Amount of amniotic fluid

So, how much water leaves? Let's try to figure this out. The volume of amniotic fluid directly depends on the gestational age. At the same time, they can increase completely disproportionately. At the tenth week of pregnancy, the total volume of amniotic fluid averages 30 milliliters, closer to the 13-14th week of pregnancy it increases by about three times, now its volume is 90-100 milliliters, and by the 18-19th week of pregnancy this figure increases by four times and is 400 milliliters.

The volume of amniotic fluid reaches its maximum at about 37-38 weeks of gestation, at this stage the figure can be 1-1.5 liters, but immediately before the onset of childbirth, the volume of water can decrease and range from 800 milliliters to one liter. In the event that a woman continues to prolong pregnancy, then gradually the amount of amniotic fluid will decrease, thereby threatening the health of the baby.

Further actions

If the waters broke when the woman was at home, then it is necessary to call an ambulance so that she can take her to the hospital, no matter how pregnant she is. In the event that the discharge of amniotic fluid occurs at an early stage of pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, since the sooner you can turn to specialists for help, the more likely it is to keep the pregnancy and endure healthy child without pathologies.

In the event that you notice that the discharge of water has occurred in due date, and the approximate date of delivery set by your attending physician is one of these days, this indicates that childbirth will begin in the next six to twelve hours. At the very least, doctors will make every effort to make this happen, since it is this period of time after the discharge of the waters that is considered to be optimal for both the newborn and the woman in labor.

Problems

During childbirth, the amniotic sac ruptures and water flows out, this is called "water discharge". Such a moment can happen before the start of contractions, and after the opening of the cervix. After the rupture of the amniotic sac, the child no longer has protection against possible infections , therefore, childbirth should occur no later than a day after its rupture. During childbirth, the general discharge of water is extremely important indicator. If the waters have broken a few weeks or days before the birth, then the woman must be hospitalized, and she must also adhere to strict bed rest to reduce their retreat.

The volume of fluid directly depends on the position of the fetus during childbirth. If it is turned to the small pelvis with the head, then the discharge of water will be small. But this can be a serious problem, as the large amount of amniotic fluid left behind can cause the uterus to rupture. Therefore, if the cervix is open, then the fetal bladder is opened, since it can not only harm the woman in labor, but also prevent the baby from leaving. It should be especially emphasized that all the procedures carried out should be carried out only with control over the condition of the baby, since it is important not only to take delivery, but also that the baby is healthy.

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 membranes is the production of a fluid called amniotic. 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 cozy) and protected (water prevents the entry of microorganisms from the outside world, as well as any other negative impacts to 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.

Composition of amniotic fluid

On different stages The development of the baby changes not only the quantity, but also the composition of the amniotic fluid. It is also unstable and quite complex. Fetal waters contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, hormones, enzymes, vitamins, microelements, carbon dioxide, oxygen, immunoglobulins, 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 also 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.

Functions of amniotic fluid

The role of amniotic fluid in intrauterine development and the baby's habitat is simply awesome! 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 children'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 baby from a 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 waters make possible the free active movement crumbs, which contributes to its intensive development.
Sterility: The 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 performs important role not only during gestation, but also directly in childbirth. Actually, childbirth begins with the outpouring of the so-called anterior waters, which are located in the lower part of the fetal bladder. They press their weight on the cervix causing it to open. 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.
Diagnostic value

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, and the occurrence of hypoxia.

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.

Amniotic fluid pathologies

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 polyhydramnios when the volume of amniotic fluid exceeds 1.5 liters. Why this happens, doctors cannot find out exactly, but still they distinguish a number probable causes Key words: nephritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, intrauterine infections, birth defects fetus, multiple pregnancy, Rhesus 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 ahead of time and pass 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 the movement of the fetus, 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.

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 cozy) 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).

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 group. 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

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

The main pathologies of amniotic fluid

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.

Especially for- Elena Kichak