Symptoms of premature rupture of amniotic fluid infection

The breaking of amniotic fluid is an inevitable process of childbirth, because the amniotic membrane wraps the fetus and also locks the amniotic fluid, which is the most important substance for fetal development and protects the health of the fetus like a hotbed. If the amniotic fluid of a full-term fetus breaks, it means that delivery is imminent. However, premature rupture of amniotic fluid can also pose some threats to the development of the fetus. Let’s take a look at whether the chance of infection from premature rupture of amniotic fluid is high?

Premature rupture of membranes is a sign of premature birth. Amniotic fluid is a colorless, transparent liquid contained in the fetal membrane (composed of the amnion and the chorion), which contains small white pieces of vernix caseosa and fetal hair. During the entire pregnancy, amniotic fluid allows the fetus to move freely in the mother's womb, protecting it from external forces and relieving external collisions, thus providing good protection for the fetus.

During labor, as the uterus continues to contract, the fetal membrane at the dilated cervical opening cannot withstand the greater pressure and ruptures, causing the amniotic fluid to flow out of the vagina. This condition is called rupture of membranes. If the amniotic fluid ruptures without regular uterine contractions and vaginal bleeding, that is, the fetal membrane ruptures before delivery, this condition is called premature rupture of membranes, which is a common complication in obstetrics.

Premature birth

The fetal membrane is a protective membrane for the fetus. If the membrane ruptures prematurely, the amniotic fluid will flow out prematurely and lose its protective effect on the fetus. After the amniotic fluid flows out, the uterus will become smaller, which will constantly stimulate uterine contraction. If the fetus is not full-term at this time, premature birth will occur. The organs of premature babies are not fully developed, their weight is low, their living ability is poor, and they are very likely to die.

Intrauterine distress

If the water breaks before labor begins and the fetal presenting part is not determined, the umbilical cord will prolapse along with the amniotic fluid, causing distress to the fetus in the uterus.

Hypoxia

If too much amniotic fluid flows out, the uterus will stick close to the fetus's body, stimulating the uterus to cause uncoordinated uterine contractions, thereby affecting the progress of labor and placental blood circulation, leading to dystocia and fetal hypoxia.

Mother-to-child infection

The longer it takes for the membranes to rupture, the greater the chance of intrauterine infection. If the fetus inhales infected amniotic fluid, it can cause aspiration pneumonia. In addition, mothers are also prone to infection during delivery or postpartum infection.