Amniotic fluid leakage

　　The incidence of early rupture of membranes is about 5%, and the cause has not been established. Infection may be the main cause, often caused by Group B Streptococcus and bacterial vaginosis. Other common pathogenic factors include polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies, amniocentesis, incomplete cervical closure, placental abruption, placenta previa, congenital connective tissue abnormalities, etc. Malpresentation, malposition of the pelvis, and narrow pelvis may cause excessive pressure on the anterior amniotic sac, leading to amniotic membrane rupture. Poor development or inflammation of the amniotic membrane may make it fragile and prone to rupture. Sexual intercourse in the late stages of pregnancy can also promote rupture.

　　After rupture of membranes, it is easy to develop complications such as preterm birth, fetal intrauterine distress, dystocia, fetal hypoxia, and maternal and fetal infection.

　　1. Premature birth

　　The amniotic membrane is the protective membrane of the fetus. If the amniotic membrane breaks prematurely, it will cause the amniotic fluid to流出 prematurely, losing its protective effect on the fetus. Since the uterus becomes smaller after the amniotic fluid is流出, it continuously stimulates the uterus to contract. At this time, if the fetus is not full-term, it may result in preterm birth. Premature infants have not fully developed organ functions, are underweight, and have poor vitality, making them prone to early death.

　　2. Fetal intrauterine distress

　　If the fetus's presentation is not determined before labor, the umbilical cord may prolapse along with the流出 of amniotic fluid, causing the fetus to become distressed in the uterus.

　　3. Dystocia and fetal hypoxia

　　If too much amniotic fluid is流出, the uterus will adhere to the fetus's body, stimulate the uterus to cause irregular uterine contractions, thereby affecting the progress of labor and the blood circulation of the placenta, leading to dystocia and fetal hypoxia.

　　4. Maternal and fetal infection

　　The longer the time of membrane rupture, the greater the chance of intrauterine infection. If the fetus inhales infected amniotic fluid, it can cause aspiration pneumonia. In addition, the mother is also prone to infection or puerperal infection during delivery.

　　The amniotic sac is another name for the amniotic bag, which is filled with fluid and protects the fetus from harm. When the amniotic sac breaks (rupture of membranes), amniotic fluid will流出. Most often, rupture of membranes occurs just before delivery. When a woman's membranes rupture, she feels a large amount of fluid流出 from the vagina, followed by slow渗出.

　　If not handled properly after rupture of membranes, it can cause great harm to the fetus and mother, so it is necessary to detect, diagnose, and treat it early.

　　1. Stick to regular prenatal check-ups, with 1 check-up per month from 4 to 6 months; 1 check-up every two weeks from 7 to 9 months; and 1 check-up per week after 9 months. Go for checks immediately if there are special circumstances.

　　2. Avoid vigorous activities in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. Both daily life and work should not be too tiring. Maintain a cheerful mood and take appropriate walks outside.

　　3. Avoid long walks or running, and be careful when walking to prevent falls, especially when going up and down stairs. Do not carry heavy things and avoid long periods of bumpy travel.

　　4. Reduce sexual activity during pregnancy, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy, and abstain from sexual activity in the last month of pregnancy to avoid stimulating the uterus and causing premature rupture of membranes.

　　Patients with rupture of membranes can undergo vaginal secretion pH testing, liquid smear, and amniocentesis.

　　1. The pH value of vaginal secretion can be measured by a test strip method. If the pH is greater than 7, it is mostly broken, because the vaginal pH is 4.5-5.5, while amniotic fluid is 7-7.5.

　　2. The vaginal fluid is smeared, dried, and examined under a microscope. Crystals in the shape of ferns are found, and light blue or colorless fetal epithelium and lanugo are seen after staining with 0.5‰ methylene blue; orange fetal epithelial cells are seen after staining with 0.1-0.5% safranin, which can all be diagnosed as premature rupture of membranes.

　　3. If indigo carmine is injected into the amniotic cavity through abdominal amniocentesis and it flows out through the vagina, the diagnosis can be confirmed.

　　In addition to general treatment, patients with water breaking should also pay attention to light and balanced diet, and avoid spicy and刺激性 foods. The rest of the dietary requirements should be inquired from the doctor according to the condition and set the dietary standards.