✓ Leaks of amniotic fluid: how to notice the rupture of the sac and what to do

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One of the greatest fears of each waiting woman it is related to the moment in which you they will break the waters: the unknown about how and when it will happen worries every expectant mother. Will I be able to recognize it? What if I'm not home? Of what colore must be the waters? But rest assured: there are many ways to arrive prepared for the fateful moment and not be surprised by leakage of amniotic fluid!

How amniotic fluid loss occurs

The fetus lives inside the amniotic sac, where it grows and matures. The sac is composed of a double membrane, amnion and chorion, which must remain intact at least until the moment of delivery. It happens in very rare cases that this breaks early, and it is more likely to happen close to the birth, therefore at the end of the gestational period. When the waters break, delivery usually takes place within 72 hours.

How to recognize the breaking of the waters

The breaking of the water in most cases is quite evident, because it manifests itself with a sudden spill of quite abundant hot liquid: at the end of pregnancy it reaches almost a liter. But on other occasions, albeit less frequent, the sack breaks in a not so obvious way and for this you have to pay attention, because it is about liquid droplets easily confused with urinary or vaginal discharge.

If you notice then some abnormal leaks, which are odorless and colorless (and therefore cannot be confused with urine, which has an acrid odor, or vaginal discharge, which is sticky and whitish) consult your doctor as you may have had a high rupture of the amniotic sac.

When amniotic fluid leaks are green or red

In rare cases, the leakage of amniotic fluid they may be as colorful and non-transparent as they should be. What does it mean? If the liquid is greenish, the odds are that it is meconium, that is, the first feces of the newborn that has ingested, during life inside the uterus, amniotic fluid, intestinal epithelial cells, mucus, bile and water. But it could also be a stressful condition, or a small compression of the cord that could cause a relaxation of the sphincters.

When the losses are red or pinkinstead, it could be an old haemorrhage, but also a more recent one, perhaps a consequence of the rupture of fetal vessels or a detachment of the placenta.

What to do in case of suspected rupture of the amniotic sac

In any case, when you suspect the loss of amniotic fluid it is advisable to consult with your doctor or go to the hospital. In most cases you will be faced with the beginning of labor but, if you are not at the end, access to an equipped facility will allow, through visits and examinations, to check the state of the sac and the fetus and to intervene immediately.

Is it possible not to notice the breaking of the waters?

You may not be aware of the rupture of the amniotic sac when this occurs from above, precisely because it is a slow dripping. But if the drops persist, you will have no more doubts. But you can rest assured: this type of break does not compromise the fetal health, precisely because it is very slow. You just have to observe if it persists for a few hours and, in that case, go to the emergency room.

Do not panic and remember that, in most cases, pregnancy is a physiological state that follows its course and thus the rupture of the amniotic sac. Observe your body and if you notice anything strange, such as the wet underpants of an odorless and colorless liquid or green or red leaks, consult your doctor.

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