What does it mean if my amniotic fluid is not clear?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  

  If your water breaks and your amniotic fluid is yellow, green, or bloody fluid, your provider will likely tell you to go to the hospital. That's because there may be meconium (fetal stool—yes, they make it while inside the womb) in your amniotic fluid, signaling that the child may be in distress. But at some point prior to going into labor, you may also pass blood-tinged thick mucous (think of it as a cork in a bottle of wine). Doctors call this the bloody show; it looks a lot like phlegm.

  This doesn't necessarily mean you're in active labor—in fact, it can occur up to a week before labor begins. A bloody show is generally a positive sign that your cervix is dilating and does not require you to call your doctor. If you tested positive for group B strep, there is a higher chance that this bacteria can find its way into and infect the uterus now that the water is broken, since the sterile sac has been compromised.

  

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  A Dr. Peter Nassar, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Saint Agnes Medical Center

  The amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby is usually a clear to yellow-colored liquid. Sometimes, when a woman’s water breaks, we notice it can be yellow-green or even a dark green color. This is a result of fetal stool (meconium) that has passed into the amniotic sac.
   
  There are a few reasons this would happen. If babies are under distress or past their due date, they may pass stool prematurely, which makes the water bag green.
   
  This is usually not a big deal during labor. We will monitor the baby for signs of distress, and at the time of delivery, we have specialists who clear meconium from the baby's mouth and vocal cords, so the baby does not inhale meconium fluid, which can cause inflammation in the newborn's lungs.
  
  Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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  A Dr. Nancy A. Rector-Finney, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Methodist Hospital

  

  If amniotic fluid is not clear, it could mean the baby is stressed or their first stool made it's way into the amniotic fluid. Watch Nancy Rector-Finney, MD, with Methodist Children's Hospital, discuss the different degrees of amniotic fluid.
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  A Dr. Deborah Raines, MSN , Nursing, answered on behalf of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

  Amniotic fluid is a colorless or pale yellow, non-odorous fluid that cushions the fetus during pregnancy. Sometimes small amounts a mucous strands from the mucous plug are seen, but in general the amniotic fluid will be clear. Any change in the color or odor of the amniotic fluid may be a sign of a potential problem. Some potential color alterations and the possible etiology are:

  • Red: bleeding - often from the placenta
  • Dark red: hemolized blood – often associated with fetal hemolytic disease
  • Green: passage of fecal material - often associated with intrauterine fetal stress
  • Yellow (dark/golden): presence of bile – associated with either hemolytic disease or the presence of old fecal material
  • Brown particles: Recent passage of meconium

  Any of these situations need to be immediately reported to the physician.

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  A Dr. Nay G. Hoche, MD , OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology), answered on behalf of Medical Center of Trinity

  

  Different things can cause the amniotic fluid to be unclear, including meconium, says Nay Hoche, MD, from Medical Center of Trinity. Watch this video to find out what else can influence the color of amniotic fluid.
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