How to check whether the water has broken or not. Pouring of water before childbirth. Video. Premature rupture of fetal fluid

Amniotic fluid is a substance that normally has no color and pungent odor. 97% is water, which includes a variety of nutrients: proteins, mineral salts. also in amniotic fluid ah, on closer examination, you can find skin cells, hair and alkaloids. In addition, the smell of the liquid, according to scientists, resembles the smell of mother's milk. That is why, immediately after childbirth, it reaches for the mother's breast.

The passage of amniotic fluid is one of the sure signs that generic activity already started. However, it is not uncommon for the waters to break even earlier. And it is very important not to miss this moment, because the fetus can only live 12 hours without them.

If there are any problems with the fetus, the waters may turn green or even Brown color. If future mother sees the leakage of dark waters, you need to immediately call ambulance.

What does waste water look like?

Normally, if everything is in order with the woman in labor and the child, the waters look like ordinary water. Very often women initial stage childbirth is sent to the shower to make it easier, so they may not notice that their water has broken, because. against the general background, they will be completely invisible. In some cases, after the water breaks, a woman may feel uterine contractions, which signal that labor has entered a new phase.

However, it often happens that the water begins to leak long before the onset of childbirth - sometimes even 2-. In this case, you need to carefully monitor the amount that comes out. So, for example, it is believed that normally it can be natural secretions about one tablespoon of liquid. Sometimes pregnant women even confuse it with urinary incontinence. Such a loss of amniotic fluid is quite natural and does not cause any harm to the child, especially since the water is being restored.

On average, the amount of amniotic fluid for childbirth is 1.0-1.5 liters. It is difficult to overestimate their role: they contribute to normal development fetus, protecting it from squeezing by the walls of the uterus and from external physical influences.

If there are more than three months before the birth, and the amount of leaking amniotic fluid exceeds the norm, then you need to urgently consult a doctor. The ideal option is to call an ambulance. Exceeding the norm may indicate the onset of premature birth.

How to calm yourself

If you are worried that your water is leaking, do not sit at home and be afraid. You have two options. The first is to go to the doctor for a consultation. The gynecologist will carry out all the necessary manipulations and understand whether it is water. If you are suspicious, and it seems to you that your water is constantly leaking, naturally, you don’t run to the doctor. In order not to torment yourself once again, it is enough to go to the pharmacy and buy a special test. Outwardly, it is quite similar to what is done at the very beginning of pregnancy. This test quite accurately determines the leakage of water and allows the expectant mother to gain peace and confidence that everything is going fine and nothing threatens the health of her baby.

Amniotic fluid is the fluid in which the baby is throughout pregnancy. Normally, the breakthrough of the fetal bladder and the outflow of water occurs at the end of pregnancy and is the beginning of childbirth. But there are times when water begins to leak much earlier.

Leakage is most often associated with thinning of the fetal bladder and its anguish. If the resulting hole is small, the expectant mother may not pay attention to the symptoms of leakage. Liquid droplets are mistaken for natural discharge, which increases during pregnancy, or mild urinary incontinence.

How to identify water leakage

If you notice that the laundry gets wet, and the usual discharge has dramatically changed its character and become more watery, this is a reason to be wary. Amniotic fluid is colorless and odorless, making it easy to distinguish from urine.

Women's discharge is permanent. Water leakage increases during exercise. To distinguish the first phenomenon from the second, you can conduct a small test. Take off your underwear, put on a diaper or sheet, and sit on it. Sit in a relaxed state for half an hour to an hour, then check the fabric for dampness. Put on clean underwear, walk around, do some light exercise, laugh at a comedy or cough. Then check the result. If the diaper remains dry in a calm state, and the laundry gets wet, most likely water is leaking.

To determine the leak for sure, purchase a special test at the pharmacy for this purpose. He is paper strip impregnated with a special compound. The test must be soaked in the secreted liquid and compared with the result indicated on the package.

Water leakage on later dates pregnancies often occur in a larger volume. You can distinguish it from incontinence using the usual panty liners. Amniotic fluid is colorless and odorless.

Danger of water leakage

The amniotic fluid and bladder reliably protect the baby from infections and injuries. Leakage of water indicates a rupture of the membranes of the bladder, as a result of which there is a risk of penetration of harmful bacteria and viruses into it. Ultimately, this can result in infection of the fetus, and in severe cases, its death.

