Leaking Amniotic FluidThroughout its life in the womb, a fetus floats around the amniotic sac in amniotic fluid, a clear, water-like liquid informally known as “bag of water”. The water acts as a cushion between the fetus and the uterine walls. Sounds and any trauma from the mother’s environment are softened by the fluid. It also allows the fetus buoyancy and movement, and regulates temperature. Since the fetus is capable of swallowing this fluid, it also contains nutrients. Suffice to say, the bag of amniotic fluid is crucial to fetal survival. This bag of water typically breaks when labor contractions begin. Many women rush into panic when they are months away from their due date and have clear water trickling down their legs. Some may not experience leaking amniotic fluid this dramatically – others may just constantly feel wet and may mistake the leakage for a vaginal discharge which is expected during pregnancy. This is a complication because depending on the lost amount of fluid, the fetus’s life could be endangered, or preterm delivery may become inevitable. Common causes of amniotic fluid leakage are bacterial infection that affects the membranes of the sac, a defect in sac formation, or trauma from an invasive diagnostic procedure such as an amniocentesis. The fetus is at risk for stunted growth, poor nutrition, and infection. A mother with leaking amniotic fluid is advised to stay on bed rest and avoid activities such as douching or sexual intercourse which could make infection more likely to develop. Minor tears in the sac typically heal on their own, but large tears and sudden gush of fluid may mean labor is close at hand. Read more of our articles on pregnancy complications
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