Difference Between Amniotic fluid and a Discharge

Amniotic fluid vs Discharge

Amniotic fluid is the yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby in the uterus.  This fluid is usually contained in the amniotic sac. The fluid acts as a cushion for the fetus as it develops and grows.  The fluid is inhaled by the unborn baby as it swallows and releases it through its urine. A discharge is more commonly known as a vaginal discharge.  It comes in the form of a clear white non-offensive fluid that is generally part of a woman’s menstrual cycle.  There can be several causes for a vaginal discharge.  These are a non-infective, non-sexually transmitted infection or a sexually transmitted infection.   Amniotic fluid, on the other hand, results from the presence of a fetus in the uterus, which creates the amniotic sac that produces it.

It is essential to note that amniotic fluid only occurs when a woman is pregnant.  This fluid helps cushion the movements of the baby in the womb that will help it develop and grow. The fluid is also known to help in the development of the lungs during the primary stage of development.  Amniotic fluid also keeps the baby warm as it maintains a constant temperature in the womb. A vaginal discharge is always present in a woman’s system.  This can, however, be aggravated when the woman gets pregnant.  On average, it is normal for a woman to discharge around 2 grams of dead cells and about 3 grams of mucus daily.

There are two known disorders that may occur with amniotic fluid.  The first is oligohydramnios, which is the lack of or an insufficient amount of liquid inside the womb to help with the development of the baby.  The second is polyhydramnios, which is the opposite of oligohydramnios, meaning that there is too much liquid in the sac.  On the diagnosis of either, it is essential that proper care should be observed during the pregnancy.  Indications of abnormalities in vaginal discharge are usually a heavier, thicker, and foul-smelling discharge.  In some cases, the discharge is accompanied by blood and an itchy rash which also often burns.  Common diseases that may cause these abnormalities are thrush, forgotten tampons, bacterial vaginosis, and gonorrhea.

The greatest difference between amniotic fluid and a vaginal discharge is that the latter occurs on a daily basis.   This means that if you experience this, it is part of a normal process.  However, when you see amniotic fluid, it means that your baby is about to be born or that there might be a problem with your pregnancy.

Summary:
1. Amniotic fluid appears as a yellowish colored liquid that is excreted through the vagina, while a discharge is usually a clear fluid.
2. Amniotic fluid is only present when a woman is pregnant, while a discharge occurs normally even if the woman is pregnant.
3. There can be two major disorders in amniotic fluid, while abnormalities in a vaginal discharge may be caused by external diseases or infections.
4. Amniotic fluid is only released from the body when the woman is about to give birth, while a discharge happens normally.