Amniotic fluid is a very important indicator during pregnancy. Their volume may indicate problems with the development of the fetus. In some cases, amniotic fluid may leak. That is why a pregnant woman should know exactly how they look, so as not to be confused with other physiological fluids and not start to panic in vain.
What is amniotic fluid
Amniotic fluid is a substance that normally does not have a color and a pungent odor. 97% is water, which includes a variety of nutrients: proteins, mineral salts. Also, in the amniotic fluid, upon close examination, skin cells, hair and alkaloids can be found. In addition, the smell of liquid, according to scientists, resembles the smell of breast milk. That is why the newborn baby immediately after giving birth reaches out to the mother's breast.
The discharge of amniotic fluid is one of the sure signs that labor has already begun. However, it is not uncommon for the waters to drain earlier. And it is very important not to miss this moment, because the fetus can live without them for only 12 hours.
If there are any problems with the fetus, the waters may turn green or even brown. If the expectant mother sees the leakage of dark waters, you need to immediately call an ambulance.
What the waste water looks like
Normally, if everything is in order with the woman in labor and the baby, the waters look like ordinary water. Very often, at the initial stage of childbirth, women go to the shower to make it easier to endure contractions, therefore they may not notice that their water has moved away, because against the general background, they will be completely invisible. In some cases, after the passage of water, a woman may feel contractions of the uterus, which signal that labor has entered a new phase.
However, it often happens that water begins to leak long before the onset of labor - sometimes, even 2-3 months. In this case, you need to very carefully track the amount that comes out. So, for example, it is believed that normally it can be a natural discharge of liquid with a volume of about one tablespoon. Sometimes pregnant women even confuse this with urinary incontinence. Such a loss of amniotic fluid is quite natural and does not cause any harm to the child, especially since the waters are restored.
On average, the amount of amniotic fluid for childbirth is 1.0-1.5 liters. Their role is difficult to overestimate: they contribute to the normal development of the fetus, protecting it from being squeezed by the walls of the uterus and from external physical influences.
If there is more than three months before delivery, 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 down
If you are worried that your water is leaking, you shouldn't 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 the water is leaking from you all the time, naturally, you will not run to the doctor. In order not to harass 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 find peace and confidence that everything is going well and nothing threatens the health of her baby.