Leakage of water towards the end of pregnancy is not as bad as at the beginning. If the baby is fully formed, doctors may prescribe labor induction. On early dates the pregnant woman is hospitalized in a hospital and they try to maintain the integrity of the bladder as long as possible. In parallel with this, antibiotic therapy is prescribed to avoid infection of the fetus.

Toward the end of pregnancy, most women, especially expecting their first child, begin to worry upcoming birth, including the discharge of amniotic fluid. There are many doubts: what to do in such a situation, how not to miss the moment when the waters break, how not to confuse them with ordinary ones, and many others.

The moment of discharge of amniotic fluid

remember You should know that the discharge of amniotic fluid can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but optimally, of course, if this happens no earlier than at 38 weeks, because at that time the child is already fully ripe for birth.

Depending on the presence of labor and the degree of cervical dilatation rupture of amniotic fluid occurs:

1. Premature effusion : occurs before the onset of labor, i.e. The water has broken, but there are no contractions. This option is the most undesirable, but it occurs in approximately one in ten pregnant women;
2. Early outpouring. With this option, the water leaves when regular labor is already present, but is less than 4 cm;
3. Timely outpouring: occurs in the first stage of labor with regular contractions and cervical dilatation of more than 4 cm;
4. belated outpouring: rupture of the fetal bladder occurs for some time after the full disclosure of the cervix.

Premature and early discharge of amniotic fluid is considered a complication, because. in the absence of a fetal bladder, the child is not protected from the effects of various infectious agents. As a result, with a long anhydrous period, infection of the fetus and internal genital organs is possible, especially if a woman suffered inflammatory diseases of the vagina, cervix, and external genital organs during pregnancy. For this reason, for the prevention of infectious complications, 6-8 hours after the rupture of the fetal bladder, a woman begins to administer antibacterial drugs that do not have a negative effect on the child (ampicillin, oxacillin).

How amniotic fluid drains

How to understand that the waters have broken? This question is asked by many women, afraid to miss this moment. To accurately recognize the situation, it is necessary to know the symptoms of an outpouring of amniotic fluid well.

Amount of amniotic fluid

The question of the volume of liquid is quite complicated, because water breaks in pregnant women in different ways.

If there is a complete rupture of the fetal bladder, then a sufficiently large amount of fluid leaves at the same time (most often about 150-250 ml), so this option is quite difficult to miss. Most often, the outpouring occurs at night in a dream, and the woman does not experience any sensations, just waking up in a wet bed. If the pregnant woman is awake, then she may notice a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and a sensation of "popping" or "tearing inside" at the time of the discharge of water.

If the rupture of the fetal bladder occurred high and there is only a small hole, then the water can flow out in small drops for a long time. In this case, a woman can really get confused, because. similar secretions can often be attributed to copious leucorrhoea or urinary incontinence. However, even a slight leak of amniotic fluid is dangerous for the baby, so if you have any suspicions, you should consult a doctor to check the presence or absence of amniotic fluid. In addition, you can check this yourself with the help of special pharmacy tests.

Color and odor of amniotic fluid

Normally, amniotic fluid is clear with a small amount of impurities and has a slightly sweet smell. If the spilled liquid has a greenish, brown or black color, then this indicates the presence of meconium in it, which the fetus secretes during oxygen deficiency. If before childbirth the water leaves with blood impurities, this is extremely dangerous sign and requires immediate hospitalization women in the maternity ward.

What to do if the waters broke

important If a woman's water has broken, the main thing she should do is quickly pack up and go to the maternity hospital. In no case should you stay at home and wait for the start of contractions.

As mentioned above, the anhydrous gap is dangerous for the child, and labor activity may not begin immediately after the rupture of the fetal bladder. When the waters have not completely departed, but only their leakage is present, the woman may not give birth long time. In this case, when the patient is in the maternity hospital, doctors will begin to stimulate labor, which will help reduce the anhydrous gap.

In addition, after the discharge of the amniotic fluid, the woman must be examined on the gynecological chair.

dangerous The fact is that along with the waters, the umbilical cord can prolapse, which is extremely dangerous: when it is compressed, asphyxia and fetal death quickly occur. If the doctor fails to set the umbilical cord back, then the woman is urgently C-section.

