Composition and norm of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid color and odor Amniotic fluid color

The color of the amniotic fluid is an indicator of the state of the baby in the womb. What waters indicate the harmonious development of the child? What secretions signal disturbing intrauterine processes? You will learn about this and much more in the article.

Amniotic fluid color: norm and pathology

Amniotic fluid or amniotic fluid is a safe environment for the growth and development of the child from the moment the embryo is born until the birth of the “new person” into the world.

Amniotic fluid: functions and tasks

Amniotic fluid performs the following functions:

• permanent maintenance of temperature at around 37°C (with a decrease or increase in temperature from the outside);
• soundproofing;
• regulation of pressure exerted by the external environment;
• the tightness of the bladder does not allow infections and viruses to enter the mother's body;
• antibodies block the reproduction of bacteria and various antigens;
• the baby has the ability to move and move in the womb;
• waters hold the child during sudden movements of the mother;
• during childbirth, the fluid acts as a lubricant, making it easier pain and the process of sliding the child through the birth canal.

What color is amniotic fluid before and during childbirth

The color and smell of amniotic fluid may indicate pathologies and developmental abnormalities, or normal, harmonious growth. You can determine the color starting from the second trimester during an ultrasound scan.

If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, the amniotic fluid is clear or slightly white, interspersed with the so-called "flakes". Green, burgundy, brown water signals a threat to the health and life of the child.

Pathologies

Muddy, green and brown waters, discharge with mucus indicate that the fetus in the womb is in a disappointing, and sometimes critical condition. Such modifications may indicate congenital and acquired diseases, as well as developmental difficulties.

Why greenish with flakes

According to statistics, green water occurs in 30% of women in labor. Doctors focus on the progressive trend, and identify the following factors for the occurrence of pathology:

• discrepancy between the state of maturity of the placenta and the current week of pregnancy;
• circulatory disorders in the placenta;
• transferred inflammatory processes of the urinary and respiratory systems;
• taking antibiotics;
• insufficient saturation of the fetus with oxygen (intrauterine hypoxia).

Meconium-laden water can enter the baby's lungs during the birth process. To avoid such a situation, the medical staff, as soon as the baby's head appears, examines the mouth and, if necessary, removes the liquid with an aspirator. If this procedure takes place in compliance with all the rules, green waters do not pose a threat to the health of the newborn.

cloudy whites

At normal flow pregnancy, slight turbidity of the amniotic fluid is allowed. However, the most likely factor contributing to the appearance of muddy waters is infection of the womb. If the limit of possible opacity is exceeded, it is necessary to take tests for the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the uterus and establish the cause of such a process. Then choose an individual course of treatment at a gynecologist's appointment.

Often the water becomes cloudy during a post-term pregnancy.

brown waters

Brown waters, unfortunately, indicate the critical condition of the baby. In the worst case, death is possible. When a brown liquid is released, urgent surgical intervention Otherwise, the life of the pregnant woman will be at risk.

Normal colored amniotic fluid

The condition of the fetus in the womb is normal if the liquid in which it is located does not have a bright color. Clear, white and slightly pinkish waters indicate that the child is safe.

Pink

Departure rose waters can be interpreted as normal only in the case when the anterior waters (located in the head area) have broken along with a plug, which sometimes contains blood streaks. It is also possible a variant of a burst capillary on the placenta, as a result of which the blood stained the water.

If the waters have broken at home, it is important to remember the approximate amount of fluid released. Upon arrival at the hospital, be sure to report your observations to the doctor.

Transparent with white flakes

The presence of white flakes in the amniotic fluid is the norm. Such blotches occur naturally, in the process of exfoliating the skin and losing the baby's vellus hair. By the approach of childbirth, the number of flakes is rapidly increasing.

With slime and flakes

Before the onset of labor, the secretion of fluid (mucus) from the penis increases. The discharge is especially noticeable in the morning, when a woman gets out of bed. This process indicates the softening of the uterus before childbirth, as a result of which the cork is discharged.

After the cork mucus has flowed out, the pregnant woman is forbidden to take a bath and have sex. Without a plug, the uterus is a pathway through which infection can enter the womb.

Due to the softening of the uterus, the mucous plug is gradually pushed out, clearing the birth canal. Together with it, water can flow out, containing the epidermis of the baby and his hairs. Such discharge often indicates that labor will begin in a few hours.

dangerous moments

In addition to the color of the amniotic fluid, their amount released during the discharge process also plays an important role. The standard volume is from 1 to 1.5 liters. If the indicators are lower - there is a lack of water, if the volume is above the norm - polyhydramnios. Depending on this or that pathological process, an individual tactics of childbirth is selected.

It is important to monitor the change in amniotic fluid from the second trimester. By periodically monitoring their condition, a pregnant woman will reduce the risk of developing possible diseases and complications in the development of the child, and will also protect herself from difficult childbirth.

