Gaskets for determining amniotic fluid leakage: description with photo, purpose, instructions for use, reviews of pregnant women and gynecologists

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Pregnancy is a happy period for a woman, which can be overshadowed by various complications that require 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 with the help of special gaskets. What is the principle of their work and how to use it correctly, we will learn further.

The importance of amniotic fluid

The fetal bladder is filled with amniotic fluid, which creates a safe and comfortable environment for the baby and is a barrier against infections and external influences. The waters soften 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, the water is constantly updated. ATNormally, the rupture of the fetal membrane should occur no earlier than at 38 weeks. But in 10% of cases, amniotic fluid begins to leak much earlier, which can harm the baby's he alth 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 hard to miss. But sometimes the amnion ruptures slightly and leaks a small amount of fluid, which can be confused with vaginal discharge or urine, sometimes involuntarily released during pregnancy, as the uterus puts pressure on the bladder.

It is quite difficult to determine the pathology on your own, therefore, if there is any suspicion, it is recommended that pregnant women use test pads for amniotic fluid leakage, which can be purchased at pharmacy kiosks. This technique will eliminate the likelihood of complications, and if the result is positive, seek medical help in time to prevent infection of the fetus and septic infection of the mother.

Analysis at home

Amniotic fluid leak pads are a non-invasive test that allows you to self-detect the presence of delayed or intermittent amniotic fluid leakage. The test is able to distinguish between heavy vaginal discharge, traces of semen and urine from amniotic fluid by analyzing the pH level.

Pads are an excellent alternative to clinical diagnostics, which requires financial andtemporary expenses. An analysis of the integrity of the amniotic membranes is also done in the maternity wards. A home test will let you know for sure whether a leak exists or is it a “false alarm”, without stressful trips to medical facilities.

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

The 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. By using pads to detect amniotic fluid leakage it is possible to:

• reduce the risks of pathology during pregnancy for a woman and a child;
• come to the maternity ward for delivery on time;
• remove concerns about speculation about damaged membranes.

How does the technique work?

Amniotic fluid has a pH of over 6.5, while vaginal fluid has a pH of 3.8-4.5. Amniotic fluid leak test pads work like 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 pad turns 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 factvaginal infections.

The polymer strip does not come into contact with the woman's body, as it is located between two absorbent layers of the pad.

Benefits of the test

Amniotic fluid leakage pads allow expectant mothers to:

1. Carry out independent control over the nature of vaginal discharge, preventing various pathologies, premature birth, and if a leak is detected, contact a gynecologist in time.
2. Diagnosis without internal intervention, that is, in a non-invasive way, safe and at the same time highly sensitive.
3. For 12 hours, with just one pad, observe.
4. Apply the test in any conditions.
5. Just decipher the diagnostic results.
6. Be calm for the he alth of your baby.

Reasons for incorrect analysis

The amniotic fluid leak test pad gives the following result:

• false positive - if there is a bacterial infection of the vagina;
• false negative - as a result of non-compliance with the instructions for use;
• lack of any reaction when membranes ruptured long ago.

Special Recommendations

In order for pads that detect amniotic fluid leakage to give a reliable response, it is important to follow the following advice from gynecologists:

• use the test no earlier than 12 hours after intimacy, douching or administration of medicated suppositories;
• if there is a negative result and prolonged heavy discharge, it is necessary to repeat the analysis or contact an obstetrician;
• if there is spotting, the test should be decoded by a specialist;
• green-blue staining may indicate a vaginal infection, you need to see a doctor;
• if symptoms of skin irritation appear, stop using the pad;
• when urine gets on the indicator, it turns green or blue, but after 30 minutes it turns yellow again.

Testing algorithm

Make sure the package is sealed. Amniotic fluid leak detection pads are used once.

1. Open the package and take out the test.
2. Attach the pad to the underwear with the protruding edge in front and the yellow liner in the vaginal area.
3. Remove the gasket after 12 hours or as soon as you feel the fluid flow out.
4. Prepare the plastic case supplied with the test system.
5. Remove the indicator from the gasket by pulling on the protruding part.
6. 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 answer. The appearance of green or blue spots of various shapes on the gasket,intensity and localization indicates a leak of amniotic fluid or the presence of bacterial vaginosis. It is urgent to consult a doctor to confirm / exclude the possibility of leakage or infection of the genital organs.

Negative test reaction. The smallest amount of amniotic fluid will be fixed on the pad. If the indicator is yellow, the fluid being tested is vaginal secretions or urine.

You can see the results of the analysis in the photo of the pads for amniotic fluid leakage, posted in the instructions.

Test pads for amniotic fluid leakage: reviews of pregnant women and gynecologists

Obstetricians have a positive attitude towards home testing for amniotic fluid leakage, because using this method, the expectant mother can calm down or, having detected 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 not based 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 from 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.

Results

At the slightest doubt about a woman's he alth and suspicion of amniotic fluid leakage, it is important to contact a antenatal clinic or conduct a home test for amniotic fluid leakage.

If the answer is positive, the specialists will provide the necessary assistance in time to maintain the pregnancy and its successful further course. A negative result will allow the expectant mother to continue to enjoy the wonderful period of bearing a baby.