It is also possible for small parts of the fetus (arms, legs) to fall out, which will lead to disruption of labor and the impossibility of inserting the presenting part of the fetus into the pelvic cavity.

A pregnant woman, all the more, should be urgently hospitalized with "bad" amniotic fluid with the presence of impurities in them.

No contractions after amniotic fluid discharge

As a rule, labor activity begins within 3-4 hours after the discharge of amniotic fluid. If contractions do not start, then the question is raised about the beginning of labor stimulation.

The time issue in this situation is widely discussed and becomes a subject of dispute among various specialists. For example, in many European countries choose a wait method: artificial stimulation begins only a day after the rupture of the fetal bladder. In Russia, 12 hours of the absence of labor is considered the deadline, but at the same time, many obstetrician-gynecologists try not to wait so long due to high risk infection of the child and begin to conduct stimulation earlier.

Most women, of course, strive for the natural course of childbirth without the use of various medicines, however, it should be understood that in such a situation one should not argue with a specialist. Waiting can be dangerous and sometimes lead to disastrous consequences.

The outpouring of amniotic fluid is one of the signs of childbirth, their active period or early start contractions. It is important to understand in time that this happened, and apply for medical care, especially when premature pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid begins to form already on the sixth or eighth day of the life of the embryo. In the first two trimesters, their number is rapidly increasing. They protect the baby from external influences: microbes, loud sounds, and absorb the movements of the mother. Their effusion is a signal of the onset of labor or a serious complication of pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid and its functionality

amniotic fluid - amniotic fluid around the fruit, which consists mainly of water. The composition is completely renewed every three to six hours: the amniotic fluid is absorbed by the placenta, swallowed by the fetus, in parallel with this, it is excreted by the lungs, digestive and urinary systems of the fetus, and part of the fluid comes from the bloodstream of the placenta.

Amniotic fluid includes:

• proteins;
• fats;
• carbohydrates;
• vitamins and minerals;
• biologically active substances;
• hormones;
• fetal epithelial cells;
• baby fluff hairs and other products of his life.

Amniotic fluid performs a number of important functions in the process of gestation. They serve as a kind of "airbag", while giving the opportunity to actively move. In addition, they serve as an element of nutrition for the baby - he swallows the liquid, taking useful elements from it. By creating a layer between the fetus and the environment, the amniotic fluid protects the baby from fluctuations in the temperature of the external environment. a huge role play amniotic fluid during labor.

• Create a wedge. After the onset of contractions, the fetal bladder "falls" into the cervical canal and creates additional pressure on the cervix, stimulating its further opening. At the same time, the action is relaxed, soft, as a result of this, the contractions are less painful and the woman tolerates them more easily. This effect is especially important up to 4-5 cm of the opening of the cervix. After that, the fetal bladder usually opens on its own.
• Stimulate contractions. After the waters are poured out, the volume in the uterine cavity is sharply reduced. This leads to her involuntary contraction. If there were no contractions, they gradually begin, and if they already were, they intensify several times.
• Protect against complications. A whole fetal bladder protects the umbilical cord loops and small parts of the fetal body (handles, legs) from falling out. Therefore, immediately after the outflow of water, it is important to conduct a vaginal examination and make sure that there are no such complications. If the umbilical cord, arm or leg of the baby is found, an emergency caesarean section is performed. Also, a whole fetal bladder mechanically protects the baby from pathogenic bacteria. So the longer anhydrous period, the higher the risk of infectious postpartum complications in mother and child.

Possible outflow scenarios

• Water breaks but no contractions. This is one of the unfavorable options for the onset of labor. Depending on the time of the waterless period, an early gap is distinguished (labor activity begins soon or there are already small contractions) and premature rupture(before any fights start). In the latter case, the anhydrous period is determined in hours, sometimes it can reach up to a month or more. Depending on the gestational age, in which the water began to leak, a woman's management tactics is being built. This can be both immediate delivery and prolongation of pregnancy for a day or two or more.
• There are contractions, but no water yet. This is a more prosperous combination, especially if labor activity begins at full-term pregnancy. This option is considered a classic, the fetal bladder performs all its functions - a “wedge”, protection, a stimulant of contractions and pain relief. A belated rupture is a case where the baby is said to be "born in a shirt", in a whole amniotic sac. It is important to immediately break the walls of the bubble, otherwise the baby will not be able to take the first breath.
• Contractions and water - at the same time. This option is also possible. Most likely, there were uterine contractions even before the waters broke, but the woman practically did not feel them. In this case, there are often rapid births - a woman usually says that she "did not have time to arrive at the maternity hospital and immediately gave birth."

