Despite what we see in movies and on television, when a woman’s water breaks, there isn’t always a huge gush of fluid. In fact, this scenario isn’t all that common. Often the baby’s head is blocking the opening to the cervix and the amniotic fluid trickles, rather than gushing.
This sometimes leaves women unsure if they are, in fact, leaking fluid. It is often mistaken for discharge or a bit of stress incontinence, which is common during pregnancy. The FDA has recently approved a home test to help determine if the leakage is amniotic fluid or something else.
In a healthy pregnancy, near or after the due date, determining if leakage is amniotic fluid isn’t something to worry about. Labor will progress and leakage will increase. You will eventually realize that it is fluid and labor is here. This is normal and nothing to worry about. In this situation, a home test is not really needed.
However, there are times when leaking fluid is cause for alarm, as in preterm labor. Sometimes women in danger of preterm labor are treated with medications and bed rest at home. If she thinks she is leaking fluid, a trip to the doctor’s office or hospital may result. If she can test the fluid at home, this will save unnecessary trips.
The FDA approved test is called AmnioScreen. In testing for approval, the test had a 96 percent accuracy rate for detecting amniotic fluid. The test checks the pH level of the fluid for elevated levels that are consistent with amniotic fluid. If the pH is 5.2 or higher, the color will turn a blue-green color. This in an indication of the presence of amniotic fluid.
If your doctor recommends you use this kit, you won’t be on your own. The manufacturer suggests having your doctor interpret the results and discuss whether a trip to the office is needed. You can speak to your doctor over the phone and get guidance on what to do next, if anything. This is just one more tool in the fight against preterm birth.
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