What is the difference between Amniotic fluid and a Discharge?

Amniotic fluid refers to a yellowish fluid contained within the amnion membrane, specifically in the amniotic sac, which surrounds a developing fetus or embryo. This is not just a product of a reaction in the uterus, but it is naturally placed to give serious support to the developing fetus, specifically as it is acting as a shock absorber to the developing fetus.

A discharge, on the other hand, is usually used to refer to the liquid that comes out of women's vagina as part of their menstrual cycle. It is otherwise known as a vaginal discharge. A discharge can be caused by a lot of things and does not necessarily come because of infections or diseases, especially sexually transmitted ones. Amniotic fluid is formed in the uterus of a pregnant woman.

This means the presence of this material in the uterus of a woman cannot be caused by any other things except if a woman is pregnant.

The large sac where the baby grows is made of a thin but durable membrane which is called the chorion. It is a hybrid membrane created by combining chorion and amnion. This fluid is the result of the baby’s skin, baby placenta, baby lungs, and baby urine. It also protects the baby from infection, heat, trauma, pressure, impact, and certain chemicals. This fluid escapes out when the mother’s water breaks. The color of the amniotic fluid is a sure sign of the wellbeing and health of the fetus and progression of labor.

On the other hand, vaginal discharge can be due to many causes—infections like candida and bacterial vaginitis present vaginal discharge. The qualities of the vaginal discharge often help the doctor to reach a diagnosis. A creamy white discharge with vulvar itching is due to candida. A fishy smelling vaginal discharge is due to bacterial vaginitis. Post-menopausal women also deal with discharge, and this is often due to atrophic vaginitis and atrophic cervicitis