The difference between amniotic fluid and secretions

During pregnancy, the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid, which is an important protection for the fetus. If there is any abnormality in the amniotic fluid, it will have a great impact on the fetus. The main secretions in the female body are leucorrhea. Leucorrhea and amniotic fluid are similar in appearance, but the difference is essential. It is important to understand the difference between the two. So, what is the difference between amniotic fluid and secretions? Let’s take a look below.

The difference between amniotic fluid and leucorrhea

We call the colorless, transparent fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus from external impacts, participates in the fetal metabolism, protects the mother, and reduces discomfort caused by fetal movement. During a normal pregnancy, the amount of amniotic fluid gradually increases with the gestational age, generally reaching about 1000 ml at 38 weeks of pregnancy and about 800 ml at full term.

Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI): The uterus is divided into four quadrants at right angles using the umbilical horizontal line and the linea alba as markers. The vertical diameter of the largest amniotic fluid pool in each quadrant is measured, and the sum of the four is the amniotic fluid index.

The normal value range is: 8 to 24 cm.

The leucorrhea during menstruation will change with the secretion of estrogen. Generally, the secretion of estrogen reaches its peak between two menstruations (equivalent to the ovulation period), so the leucorrhea at this time is abundant and transparent, sticky like egg white and can be pulled into silk-like shapes, and the vulva feels moist. In the few days before and after menstruation, due to pelvic congestion, vaginal exudate increases, leucorrhea also slightly more, and because it contains more exfoliated cells, the leucorrhea is turbid.

What should pregnant women eat if they have less amniotic fluid?

Amniotic fluid refers to the fluid in the amniotic cavity of the uterus during pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy process, it is an important component that is indispensable for maintaining fetal life. The source of amniotic fluid varies at different stages of fetal development. During the first trimester of pregnancy, amniotic fluid mainly comes from the plasma components of the embryo; afterwards, as the embryo's organs 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.

If a pregnant woman has too little amniotic fluid, the doctor will first pay close attention to the development of the fetus in the uterus. Too little amniotic fluid is mostly related to a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid secreted by the amniotic membrane or abnormal fetal development. If the amniotic fluid is simply too low, you can use methods such as fluid replacement or drinking more water and soup.

What should pregnant women eat less to replenish amniotic fluid? Pregnant women can increase their intake of vitamin C and eat more vegetables and fruits, such as apples, oranges, kiwis, tomatoes, etc.; they can also drink more fish soup or pork rib soup to replenish amniotic fluid. If the oligohydramnios is caused by insufficient maternal blood volume or hypoxia, drinking plenty of water, intravenous infusion and oxygen inhalation can play a certain role. At the same time, it is also necessary to supplement with foods containing iron, such as red dates, longan, pork liver, etc.