Amniotic Sac Facts!

http://anthrodoula.blogspot.com/2012/10/born-in-caul-by-c-section.html

1.  When a woman's water breaks, there is no magic number of hours that indicate when the baby needs to come out.  Thus induction is not always necessary following premature rupture of membranes, although some states have laws indicating a woman must be induced within a certain time frame of her waters breaking. However,  Some women go months with broken waters when their membranes rupture early in pregnancy!

2.  The risk of infection is only increased when things are inserted into the vagina after the membranes are ruptured.  After the waters break, women must abstain from sex, cervical exams, vaginal ultrasounds or inserting Evening Primrose Oil.  There is no reason for a woman to be rushed to the hospital as if it's a dire emergency unless their are signs of infection in her.  The first symptom of infection is most often a fever and is when the situation should be taken more seriously.

3.  No one knows where amniotic fluid comes from.  A newborn's urine is sterile, and it has been theorized that is where it comes from, but currently there are no conclusive answers.  It is evident that fluid intake can increase amniotic fluid levels.  This is just one of the many mysteries of pregnancy!

4.  Taking Vitamin C or citrus with bioflavanoids plus zinc is believed to strengthen the amniotic sac and can help prevent premature rupture of the membranes.  This also reduces the risk of premature childbirth.  Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for skin, collagen, connective tissues and muscle and is linked in studies to strengthening the sac.  It is also believed that vitamin C can repair holes in the sac, if the baby's body is unable to plug the holes.

5.  An ultrasound cannot tell a woman for sure how much amniotic fluid she has remaining or whether or not an induction or cesarean is necessary.  

6.  Premature rupture of the membranes occurs in 10 to 20% of pregnancies, worldwide.  90% of women's bodies will begin labor within 48 hours of the rupture.

7.  When a woman's water breaks prematurely, it rarely gushes.  In labor, a large gush is more likely during a strong contraction which may "pop" the water.  It is most often a trickle, and will keep replenishing.  Therefore, rarely will a baby be born dry. Nor will a woman "run out" of water.

8.  When a baby is born and the amniotic sac is left intact, it's is called being born "in the caul" (also called caulbearers.)  Many famous leaders of the world were born in the caul such as John Lennon, Martin Luther King Jr. and Alexander the Great.  Some believe these people are cursed, while others believe these people are divine healers with deep intuitive abilities.  The picture I posted here is a picture of a cesarean with the baby born in the caul.  I've seen it floating around on Facebook for awhile now, and couldn't resist sharing!

9.  When the water breaks before labor begins it is called Premature Rupture of Membranes, AKA - PROM.

10.  The fetus can consume up to 15 ounces of amniotic fluid a day.

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