Departure of fetal waters

Fetal waters perform an extremely important function during virtually the entire pregnancy. They protect the child from possible infection, but also from injury. In addition, they protect the umbilical cord from compression and consequent hypoxia of the baby. Fetal water also ensures that the developing baby’s skin is properly hydrated, and allows its digestive system or lungs to develop properly. Too early drainage of amniotic fluid can lead to amenorrhea, which in the worst case ends in the death of the baby.

Departure of fetal waters- symptoms

Rupture of the fetal bladder and drainage of amniotic fluid rarely, looks as spectacular as in the movies, when the fetal waters even “pour” down the legs of the heroine. Most often, the amniotic fluid oozes gradually or drains already during the birth action. It is usually a colorless liquid, which is noticed by expectant mothers, for example, on their underwear. In turn, the doctor observes the presence of draining fluid during an examination using a gynecological speculum. You may also notice a reduced amount of fetal water during the ultrasound.

When do the amniotic waters leave?

It is most beneficial, both for the baby and the mother, for the amniotic waters to leave at the beginning of the 2nd period of labor. Statistically, however, this only happens in about 40% of cases. Often this occurs before the contraction action begins. If, on the other hand, the fetal waters leave much earlier, when the pregnancy is not yet delivered, doctors’ measures are necessary to enable the baby to prepare for birth at an accelerated rate. This consists of activities such as the administration of steroids to support the development of the respiratory system or the administration of antibiotics to protect the child from dangerous infections. Fetal waters in undelivered pregnancies often drain due to the presence of bacteria in the uterine cavity.

Premature discharge of fetal waters

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) are premature departure of fetal waters or premature departure of fetal waters in an undelivered pregnancy, respectively. Causes include, but are not limited to: polycystic, multifetal pregnancy or infectious factors. In turn, the complications of premature fetal water reflux are hypoxia and deformities of the baby, and in the case of undelivered pregnancies, the consequences associated with prematurity. If PROM occurs, doctors use antibiotic therapy and temporarily inhibit possible contraction activity if the baby requires steroids.

Green fetal waters

In some situations, instead of being transparent, the fetal waters take on a greenish color. This happens because the baby expels meconium into the amniotic fluid, usually due to temporary hypoxia. In most situations, green fetal waters do not cause serious complications, and the baby develops normally. Sometimes, however, the consequence of their presence can be meconium aspiration syndrome or birth asphyxia.

Read more on this topic:


Amniotic fluid