Pregnancy is a happy period for a woman, which can be overshadowed by various complications requiring an urgent visit to a gynecologist. Such a pathology is damage to the membranes, accompanied by leakage of amniotic fluid. You can recognize the problem in time using special gaskets. What principle of their work and how to use it correctly, we learn further.
The value of amniotic fluid
The fetal bladder is filled with amniotic fluid, which creates a safe and comfortable environment for the child and represents a barrier against infections and external influences. Water softens the active movements of the fetus, protecting the woman from sudden shocks.
By the end of the gestation period, the amount of intrauterine fluid is 1.5 liters. Throughout pregnancy, water is constantly updated. Normally, rupture of the membranes should occur no earlier than 38 weeks. But in 10% of cases, amniotic fluid begins to leak much earlier, which can harm the health of the baby or cause premature birth.
Signs of leakage
Violation of the integrity of the fetal bladder is accompanied by a massive discharge of water, and such a process is difficult not to notice. But sometimes the amnion is slightly torn and a small amount of fluid leaks, which can be confused with vaginal discharge or urine, sometimes involuntarily released during pregnancy, as the uterus exerts pressure on the bladder.
It is quite difficult to determine the pathology independently, therefore, pregnant women, if there is any suspicion, it is recommended to use test pads for leakage of amniotic fluid, which can be purchased at drugstores. This technique will eliminate the likelihood of complications, and if the result is positive, seek medical attention on time in order to prevent infection of the fetus and septic infection of the mother.
Analysis at home
Gaskets for determining leakage of amniotic fluid is a non-invasive test that allows you to independently determine the presence of delayed or periodic leakage of amniotic fluid. The test is able to distinguish abundant vaginal discharge, traces of sperm and urine from amniotic fluid by analyzing the pH level.
Gaskets are an excellent alternative to clinical diagnosis, which requires financial and time expenses. An analysis of the integrity of the amniotic membranes is also done in maternity wards. A home test will allow you to know with accuracy whether there is a fact of leakage or is it a “false alarm”, without stressful trips to medical institutions.
Test strips are underwear pads that need to be worn for a certain time, to observe the nature and color of the discharge.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Leakage of amniotic fluid increases the risk of infection for both the fetus and the mother, which is why it is important to detect the problem in a timely manner. Thanks to the use of pads to determine leakage of amniotic fluid, it is possible:
- reduce the risks of pathology during pregnancy for a woman and a child;
- in due time to come to the maternity ward for delivery;
- remove anxiety about speculation about damage to the membranes.
How does the technique work?
Amniotic fluid has a pH level of more than 6.5, and for vaginal secretions, the pH is 3.8-4.5. Gaskets for checking the leakage of amniotic fluid work on the principle of "litmus paper". The test strip contains a patented polymer that has a colorimetric indicator that changes color depending on the acidity of the liquid. The lining is colored blue or green, if the discharge differs in pH above 5.5, that is, there is a risk of leakage of fluid from the uterus or there is a fact of vaginal infection.
The polymer strip does not come into contact with the woman’s body, as it is between the two absorbent layers of the pad.
Test benefits
Gaskets for determining leakage of amniotic fluid allow expectant mothers:
- Carry out independent monitoring of the nature of the vaginal discharge, preventing various pathologies, premature birth, and if a leak is detected, consult a gynecologist on time.
- Diagnose without internal intervention, that is, in a non-invasive way, safe and at the same time highly sensitive.
- Observe for 12 hours using just one gasket.
- Apply the test in all conditions.
- Just decrypt the diagnostic results.
- Be calm for the health of your baby.
Reasons for incorrect analysis
Test pad for determining leakage of amniotic fluid gives the following result:
- false positive - in the presence of a bacterial infection of the vagina;
- false negative - as a result of non-compliance with the instructions for use;
- the absence of any reaction when the rupture of the membranes occurred a long time ago.
Special recommendations
In order for the pads determining the leakage of amniotic fluid to give a reliable response, it is important to adhere to such gynecological advice:
- use the test no earlier than 12 hours after intimacy, douching or the introduction of therapeutic suppositories;
- in the presence of a negative result and prolonged profuse discharge, it is necessary to repeat the analysis or contact the obstetrician;
- in the presence of spotting, the decoding of the test should be carried out by a specialist;
- staining in green-blue color may indicate a vaginal infection, it is necessary to consult a doctor;
- if symptoms of irritation appear on the skin, stop using the pad;
- when urine enters the indicator, it turns green or blue, but after 30 minutes it turns yellow again.
Testing algorithm
Make sure the packaging is tight. Gaskets for determining leakage of amniotic fluid are used once.
- Open the package and get the test.
- Attach the panty liner so that the protruding edge is in front and the yellow liner is in the area of the vagina.
- Remove the gasket after 12 hours or as soon as you feel the fluid leak.
- Prepare the plastic case included with the test system.
- Remove the indicator from the gasket by pulling the protruding part.
- Leave the insert on the white cloth in the case and close it. The response will come in 30 minutes.
Deciphering the result
A positive response. The appearance of green or blue spots of various shapes, intensity and localization on the gasket indicates leakage of amniotic fluid or the presence of bacterial vaginosis. It is urgent to consult a doctor to confirm / exclude the likelihood of leakage or infection of the genitals.
The negative reaction of the test. The smallest amount of amniotic fluid will be fixed on the pad. If the indicator is colored yellow, then the test secretions are vaginal secretions or urine.
The options for the results of the analysis can be found in the photo of the pads for leakage of amniotic fluid, posted in the instructions.
Test pads for leakage of amniotic fluid: reviews of pregnant women and gynecologists
Specialists in obstetrics are positive about conducting home tests for leakage of amniotic fluid, because using this method, the expectant mother can calm down or, if she finds a problem in time, seek medical help without delay.
If the analysis is carried out correctly, it shows the correct result, but variants with a false negative answer are not excluded. Gynecologists recommend giving preference to tests that are based not on fixing the acidity of the vagina, but on the principle of protein detection (immunochromatography). In doubtful situations, this technique is used in antenatal clinics, maternity hospitals and clinics.
Reviews of expectant mothers about test pads are mostly positive. For themselves, they note the ease of use of the test, its availability and the possibility of using it at home.
The most popular brands are Al-sense, Frautest amnio, Al-rekah, AmniSure.
Summary
With the slightest doubts about a woman’s health status and suspicions of leakage of amniotic fluid, it’s important to consult a antenatal clinic or conduct a home test for leakage of amniotic fluid.
If the answer is yes, the experts will provide the necessary assistance in time to preserve the pregnancy and its safe course. A negative result will allow the expectant mother to further enjoy the wonderful period of bearing the baby.