If you're leaking amniotic fluid during your pregnancy, you may be concerned -- and rightly so -- that your baby is in danger. While it's possible to leak amniotic fluid slowly, in which case it's generally replaced, some leaks lead to too much fluid loss. You shouldn't attempt to treat this with herbs.
Amniotic Fluid
Amniotic fluid surrounds a developing fetus during pregnancy. It serves many purposes, including helping to protect your baby by keeping the fetus suspended and safe from bumps to your abdomen. The fluid also helps your fetus to "practice" vital survival skills that it will need after birth, such as swallowing and breathing. Your fetus swallows amniotic fluid and urinates it out continually during pregnancy. The fetus also "breathes" the fluid into its lungs, strengthening the muscles of respiration.
Leaking Fluid
There are many fluids that can leak from your genital area during pregnancy. As your baby grows and puts pressure on your bladder, you may leak urine, especially upon standing or if you sneeze or laugh. Your vaginal discharge will also increase, especially later in pregnancy, and may become clear and very thin. You can also lead amniotic fluid if the amniotic sac tears; there may be only a small amount of fluid, or it may come in a rush.
Herbal Remedies
Generally speaking, there are no scientifically proven herbal remedies for leaking amniotic fluid. Whether the fluid comes in a gush or as a trickle, herbs can't repair the amniotic sac. Further, herbs aren't regulated in the same way that pharmaceuticals are; the FDA does not require manufacturers of herbal products to prove safety or efficacy. For this reason, you shouldn't attempt to treat leaking amniotic fluid with herbs.
Guidelines
If you experience a rush of fluid and are not yet at your 37th week of pregnancy, contact your doctor and go to the hospital; this is an emergency. If you're after your 37th week, you are beginning normal, full-term labor, and should follow your doctor's instructions. If you experience a trickle of fluid, you may have a tear in the amniotic sac or may be leaking urine; you can collect some of the fluid and take it to your obstetrician to have it tested. This will allow your doctor to guide you as to what you should do.
References
- FDA: DSHEA of 1994
- "You: Having A Baby"; Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.; 2009
- "Conception, Pregnancy and Birth"; Miriam Stoppard, M.D.; 2008
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