It should be

Normally, the waters depart in accordance with the following criteria.

• After 37 weeks. In principle, any options for the discharge of amniotic fluid during a full-term pregnancy are considered a variant of the norm. After all, each woman's body is individual, so variations are possible. If the integrity of the fetal bladder is violated before this period, this is clear evidence of some kind of pathological process. Most often, such complications occur with infection, uterine fibroids.
• With or without contractions. If the waters poured out after 37 weeks, even in the absence of labor, this is considered a variant of the norm. As a rule, expectant tactics are carried out - for six to eight hours the woman and the fetus are observed, CTG is performed (it helps to assess the condition of the fetus). During this period, in 90% of cases, contractions begin.
• Light color. Normally, amniotic fluid should be clear, with a slight white tint. They may contain scales of the epithelium, which looks like a small suspension. Any deviation is a sign of some pathological processes. The presence of a mucous plug in the waters is allowed.
• Without smell . Amniotic fluid is normally odorless, let's say a slight sour tint.
• moderate amount. At the end of pregnancy, the volume of amniotic fluid is approximately 500 ml. They are divided into two portions - anterior and posterior. The first pour out immediately, and the second - only after the birth of the baby.
• Leaking all the time. As soon as at least a little they appeared in the secretions, they will leak all the time - this is the norm. Usually at first there are few of them, then there is a sharp increase (the main amount comes out), after which again a little bit. An exception is a high rupture (tear) of the bubble, when, after the initial appearance, there may be no more water for several days later.

Characteristic features

There are casuistic cases when expectant mothers do not pay attention to vaginal discharge and miss the moment of outpouring. But usually these changes are hard to miss. Recommendations are as follows.

• Put a lining. If there is any doubt about the nature of the discharge, a white cloth lining should be used instead of a pad. So both the amount and color of the discharge will be more clearly visible.
• Assess volume. When amniotic fluid leaks, it is “not a teaspoon”, but a glass and more.
• Make a test. There are special test strips for the presence of amniotic fluid in the secretions, they can be freely purchased at pharmacies.

As can be seen from the table, when amniotic fluid is poured out, it is easy to distinguish them from standard vaginal discharge.

Table - Differences of amniotic fluid from whites and mucous plugs

There are special laboratory methods to determine whether the water has broken. But in most cases, a simple examination is enough for a doctor to understand this. And in addition, ultrasound shows if there is still fluid around the fetus.

Something is going wrong

According to when and how the waters leave, what color they have, the smell can be judged by the state of the child in utero. It is very important, pathological waters- a sign of fetal suffering, often to save the baby, it is necessary to urgently perform a caesarean section, otherwise negative consequences can't be avoided.

• Up to 37 weeks. The appearance of amniotic fluid before full-term pregnancy threatens premature birth. If amniotic fluid is shed before 22 weeks, a late miscarriage occurs.
• yellow or green. This color - direct evidence fetal hypoxia, most often due to intrauterine infection. The most dangerous conditions are when impurities of meconium (feces of a child) are found in the waters, or they are a fetid green turbidity. A delay in minutes can cost a child's life.
• WITH bad smell . The sensation of a putrid odor is a sign of infection of the membranes, waters and the fetus itself.
• Very much or little. It is observed with polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios, respectively. States can be invoked different reasons- from intrauterine infection to malformations of the child and Rhesus conflict.

Reasons for an early start

Often you have to deal with early and premature rupture of amniotic fluid. There are always hidden conditions and diseases behind this. Of particular danger is the leakage of amniotic fluid during premature pregnancy. Most often the reasons are as follows:

• genital infections;
• acute infections (for example, SARS, influenza, pyelonephritis);
• uterine fibroids;
• polyhydramnios;
• thrombophilia in a woman;
• fetal pathology;
• multiple pregnancy.

Consequences for the baby

The impact of untimely rupture of amniotic fluid on the baby is ambiguous, much depends on the duration of pregnancy, concomitant pathologies and diseases in the mother and fetus. The risks of negative consequences in full-term pregnancy are significantly lower than in similar situations up to 37 weeks. Increasing the hours your baby spends in the womb without water increases the chance following complications for him:

• infection - hence the development of pneumonia, conjunctivitis;
• hypoxia - this entails changes in the structures of the brain and hemorrhages in them.