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What you need to know about amniotic fluid

What does amniotic fluid look like, how does it differ from vaginal discharge, and can it be confused with urine leakage? Amniotic fluid is a prerequisite for the full development of the child. In it, he is inside the womb until the onset of childbirth (this is normal). It protects the fetus from any possible injury due to bruising of the mother's abdomen. A holistic fetal bladder, which is filled with amniotic fluid, is a guarantee that an infection from the vagina will not penetrate into the child. That is why it is so important to notice the rupture of the fetal bladder in time, and even better - to do everything to prevent it.

How can you protect yourself from premature discharge of amniotic fluid? It is advisable to think about this long before pregnancy. Sexually transmitted infections are one of the main causes of intrauterine death of a child, which occurred, among other things, due to water leakage. That is, a woman does not need to lead a promiscuous sex life. And pregnancy should be planned, after being checked for various infections and, if necessary, treating them.

Another common cause of this pathology is isthmic-cervical insufficiency, as a result of which the cervix begins to shorten and open much earlier than the onset of childbirth. As a result, the child sinks lower, the bladder bursts under pressure. And the most common cause of isthmic-cervical insufficiency are abortions. This means that their prevention, reliable contraception is another preventive measure that will help prevent premature rupture of the membranes during pregnancy.

Ultrasound specialists also monitor the amniotic fluid. It is mandatory to determine its quantity. Polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios are common pathologies. Some experts still determine the composition of amniotic fluid, in conclusion they reflect it with the word "suspension". Many Russian experts consider them a marker of chromosomal pathology or intrauterine infection. In fact, suspensions are vellus hair of the fetus, epidermis, etc. And with the gestation period, suspensions usually become more normal. Especially if the pregnancy is delayed.

Very important information is what color amniotic fluid is, but you can find out only after the rupture of the fetal bladder. If the child feels well, there are no obvious pathologies - the amniotic fluid does not have an unpleasant odor, it is generally odorless and colorless. The color of the amniotic fluid is slightly whitish - this is also a variant of the norm. Since they may contain white flakes in a small amount. In some cases, the coloring of the amniotic fluid is a signal for an emergency ultrasound and possibly even an unplanned caesarean section. This is if green amniotic fluid is excreted in a pregnant woman. This is one of the clear signs of oxygen deficiency in the fetus. They are green because in a child with an intrauterine lack of oxygen, the original cal - meconium is spontaneously released, which stains the amniotic fluid. What green amniotic fluid can have consequences for the baby? If there is acute hypoxia, then these are likely to be neurological disorders. Much will depend on the amount of time during which the child did not have enough oxygen, as well as on the extent to which resuscitation was carried out in the hospital.

It remains to deal with the external difference between amniotic fluid and vaginal discharge (which normally becomes more during pregnancy) and urine. In fact, with a slight tear of the bladder, when the water comes out literally as droplets from the vagina, they are almost invisible. Therefore, all expectant mothers who notice a wet daily and sanitary pad or underwear should seek medical advice. A simple examination on the chair and an amniotic test for the composition of the secretions will help to say for sure whether there is amniotic fluid there.

Along with the appearance of painful contractions, the discharge of amniotic fluid is one of the main and unequivocal harbingers of an early birth. Gynecologists say: it is impossible to miss the outpouring of amniotic fluid. Nevertheless, expectant mothers are overcome by the fear that the water will begin to leak imperceptibly, and precious time will be lost. Is it possible? What does amniotic fluid look like, and when to rush to the hospital? Dispel all doubts together.

The meaning and functions of amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid fills the bladder that forms the membranes and the placenta. This is a very special environment in which the child develops during all 9 months. Amniotic fluid is actively produced in the initial stages of pregnancy from maternal blood plasma. For more later dates the kidneys of the baby also take part in the formation of amniotic fluid. The fluid in the fetal bladder is updated every 3 hours, and, if necessary, replenished.

Amniotic fluid performs important tasks:

• protect the fetus from various infections due to the high content of immunoglobulins;
• perform a nutritional function (contain proteins, salts, glucose, fats and vitamins);
• reduce the pressure of a growing baby on the walls of the uterus;
• soften the effect of gravity;
• maintain a stable temperature for the normal development of the child (always around 37 ° C), even if the pregnant woman suffers from heat or cold;
• muffle too loud sounds of the external environment;
• help the baby to carry out their first movements;
• relieve the pressure of the baby's head on the cervix;
• give the baby the opportunity to go through the birth canal as gently as possible.

When does the amniotic fluid leave?

