Turbidity of amniotic fluid is a phenomenon that should certainly alert a pregnant woman. It can signal the entry of various impurities, as well as the penetration of infection into the fetal bladder.
Amniotic fluid is a vital habitat for a baby that develops under a woman's heart. The color of the waters, in other words, of the amniotic fluid, is very important, because the full value of the intrauterine development of the child depends on it. Whether the color of the amniotic fluid is normal can be shown by ultrasound diagnostics (ultrasound). Often women hear that the amniotic fluid has become cloudy. And this, of course, is not a good sign!
Slightly cloudy amniotic fluid is normal
What does the diagnosis of turbid amniotic fluid mean? Does it need to be treated, and does it pose a threat to the life and health of the still born baby? As a rule, the turbidity of the amniotic fluid is explained by the fact that various impurities have got into this habitat. But these can be “healthy” impurities that are not dangerous for the child, but they can also be unhealthy. Closer to the last trimester, the water may become cloudy due to the fact that pieces of fetal skin, particles of vellus hair, vernix, and so on get into them. But if you are notified that the amniotic fluid has become cloudy, you should not neglect these words, since such an "unclean" environment can pose a threat to the further development of the child.
Infected turbid amniotic fluid
Amniotic fluid can become cloudy from the fact that meconium (baby's original feces) has appeared in it. With the appearance of meconium, the amniotic fluid turns green. This can lead to oxygen starvation of the baby and the development of intrauterine pneumonia. Unfortunately, the ultrasound will not inform about the presence of meconium. This can be judged if the amniotic fluid leaks or is studied with a special optical device.
The cause of turbid amniotic fluid can be an exacerbation of herpes in a pregnant woman, a previous flu or ARVI, even the appearance of the most common cold. In any case, the turbidity of the waters can signal an infection, so a woman should be alert and certainly consult a doctor (if waters of an opaque color are leaking).
What if the amniotic fluid is cloudy?
To find out exactly what is the reason for the turbidity of the amniotic fluid, it is necessary to pass tests. If the infection is confirmed, you will need to undergo treatment, possibly with antibiotics. If you do not get rid of the problem in time, the baby may be born with pneumonia, conjunctivitis and other unpleasant diseases.
You need to know that cloudy amniotic fluid can cause fetal freezing (due to oxygen starvation), premature birth or termination of pregnancy.
