What are the causes of turbid amniotic fluid? The cause needs to be found out as soon as possible

Amniotic fluid is the place where the baby in the womb lives, so what are the reasons for turbid amniotic fluid?

What is amniotic fluid

The so-called amniotic fluid refers to the fluid in the amniotic cavity of the uterus during pregnancy. It is an important component that is indispensable for maintaining the life of the fetus throughout the pregnancy process. The source of amniotic fluid varies at different stages of fetal development. In the first trimester of pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from the plasma component of the embryo; afterwards, as the organs of the embryo begin to mature and develop, other sources of amniotic fluid, such as the fetal urine, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, umbilical cord, placental surface, etc., also become sources of amniotic fluid.

98% of amniotic fluid is water, with a small amount of inorganic salts, organic hormones and shed fetal cells. The weight of amniotic fluid generally increases with the number of weeks of pregnancy. At 20 weeks, the average is 500 ml; at around 28 weeks, it increases to 700 ml; at 32 to 36 weeks, it is at its highest, about 1,000 to 1,500 ml; and then gradually decreases. Therefore, clinically, 300 to 2,000 ml is the normal range. Exceeding this range is called "polyhydramnios", and failing to meet this standard is called "oligohydramnios". Both conditions require special attention.

Common causes of cloudy amniotic fluid

1. Vernix caseosa is mixed with the amniotic fluid. If the amniotic fluid becomes turbid due to this situation, it generally does not cause harm to the fetus, so there is no need to worry too much.

2. Meconium is mixed with amniotic fluid. If this happens, the fetus may suffer from hypoxia in the uterus and needs oxygen. Specific treatment measures should be carried out after diagnosis by a professional doctor.

3. Cholestasis is mixed in the amniotic fluid. The main substances in the amniotic fluid are fetal fluid and brittle hair. Simple turbidity generally has no effect. If it is relatively turbid, it indicates that the fetus is abnormal and needs to be delivered immediately.

What to do if the amniotic fluid is turbid

Turbid amniotic fluid is mostly caused by the infiltration of mixed lipids or bile into the amniotic fluid, or by the contamination of the amniotic fluid by meconium. The former is generally not a big deal, but the latter may cause the fetus to die due to insufficient oxygen supply, so necessary measures should be taken. Pregnant women generally need to undergo a complete physical examination and oxygen therapy, and monitor the fetal heart rate at the same time. It should be noted that pregnant women are best to choose to lie on their left side to breathe oxygen, because this position helps to provide sufficient blood to the placenta to meet the fetus's oxygen needs. If possible, take cesarean section measures to end the pregnancy.

Can I have a normal birth if the amniotic fluid is turbid?

If the amniotic fluid is turbid, the baby may suffer from hypoxia, and the baby needs to be taken out immediately, usually by caesarean section. So if you say that the amniotic fluid is turbid, unless it is not very serious, the doctor will let you give birth naturally. But if it feels very turbid and the baby must come out immediately, the doctor will not let you give birth naturally.

Turbid amniotic fluid is usually caused by vernix caseosa or meconium mixed in the amniotic fluid, and there are also cases of cholestasis. If it is mild turbidity caused by vernix caseosa alone, it is not a big problem and is normal. It generally does not cause harm to the fetus and does not require special treatment.

If the amniotic fluid is turbid, the pregnant mother is most worried about the safety of the fetus in the abdomen. Mild turbidity of the amniotic fluid in the late pregnancy is due to the presence of fetal metabolites in the amniotic fluid, which is normal. If there is intra-amniotic infection, excessive vernix caseosa, cholestasis of pregnant women, intrauterine fetal hypoxia, etc., the amniotic fluid will be obviously turbid. The choice of delivery method requires specific analysis of the specific situation. Turbid amniotic fluid requires close observation of the intrauterine situation of the fetus, and detailed examination in the hospital to clarify the cause and treat the symptoms. If the turbidity is mild, the doctor will recommend a natural birth. However, if the turbidity is more serious, the doctor will recommend a caesarean section for the pregnant mother.

If the baby is seriously lacking oxygen in the abdomen, it needs to be taken out by cesarean section as soon as possible. If the baby inhales turbid amniotic fluid, it will cause suffocation or other diseases. For the health of the baby, mothers should be cautious. Both natural birth and cesarean section should be carried out according to the doctor's advice.