Under normal conditions, the amniotic fluid is clear or slightly yellowish. If the amniotic fluid is cloudy, then this could be a sign of problems in pregnancy that can have an impact on the health of the mother and fetus. Come onFind out the causes of cloudy amniotic fluid in this article.
While in the womb, the fetus is protected by a sac filled with amniotic fluid.
There are several benefits of amniotic fluid for the fetus in the womb, namely:
- Protects the fetus from external impacts, for example when you fall.
- Helps the development of organs, such as the digestive and respiratory systems of the fetus.
- Allows the fetus to move, so that the bones and muscles develop properly.
- Protects the fetus from infection.
- Helps keep the temperature in the uterus warm.
- Prevents pinched umbilical cord which will reduce oxygen supply to the fetus.
Causes of cloudy amniotic fluid
Cloudy amniotic fluid is a sign of problems in pregnancy. There are several things that can cause cloudy amniotic fluid, including:
1. Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection of the sac and amniotic fluid that occurs before or during delivery. These bacteria usually come from the mother's vagina or urinary tract.
This condition can cause premature birth or sepsis in both mother and baby. In addition to being the cause of cloudy amniotic fluid with a greenish or yellow color, this infection also causes fever in pregnant women, tender uterus, and foul-smelling amniotic fluid.
This amniotic infection needs to be treated with antibiotics. If this amniotic infection causes fetal distress or the mother's condition worsens, then delivery may need to be initiated as soon as possible.
2. Meconium
Meconium is a stool that is excreted by the fetus after the digestive system is fully developed. Amniotic fluid mixed with meconium may turn red, green, or brown in color. This condition can be caused by several reasons, such as overdue pregnancy or the baby experiencing stress in the womb.
Meconium mixed with amniotic fluid is at risk of being inhaled by the baby. If this happens, meconium can block the baby's airways and reduce oxygen levels in his body.
In certain cases, this condition can even cause the baby to experience respiratory problems immediately after birth or several hours after.
3. Hemolytic anemia in infants
Cloudy and yellow amniotic fluid indicates the presence of bilirubin in the amniotic fluid. Excessive bilirubin in the amniotic fluid can be caused by hemolytic anemia in infants.
In addition to the above conditions, the presence of maternal or fetal blood in the amniotic fluid can also cause the amniotic fluid to be cloudy and reddish in color. While the dark colored amniotic fluid can indicate the fetus died in the womb.
To ensure the health condition of the mother and fetus is maintained, regularly consult a gynecologist for a pregnancy examination. During the examination, the doctor will perform a physical examination and an ultrasound of the pregnancy.
The purpose of routine pregnancy check-ups is to minimize and prevent unwanted things during pregnancy, one of which is marked by a change in the color of the amniotic fluid to cloudy.