Hydrorrhea gravidarum

Definition:

Hydrorrhea gravidarum is defined as “the discharge of a watery fluid from the vagina during pregnancy”. It can also be called as hindwater.

 One more definition is constant or periodic flow of a serous or seropurulent liquid, resembling liquor amnii, from the vagina in pregnancy.

The causes of are:

Rupture of membranes

Hydrosalpinx

Edema of uterine walls

Inflammation of decidual glands

Placenta marginata

Pathology:

Inflammation of deciduae is not uncommon in pregnancy. It occurs usually secondary to slight degrees of endometritis. But  severe degree of endometritis leads to sterility.

The inflamed decidua will be greatly thickened either localized or diffuse and may present with polypoid growths or small cysts.

The rupture of these cystic decidual glands, with sudden gush of fluid from vagina will present as hydrorrhea gravidarum.

Quantity :

Little or more

Time :

Usually occurs after six months of pregnancy

Differential diagnosis:

Liquor amnii

Urine

Local wounds pus discharge

Secretions from local tumors

Dangers :

It can lead to preterm labour

Treatment :

No particular treatment available. Cause to be treated.