Ideally, amniotic fluid is poured out at the peak of a strong contraction in the first stage of labor, when the cervix is ​​6-7 cm open. After this, uterine contractions intensify, and the woman's body prepares for the main stage of childbirth - attempts. However, such a development of events is not an axiom. The waters can break even before the onset of contractions or pour out simultaneously with the appearance of the first painful sensations. If this happens after 37 weeks of pregnancy, then the birth will not be considered premature, and there are no fears for the life of the mother and baby.

Sometimes the outflow of fetal water is delayed, and doctors resort to puncturing the bladder directly in the process of childbirth. Such actions are appropriate if:

• contractions suddenly stopped, and generic activity does not resume within a few hours;
• the fetal bladder is “flat” (there are no “front waters”), as a result of which the membranes are overstretched and delay the passage of the baby through the birth canal;
• the fetal membranes are so dense that the waters cannot pour out on their own until the cervix is ​​fully dilated.

Also, pregnant women should know that 1-7 days before childbirth, a mucous plug may begin to move away - a dense clot that covers the cervix during pregnancy. The mucus plug usually comes out not entirely, but in small parts within a few days. Sometimes women mistake cork for water. In fact, it is not difficult to distinguish them: cork is much thicker and darker in color (from light beige to brown with streaks of blood), while water is a non-viscous transparent liquid that does not leave characteristic dried marks on underwear.

If the integrity of the membranes is broken prematurely (before 37 weeks), then the amniotic fluid begins to leak. This happens for a number of reasons:

• intrauterine infection;
• isthmic-cervical insufficiency in the mother;
• anomalies in the structure of the uterus;
• trauma;
• multiple pregnancy.

Often, water leakage goes unnoticed by the expectant mother and is not detected in time, as the woman cannot distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or vaginal discharge. If in doubt, you can use the special pharmacy test or resort to a home experiment. To do this, it is necessary to empty the bladder, conduct hygiene of the genital organs, wipe dry and lie down on a clean diaper or sheet for at least 40-60 minutes. If a wet spot remains on the fabric, then the discharge from the vagina is water. In this case, a pregnant woman should urgently contact the antenatal clinic. The specialist will assess the condition of the pregnant woman and the baby and suggest the best tactics for maintaining pregnancy.

What sensations does a woman in labor experience when amniotic fluid is discharged?

Shortly before the outflow of amniotic fluid, a woman may feel discomfort or a slight pulling pain in the lower abdomen. The discharge of water itself is not accompanied by painful sensations, since the fetal bladder does not have nerve endings. The only thing that a woman can notice is a strong wetting of the crotch area, as well as underwear and clothes. During a sharp rupture of the fetal bladder, you can hear a soft pop or crack. This is also completely normal.

How much liquid should go?

The amount of amniotic fluid increases throughout the entire period of pregnancy. By the time of the expected birth, their volume reaches 1-1.5 liters. When the membranes rupture, most often not all water comes out, but only 150-200 ml of liquid. These are the so-called "front" waters, which are located between the cervix and the baby's head. The remaining liquid can flow out in a thin stream gradually: during movements, coughing, bending over and directly during contractions. In some cases, all the waters are poured out at once. It resembles a strong flow of fluid that cannot be stopped by squeezing the pelvic floor muscles. This is usually followed by painful contractions.

What color should amniotic fluid be?

The amniotic fluid should be clear or slightly pinkish without any odor. The presence of inclusions and white "flakes" in the amniotic fluid is also considered normal. This is a transfer lubricant that protects the baby from injury, as well as a fluff that covers his body - lanugo.

Green, brown or brown waters indicate that they have got into them a large number of meconium - the original feces of a baby. In addition, the water can turn dark green color as a result of the aging of the placenta, which no longer copes with its functions. Another reason is a disease suffered by a woman during pregnancy: SARS, influenza, or an infectious lesion of the urinary tract. You should not panic at the sight of green waters, however, when you enter the hospital, be sure to notify the doctor about their color, smell and consistency.

Bright pink or red waters big amount blood clots - the most dangerous condition. They signal the beginning of the detachment of the planet and internal bleeding. Therefore, a pregnant woman must be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible.

How to act during the discharge of water?

Regardless of the amount of water, you must go to the hospital immediately. If the waters are clear and contractions have not yet begun, or if there is only slight discomfort, a pregnant woman can drive herself to the hospital by car or taxi. It is best to lie on your side in the back seat of the car to alleviate discomfort and minimize the risk of cord prolapse. If the color of the amniotic fluid causes concern, and the pregnant woman is in severe pain, it is better to call an ambulance team and go to a medical facility under the supervision of professionals.

Pregnant women also need to remember that the passage of amniotic fluid increases the risk of infection of the fetus. Therefore, you should not independently resort to hygiene procedures (shaving or cleansing enema) at home.

How long does it take to give birth after water breaks?

