Amniotic fluid is a vital element for the development of the baby within the mother's womb. Among other things, it protects you from injury and heat loss, so it is essential that the right amount of fluid is maintained, being one of the major concerns in pregnancy losses of amniotic fluid.
Amniotic fluid is an aqueous fluid and slightly yellowish. It contains essential nutrients for the growth of the baby such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and phospholipids, urea and electrolytes, which he swallows and then removes through the urine.
The truth is that the losses greatly embarrass the pregnant woman, especially towards the end of pregnancy when it is difficult to distinguish between a loss of amniotic fluid or spontaneous rupture of the bag, which indicates that labor has begun.
A premature rupture of the bag, that is before the date of delivery, could imply a risk of premature delivery or abortion.
AdvertisingDetect amniotic fluid losses
When you lose amniotic fluid, you wet your underwear with an aqueous liquid that flows slowly but constantly, or when making certain movements.
In Babies and more What is amniotic fluidIt is distinguished from vaginal discharge because it is filamentous and urine because it does not have that characteristic smell of urine. However, urine or flow losses can easily be confused with amniotic fluid.
A trick that my gynecologist has recommended towards the end of my last pregnancy is that of place a dark handkerchief in your underwear. If it leaves remains it is vaginal discharge, if it comes out wet and smells like pee, it is pee, but if it comes out wet and does not smell it is amniotic fluid.
Just in case we have doubts, there are homemade tests such as Al Sense (sold in pharmacies) that consists of a salvaslip that is placed in the underwear and detects the losses of amniotic fluid.
In Babies and more, how do I know if I have broken waters?In any case, if you have the slightest suspicion, you should go to the doctor to see if it is a loss of amniotic fluid or not, who will evaluate the condition and the amount of the fluid by means of an ultrasound.
Causes related to amniotic fluid losses
Sometimes the cause that causes them is unknown, but among the most frequent are:
Congenital infection
After an amniocentesis. It may happen that there is loss of amniotic fluid after practicing amniocentesis, which is why the pregnant woman should be monitored especially after this practice. Usually, the fissure heals on its own, the loss is interrupted and the fluid returns to its normal level.
Other pregnancy complications such as premature placental abruption, fetal abnormalities or intrauterine growth retardation.
Women with a history of premature bag breakage
In Babies and more Polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios: excess or small amount of amniotic fluid in pregnancyWhat to do if you suspect loss of amniotic fluid
Amniotic fluid is the medium in which the baby lives inside the womb. It protects, feeds and helps its development, therefore it is very important that it is in optimal conditions.
If you think you have one loss of amniotic fluid at any time during pregnancy You should see a doctor to assess the levels of amniotic fluid and the state of pregnancy.
