What is amniotic fluid? Amniotic fluid is a colourless liquid that surrounds the baby in your uterus. Amniotic fluid helps to protect and cushion your baby inside the amniotic sac. Amniotic fluid also plays a vital role in the development of internal organs, such as the lungs and kidneys. When the amniotic sac ruptures before you go into labour it is the amniotic fluid that leaks out (Amniotic Leak), this is more commonly known as 'waters breaking'. What is amniotic fluid leakage? Amniotic Fluid is a protective liquid, which fills in the sac surrounding the foetus. The fluid is comprised mostly of water and is colourless. Amniotic Fluid surrounds and protects the baby inside the amniotic sac within the uterus. When the amniotic sac ruptures, this may be referred to as “the woman’s waters breaking”. Such water breaks do not always appear as just one gush with no further leakage. While there often is a warm gush, it is usually followed by a slow, steady leak of small amounts of amniotic fluid. When is amniotic fluid leakage most likely to occur? Amniotic fluid leakage is most likely to occur from 36 weeks onwards in most normal pregnancies, after having an amniocentesis or prior to premature birth. What are the risks involved if amniotic fluid leakage occurs prematurely and goes undetected? There are two main risks involving premature and undetected amniotic fluid leakage: - Infections to the mother and baby
- Stress to the foetus
By identifying amniotic fluid leakage you can prevent complications or premature birth, confirm that your waters have broken so that you reach hospital in proper time for delivery or identify possible membrane rupture especially after amniocentesis. Can the wetness caused by amniotic fluid leakage be confused with urine? Up to 60% of third trimester pregnancies are accompanied with urine incontinence, specifically when coughing or laughing. Over 20% of women arriving at the hospital due to wetness they suspect to be caused by amniotic fluid leakage are sent back home after verifying the cause of the wetness is urine. On the other hand, many pregnant women do not react to initial amniotic fluid leakage, as they are sure the wetness they sense is from urine incontinence or vaginal discharge, and endanger themselves and their inborn child. Therefore, it is vitally important to identify whether the wetness is from urine or amniotic fluid leakage. How can I distinguish between amniotic fluid leakage and urine? It is now possible to distinguish between amniotic fluid leakage and urine by using a special panty liner called AmnioSense - Amniotic Fluid Leak Detector that can detect whether the leakage is amniotic fluid or urine. You simply attach the panty liner to your underwear and continue with your daily routine. When you feel wetness, the indicator strip will turn to a blue/green colour if amniotic fluid is present or remain yellow if urine is present. |
