Leaking Amniotic Fluid

Amniotic Fluid

Amniotic Fluid is the watery liquid that surrounds the baby / fetus within the uterus. This Amniotic Fluid allows the baby / fetus to move about freely without the hindrance caused by the uterus walls being too tight around it. At the same time, this fluid helps provide a cushioning within the uterus and gives the fetus buoyancy.

This Amniotic Fluid begins to fill up the Amniotic Sac from about 2 weeks of fertilization. Another 10 weeks later, the fluid contains different proteins, carbohydrates, electrolytes, lipids, phospholipids and even urea, which provide nutrition to the fetus. Towards the later stages of pregnancy, the amniotic fluid also begins to contain fetal urine. It has also been recently discovered that the amniotic fluid also contains non-embryonic stem cells.

Leaking of Amniotic Fluid

Normally, when the pregnancy completes the full term, the membranes of the amniotic sac burst and the amniotic fluid begins to leak out via the vagina. This is called ‘Spontaneous Rupture Of Membranes’ or SROM. In common parlance, this is also termed as the time when a woman’s ‘Water Breaks’.

However, there are times, when the amniotic sac may develop a tear or may rupture causing the amniotic fluid to leak before term. When this occurs 37 – 38 weeks before term, it is referred to as ‘Premature Rupture Of Membrane’ or PROM.

When either of these cases occurs, the fluid may just gush out or may just leak out in a continuous trickle like a discharge.

When the premature rupture of amniotic sac occurs, it is necessary to determine the cause of the leaking amniotic fluid. Normally, the leaking is caused by a bacterial infection or by a defect in the structure of the amniotic sac or the uterus or the cervix. The mother-to-be is advised not to douche or have intercourse when the water breaks.

This leakage may lead to further complications for the growth of the fetus, as it may hamper the growth of the fetus and may cause bacterial infection to spread from the vagina to the uterus and consequently to the fetus.

Sometimes when there is a small tear in the amniotic sac, it may heal itself over a period of time and the leaking may simply stop of its own accord.

However, if the leaking amniotic fluid is a result of a severe rupture of the membranes of the amniotic sac, then labor may begin within 48 hours. When this happens, the mother-to-be must receive treatment in order to avoid causing an infection to the fetus.

Often what is thought of as leaking amniotic fluid can just turn out to be the urine. Therefore, in such cases, the mother-to-be must ascertain if the fluid is urine or not. It is advised to wear a sanitary napkin and observe the color of the liquid. The amniotic fluid is colorless. The mother-to-be must never use a tampon during pregnancy.

If the leaking amniotic fluid is brownish-yellow, green, or any other color, the mother-to-be is advised show it to her physician and go to the hospital right away. The mother-to-be is also advised to note down the color of the fluid and the time when the leaking began and tell her doctor about these details.

In such cases, most physicians will usually deliver the baby within 24 hours in order to avoid infection risk.

Nowadays, many over the counter products are available to test whether the fluid is urine or amniotic fluid. It is always recommended that one avail of these tests to ensure the health of the baby.