The correct behavior of a woman

Women often panic if they find amniotic fluid leaking, especially in preterm pregnancies. This only aggravates the situation and increases the time before seeking medical help. If a leak is suspected or obvious, the following should be done:

• if the allocation is low- observe for an hour or two (perhaps it is leucorrhoea, which often happens after laying candles or against the background of a pessary);
• if there are many discharges- go to the hospital as soon as possible.

When transporting, it is better to lie on your left side, while the contractions begin at the same time - breathe correctly.

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The discharge of amniotic fluid is one of the essential signs of an approaching birth, so every pregnant woman should determine the beginning of this responsible process in a timely manner. Especially if this is the first pregnancy and expectant mother to experience these sensations for the first time.

Amniotic fluid is a biologically active environment that means a lot for safety and proper development baby. The volume of fluid increases gradually and by the time of delivery reaches 1.5 liters. Before the fetus begins to move through the birth canal, the bubble of water bursts and pours out. For a woman, this is a “bell” that it is time to take bags and go to the hospital. When the birth comes, it depends only on individual features organism. The baby can be born both in a few hours and the next day.

How does the water leave?

Normally, the outpouring of water should occur after the opening of the cervix and the onset of contractions. But for many women, this happens suddenly, without any prerequisites and pain. The only thing that a pregnant woman experiences is the feeling that a huge stream of liquid has gushed out of her. Water leaves both immediately and in several stages: first, most of it is about 1 liter, after some time the rest is 200-500 ml. During the bursting of the bubble, a characteristic sound may appear, similar to popping or crackling. Most often, amniotic fluid departs at night with a sharp muscle tension or a change in body position.

What does amniotic fluid look like?

You can recognize amniotic fluid by its slightly sweet smell and liquid consistency. Amniotic fluid is clear, sometimes it may contain all sorts of mucus impurities.

Amniotic fluid color:

• Yellow - is considered the norm and should not cause concern.
• Red - very alarm signal indicating bleeding in a woman or baby. With an outpouring of red amniotic fluid, a woman is forbidden to move. Accept vertical position call an ambulance and wait for it to arrive.
• Green - not the norm, often indicates a possible oxygen starvation of the fetus.
• Brown - the darker amniotic fluid, the greater the threat to the life of the fetus.

Premature discharge of amniotic fluid

The outflow of amniotic fluid can occur long before contractions, and this is very dangerous for the unborn baby. In no case should you wait for anything - you need to urgently call an ambulance, explain the situation and wait for the arrival of specialists. While the ambulance is on the way, prepare your bags and get dressed, because you will definitely be taken to the hospital.

Premature discharge of amniotic fluid can occur not only due to impending childbirth, but also as a result of falls, bumps, physical exertion, and emotional shock.

Such a discharge of amniotic fluid is dangerous by infection of the fetus and a violation of its diet. If additionally observed breech presentation or entanglement with the umbilical cord, increases the risk of developing oxygen starvation and development serious pathologies. Therefore, the task of doctors is to carry out as soon as possible emergency delivery and save a child's life.

Do waters always break before childbirth?

Many pregnant women are sure that the waters break first, and then the birth itself begins. But there are many cases when the bubble cannot burst on its own, and it is pierced already in the prenatal room. There are no nerve endings in the membrane that protects the amniotic fluid, so this procedure absolutely safe and painless.

Leakage of amniotic fluid

Often in pregnant women in the last stages there is a small separation of amniotic fluid. It is not always possible for a woman to understand that this is amniotic fluid, and not ordinary discharge. This can have a very negative effect on the health of the fetus, so if you have any doubts, be sure to contact your doctor. In pharmacies you can find special tests, allowing you to determine the likelihood of leakage of amniotic fluid yourself.

Every woman who is in an “interesting” position understands perfectly well that with the approach of childbirth, the likelihood of sudden discharge of amniotic fluid.

Inexperienced future moms listen to the slightest change in their body, afraid to miss this one. important point.

They are even more concerned about the question of what to do when the water has broken during pregnancy.

Do broken waters always signal the onset of labor Or you can safely wait until the appointed time?

