Follow up on leaking amniotic fluid

February 21, 2008

Dr. Q described how it would feel if the water broke.. but what about if its just leaking? Then how would you tell?

For instance, vaginal infections can occasionally get up through the cervix and start working away at the bag and cause a slow leak.

How would you tell the difference between leaking fluid that way, and just the normal wetness?

February 21, 2008

Really???? vaginal infections can get thru the cervix?????????????????? OMG thats not a good thing to hear

February 21, 2008

The bag is usually very good at protecting the fetus and amniotic fluid...and this is more the exception than the rule...is a phenomenon that is more likely seen when the bag is exposed to the vaginal vault such as in an incompetent cervix...

"high leaks" or "slow leaks" are very difficult to diagnose even for a physician requiring significant observation and testing to determine whether or not there is a leak (a highly uncommon situation but nevertheless, one that is occasionally seen). In this rare instance, then yes, would be difficult to differentiate between either and only a high degree of clinical suspicion and testing would determine a "slow leak" using the same testing we talked about before...