After a woman becomes pregnant, the baby grows in the mother's uterus, which is filled with amniotic fluid. The baby can be considered to have grown up immersed in amniotic fluid. If there is a problem with amniotic fluid, whether it is too much, too little, or cloudy, it can cause harm to the fetus. So, what is outside the amniotic fluid?
Fetuses grow inside amniotic fluid, and there is a layer of membrane outside the amniotic fluid called the amniotic membrane, also known as the fetal membrane. This is a barrier that protects the fetus and also plays a role in maintaining amniotic fluid. When a pregnant woman is about to give birth, the fetal membranes will rupture, leading to the phenomenon of water leakage, which indicates that the fetus is about to be born. Some pregnant women who experience membrane rupture during pregnancy are called premature rupture of membranes, which is a dangerous condition that can easily lead to premature birth of the fetus.
When the fetal membrane is damaged, even a small opening can allow amniotic fluid to flow out. Premature rupture of membranes is quite common in women during pregnancy. When premature rupture of membranes occurs, pregnant women and fetuses are at a high risk of infection because after membrane rupture, bacteria and viruses have access to the inside of the membrane.
Some small cracks on the membrane may heal on their own, preventing amniotic fluid from flowing out and reducing the risk of infection. For example, if amniocentesis is performed, it can heal on its own.