How do you know if the water has broken?

The baby throughout pregnancy grows and develops in a special shell filled with liquid. This fluid is called amniotic fluid. In fact, amniotic fluid is formed from maternal blood plasma and is constantly updated and replenished if necessary.

This substance is absolutely sterile, which provides reliable protection for the developing organism from various infections. Content in liquid a large number immunoglobulin is an additional barrier against external influences.

The comfortable water environment allows the baby to turn freely and protects the bladder from uterine contractions. Regardless of conditions environment and the state of the mother in the amniotic fluid, a constant pressure is maintained and temperature indicators. Due to the presence of water, the baby is reliably protected from physical and noise external influences.

If you feel the release of warm fluid from the vagina (usually this happens when a woman lies and tries to get up), in an amount of more than 100 milliliters or more (it happens that a liter and a half is poured out at once), without specific smell urine is they, the waters have departed.

Why are the waters breaking?

As the child grows, the volume of the surrounding waters also increases. By the time of birth, their number can reach 1.5 liters. Excess amniotic fluid or low content is considered pathological conditions threatening the normal development of the baby.

With the approach of labor hormonal background the expectant mother begins to change rapidly. Such processes contribute to the natural birth process. Under the influence of the hormone oxytocin, which also promotes uterine contractions, the fetal membrane becomes looser. And the pressure in the bubble increases significantly under the onslaught of the baby, seeking to leave the hostile pulsating uterus.

The fetal membranes do not withstand, and their rupture occurs. This moment is accompanied by the discharge of water during pregnancy. The woman may even hear the bubble burst. Unusual popping or clicking sounds confirm the violation of the integrity of the shell.

IN ideal the discharge of water occurs after the first stage of childbirth, when the cervix is ​​open by more than 4 cm. This development of events is considered optimal for both the baby and the woman in labor.

But in life, processes do not always coincide with descriptions in reference books. This does not mean that other variants necessarily confirm the pathology. But woman must be prepared for premature discharge of water.

How does the water leave?

Some pregnant women on the eve of childbirth are even afraid to take a shower so as not to miss such an important moment.

There is also concern about involuntary urination, which often occurs over long periods. But the departure of the waters has its specific signs, and it is difficult to confuse them with other physiological processes.

Water can flow in completely different ways. So, if the baby is prepared for childbirth and takes the correct position, his head rests against the womb and the amniotic fluid is divided by his body into two parts.

The anterior part of the amniotic fluid contains up to 250 ml of fluid. It is this liquid that is poured out when the fetal membrane bursts. Women have the feeling that a lot more fluid is pouring out of them. At the same time, this flow cannot be stopped by muscle tension or a change in body position.

So that a woman can imagine how the process will take place, in women's consultations in class, they are advised to experiment with their own perceptions in advance at home. To do this, it is recommended to pour a glass in the shower warm water to your feet. Such an experiment will allow you to remember the sensations.

In cases where the child takes the wrong position or did not have time to roll over, the volume of the outgoing fluid can be much larger. Sometimes all waters up to 1.5 or even up to 2 liters can be poured out at once. Such a "waterfall" is difficult to confuse with ordinary secretions. But even in this case, the waters can gush all at the same time, or they can flow out in a small trickle.

Another option for water discharge during pregnancy is leakage. Such situations arise if the fetal membrane has burst in the upper part or microcracks have appeared. Leakage is difficult to distinguish from urinary incontinence or increased vaginal discharge. It can last for hours or even weeks.

There are situations when water does not break even during childbirth. If the contractions drag on, and the fetal membrane remains intact, doctors resort to forced piercing.

This is not a medical whim. In this way, the uterus is saved from overvoltage, which can provoke its rupture during childbirth.

What waters are leaving?

Woman must record the time discharge of water, as well as their condition. By appearance the doctor will determine the presence of deviations and will be able to decide on next steps.

Normally, the water is absolutely transparent, may have an admixture of flakes or a slightly yellowish tint.

These waters do not have a specific odor., which allows them to be distinguished from urine. For amniotic fluid, a sweet smell reminiscent of fresh milk is considered natural.

If the waters are green, and even more so black, this indicates the presence of meconium in the waters.

Red waters confirm the presence of blood in them. This is a wake up call. Blood appears with placental abruption.