After the outflow of amniotic fluid, the countdown of the so-called "anhydrous period" begins. Therefore, it is very important to fix the exact time of the bubble burst. natural childbirth should start within 6-12 hours. Otherwise, there is a risk of acute fetal hypoxia and the development of complications in the child. In the absence of contractions after the outflow of water, the obstetrician-gynecologist decides on the stimulation of labor or operative delivery.

Thus, despite the fact that the departure of the waters does not actually occur as brightly and dramatically as in feature films, this event is definitely exciting. And most importantly, it means that childbirth is just around the corner, and very soon the woman will meet her long-awaited baby.

Especially for- Olga Pavlova

Amniotic fluid is a substance that normally has no color and no pungent odor. 97% is water, which includes a variety of nutrients: proteins, mineral salts. Also in the amniotic fluid, upon closer examination, skin cells, hair and alkaloids can be found. In addition, the smell of the liquid, according to scientists, resembles the smell of mother's milk. That is why, immediately after childbirth, it reaches for the mother's breast.

The discharge of amniotic fluid is one of the surest signs that labor has already begun. However, it is not uncommon for the waters to break even earlier. And it is very important not to miss this moment, because the fetus can only live 12 hours without them.

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 should immediately call an ambulance.

What does waste water look like?

Normally, if everything is in order with the woman in labor and the child, the waters look like ordinary water. Very often, women at the initial stage of childbirth go to the shower to make it easier, so they may not notice that their water has broken, because. against the general background, they will be completely invisible. In some cases, after the water breaks, a woman may feel uterine contractions, which signal that labor has entered a new phase.

However, it often happens that the water begins to leak long before the onset of childbirth - sometimes even 2-. In this case, you need to carefully monitor 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 it with urinary incontinence. Such a loss of amniotic fluid is quite natural and does not cause any harm to the child, especially since the water is being restored.

On average, the amount of amniotic fluid for childbirth is 1.0-1.5 liters. It is difficult to overestimate their role: 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 are more than three months before the birth, 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 premature birth.

How to calm yourself

If you are worried that your water is leaking, do not 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 your water is constantly leaking, naturally, you don’t run to the doctor. In order not to torment 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 gain peace and confidence that everything is going well and nothing threatens her baby's health.

Doctors pay great attention to the color of amniotic fluid, as well as future mothers. By their color, one can judge the presence of pathology and the well-being of the child.

If you have amniotic fluid at home before the onset of contractions, then the woman herself can draw any conclusions by their color. When leaking amniotic fluid, also pay attention to their color.

The smell of amniotic fluid

Many expectant mothers are interested in the smell of amniotic fluid. Normally, amniotic fluid should be odorless. There is also an opinion that their smell is similar to the smell of mother's milk, so the newborn quickly finds the breast, because he is already familiar with this smell.

They look like a colorless transparent liquid. Only closer to childbirth, they can become a little cloudy, while other changes indicate pathology.

So when the broken waters transparent- this is very good. The child's health is more than satisfactory, and there is no need for concern for either mom or doctors.

Green amniotic fluid

A greenish tint of amniotic fluid may indicate a lack of oxygen and a reflex release of meconium from the rectum. The release of meconium can just happen due to oxygen starvation.

Also, this color of the liquid may indicate an intrauterine infection. A consequence of the fact that the waters turned green may be low water.

Also hypoxia and, respectively. green waters may be due to a prolonged pregnancy, since the placenta can no longer perform all its functions.

If the waters have broken at home, you must immediately go to the hospital.

If you were in the hospital when the waters broke, you will most likely be prescribed C-section, since the fetus cannot exist without amniotic fluid.

amniotic fluid red or pink

Red or pink color amniotic fluid - a sign of bleeding in the fetus or in the mother. At home, it is impossible to determine who is bleeding - in the mother or in the child.

Such situations are very dangerous, so delay is unacceptable. Call an ambulance immediately and report your problem as soon as you notice signs of bleeding. You should send an intensive care team, as the minutes are counting.

You may also see slight red blotches. At the same time, the amniotic fluid itself is of a normal color. This means that a slight admixture of blood entered the liquid due to the opening of the cervix.

Brown amniotic fluid

Brown amniotic fluid is just as bad as red. It signals that the baby is in critical condition, and it is necessary to apply emergency, surgical measures for his birth.

amniotic fluid dark brown, in the vast majority of cases, indicates intrauterine fetal death.

The integrity of the amniotic sac is a prerequisite for the normal and safe development of the baby. The flow of fluid indicates the onset of labor, and if this happened long before the appointed time, we are talking about prematurity and premature labor.

For any of these pathologies, you should immediately call an ambulance, otherwise the outcome, both for the child and for his mother, can be very sad.

However, if you undergo examinations in a timely manner, do not ignore the prescribed procedures, recommendations and requirements of the doctor, such situations are minimized.