QuestionHi Brenda
Yesterday I had the amniocentesis done(at 16 weeks 4 days). Can you tell me what is the difference in color and smell between amniotic fluid and normal veginal discharge?
In case of leakage of amniotic fluid, what is the amount of the fliud? it will be a few drops only or it leaks continuously? Today I noticed some yellowish discharge on the underwear, it was dry(just like a patch) when I saw it and I think it should be striky when wet(something like the dried discharge around ovulation day), so do you think that it was amniotic fluid? do I need to call my doctor?
Hence, when doing the amniocentesis, I could see the needle and around the needle, I also saw something flowing, very thin, just like paper flowing in the water, do you know what it was? please advise. My understanding is that only the baby would exist inside the placenta, I am afraid anything has done wrong during the amniocentesis.
And at 16 weeks, I still feel the on and off mild cramp on the two sides and lower abdomin, do I need to concern or it is normal?
And, my doctor also advised me to do a complete ultrasound at 20 - 22 weeks to check the brain of the baby, is it necessary? or does it indicating something wrong so that my doctor wants me to do that? for the past 16 weeks, I had more than 8 ultrasound done? it that too many? (I had light bleeding)
Please adivse. thanks a lot.
AnswerDear Elaine,
It is often difficult to discern whether leakage is vaginal discharge, urine, or amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid can be clear, pink, brown, or green, but this early on it is typically clear and is relatively odorless (although some have described it as having an unusual smell similar to Comet cleanser). If the fluid looks yellowish and smells of ammonia, you're probably experiencing urine leakage. The best way to know is with litmus paper that changes color based on the pH of the fluid.
With an amniocentesis, the puncture wound should close up by itself, just like any shots one would get. Leakage of fluid is a rare complication. The baby does secrete some substances and shed fetal skin cells into the amniotic fluid. This may be what you noticed in the fluid. It may also have just been a shadow of some sort. That is easy to mistake when looking on ultrasound sometimes.
The mild cramping a day after an amniocentesis is a very normal side effect. In general, an ultrasound is typically done after confirmation of a pregnancy (around 6 weeks) and at 20 weeks. An ultrasound is generally performed for all pregnant women at 20 weeks gestation to confirm that the placenta is healthy and attached normally and that your baby is growing properly in the uterus. The baby's heartbeat and movement of its body, arms and legs can also be seen on the ultrasound. Gender can also usually be determined at this point. Eight ultrasounds in 16 weeks seems like quite a few, but if you have called the doctor with episodes of bleeding, he/she would order an ultrasound to check the health of the fetus with each episode. As far as eight being "too many", ultrasounds pose no danger to the pregnancy or the fetus.
My suggestion would be to pose many of these questions to your doctor. It sounds like you have many worries or concerns that your doctor is concerned about something he may not be telling you. If that is your fear, my suggestion would be to simply come right out and ask. Be clear that you want to know things - that you'd rather know than wonder.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