Reliable self-diagnosis methods

If a woman doubts the correctness of her conclusions about the fluid that has appeared, you can resort to known ways self-diagnosis or consult a doctor. The need for additional diagnostics arises when the water leaves in an inconspicuous stream, but leaks in small portions.

Dry sheet test

It is quite common, informative and affordable way determine the discharge of amniotic fluid.

To carry it out, a pregnant woman must visit the toilet for emptying Bladder.

After that, the genitals are washed and wiped dry. The woman lays down on dry white cloth. You can use a diaper or sheet.

If after 15–20 minutes wet marks are found on the fabric, the discharge of water is confirmed.

test pad

At home, you can use more modern way determination of water discharge. Test pads can be purchased at a pharmacy. They allow you to confirm the type of discharge with high accuracy. Such a gasket is impregnated with a special substance that reacts to the acidity of secretions.

Normally, the flora of the vagina has a balance within pH 4.5. In amniotic fluid, the acidity reaches pH 7.0. The gasket begins to react to liquids in which this indicator exceeds 5.5.

For the test, the gasket is placed on underwear and do not remove until a fluid leak is felt. If there are no such sensations, the pad can be left on for up to 12 hours.

An indicator of the presence of fetal water is a change in the color of the gasket to blue or green tint.

If you don't trust home diagnostics you can contact the doctors. In gynecology, it is customary to determine the dubious discharge of water using:

Gynecological examination;

smear microscopy;

Aminotest with the use of a dye introduced into the amniotic fluid;

Cytoscopic examination

The waters have broken: when will the birth begin?

In most cases, the water breaks on the eve of childbirth. Contractions can begin literally immediately after the discharge of water, if the fetus is ready for birth and the cervix has time to prepare for labor. Some time may pass and labor activity will begin in 2-3 hours.

In pregnant women, the cervix opens more slowly. In an hour, the cervix can open only half a centimeter. Therefore, childbirth in such pregnant women begins no earlier than after 9-12 hours.

For women with childbirth experience, the process develops much more rapidly. Their cervix can open in 5-6 hours. In these cases, if there is no desire to give birth at home or on the road, you will have to hurry.

It's harder if the cervix is ​​not ready for labor and the waters have already receded. In such cases, before the onset of contractions, both 12 and 72 hours can pass. What to do if labor does not begin, doctors decide in each specific case separately.

It is widely believed among pregnant women that a baby without water is not able to live more than 6 hours, since he can die from a lack of oxygen. Such rumors absolutely unfounded.

Despite the departed water, the nutrition and breathing of the baby continues to be provided by the mother's body through the placenta. The absence of water will in no way affect its oxygen needs.

In addition, the waters do not drain in full and they are constantly updated. Therefore, literally after 4 hours, if the fetal membrane has retained its integrity and only leakage is observed, their volume will be replenished with new fluid.

What is the real danger for the baby? In open access for infections. If earlier child was practically in sterile conditions, the resulting crack in fetal membrane provides direct access for the penetration of various pathogens.

The baby, still in the uterus, did not have time to develop protective mechanisms. Any infection is now fatal for him.

If the anhydrous period is delayed by more than 12 hours, doctors begin antimicrobial therapy with medicines that are safe for the child.

What to do if the water breaks?

What should a woman do if her water has broken? The answer is unequivocal: urgently go to the hospital. Do not wait for the next visit to the gynecologist, namely, collect the necessary things, documents and call an ambulance.

Further development of events will depend on the timing at which the waters receded, their characteristics in terms of color and volume.

38–40 weeks

Most likely, the baby is already ready for the birth. If the waters have departed in a normal volume or are constantly leaking, besides, their color is absolutely transparent, there is no reason for concern. The natural process has begun, and prenatal contractions will soon begin.

Moms giving birth for the first time still have a couple of hours left to calmly get together, gain strength and even get some rest.

In no case after the waters have broken:

To take a bath;

Be subjected to physical stress;

Have sex;

use tampons or sanitary pads.

If there is a need to hygiene procedures, for example, to process or shave the genitals, you need to use the shower. Wash only from front to back to prevent germs from entering the vagina.

If the water is constantly leaking, instead of pads that are saturated with fragrances and are not always sterile, you need to use a cotton cloth.

Herbal teas made from chamomile, echinacea, mint will help to calm down. In addition, these drinks also have antimicrobial properties.

For mothers who give birth not for the first time, there is no time for tea drinking. Contractions and childbirth can begin at any time. For such women, the discharge of water is not an alarming, but an important signal. Therefore, they should immediately go to the hospital.

The reason for the immediate appeal for help is the abundant discharge of water. If the waters departed at once and in a large volume, then the entire fetal bladder was emptied. This confirms that the baby did not have time to take correct position.

In such situations, it is extremely rare, but it is possible for one of the baby's limbs or even part of the umbilical cord to fall into the neck or into the vagina. If you do not help such a woman in labor in time, childbirth will be complicated. In addition, the prolapsed umbilical cord can be pinched by the cervical muscles or the fetus, and the child will have problems with oxygen supply.

If the waters have an unnatural color or smell, you should not postpone a visit to the maternity hospital. The presence of blood in the waters is a wake-up call. The natural process should not be accompanied by bleeding.

35–38 weeks

By 35 weeks, the baby has already formed lungs and is able to breathe on its own at birth. Therefore, if the waters leave at this time, doctors decide on stimulation birth process by vital signs.

If nothing threatens the baby and the expectant mother, it is advisable to prolong the pregnancy. Expectant tactics allow you to carry the baby and give birth in deadlines.

The woman is placed in the hospital for the waiting period. Physicians are monitoring changes in the state and indicators of tests. To prevent infection of the fetus, I use antibiotics.

If there is a suspicion of the presence of infections, they resort to forced birth or caesarean section.

20–34 weeks

To prevent birth premature baby and to ensure the safe continuation of pregnancy after the early discharge of the waters, doctors adhere in most cases expectant tactics. They try to prolong such a pregnancy as long as possible.

A woman will have to spend the remaining period before labor in a hospital under close observation. future mommy placed in a sterile ward, where she must stay in lying position.

To control the condition of the baby and mother:

Once every four hours, temperature and pulse are measured;

Every day they conduct a blood test for the level of leukocytes;

The volume and quality of amniotic fluid released is constantly monitored, for which the diaper is regularly changed under the woman;

Every 5 days, sowing of materials taken from the vagina is carried out;

The condition of the baby is monitored using ultrasound and cardiotocography.

The decision on the timing and method of delivery is made in each case individually.

Up to 20 weeks

Water in the early stages may depart due to:

Infection of the fetus;

Inflammatory processes;

careless sex;

Hormonal failures;

excessive physical activity.

There is no single tactic for the discharge of water in the early stages. The decision is made after a detailed examination. But in most cases, such a pregnancy cannot be saved.

The waters have broken, and there are no contractions

Only when ideal birth water breaks during contractions. Different "variations" are characterized by the discharge of water in the absence of contractions. Doctors recommend in any case to go to the hospital.

Do not wait a long time in the hope that labor will begin. Contractions may not start for the next 48 hours. Women, fearing the stimulation of childbirth, postpone visiting the maternity hospital, which creates favorable conditions for the development of infectious processes.

In some maternity hospitals until now, the practice has been preserved to stimulate labor activity 4-6 hours after the discharge of amniotic fluid. Such tactics absolutely do not correspond to modern medical views.

Doctors have proven that the next 12 hours the baby is not in danger. And even the absence of contractions for 48 or even 72 hours is not considered a pathology.

The decision on urgent delivery is justified:

With complete discharge of amniotic fluid;

With the threat of displacement or abruption of the placenta;

If the contractions were present, and with the discharge of the waters they began to fade away;

When unnatural smell or the color of the amniotic fluid;

When the state of either the mother or the baby changes.

When the baby is infected;

If comorbidities are present.

The method of delivery in the absence of contractions, the doctor chooses in accordance with the condition of the woman:

1. If there is an incorrect location of the fetus, the woman in labor has health problems or is too narrow pelvis, a caesarean section is performed.

2. If the cervix is ​​ripe, but labor activity slows down, labor induction is used. To do this, the hormone oxytocin is injected, which allows you to accelerate uterine contractions and cervical dilatation.

3. With an immature cervix, labor is stimulated by introducing a gel or suppositories into the uterus containing prostaglandin hormones into the cervix.

In any situation, when the waters break, regardless of the timing and presence of contractions, it is necessary not to postpone a visit to the maternity hospital. Trust the doctors. In a hospital, all conditions are created for successful delivery or prolongation of pregnancy.