Stupid question alert.. Water leaking, or urine?..?

Question

Okay, this is going to make me sound like the most unintellegent person around, probably, but the thing is: I just simply don't know. I can't tell if my water is leaking, or if somehow, it's clear urine that comes out. Now, it doesn't feel like I'm actually.. "peeing" because I don't really have to do anything. But, it usually only happens when I'm in the bathroom, even after I've peed, fluid leaks. I have a little more discharge than usual, but I'm sure that's just due to the close timing it is for my baby to be due. (One week left!). How can I tell the difference??

I have one child already, but never went through "labor" so to speak. I had her by C-section due to contractions not dialating my cervix and the ultrasound showed her to be big (which she wasn't!).

Answer 1

Not a dumb question.

Go get checked. It is very likely to be amniotic fluid, it could also be urine, but get it checked. The dr.s won't let you go too long with your bag torn because infection can set in.

This happened with my 5th child, I had no clue it had happened, I assumed it was urine, but my midwife said it was not. I never noticed a dribble or anything like that, just damp underwear. It was a week before I was due too. She let me go 2 more days and said if I didn't go into labor on my own I would have to be induced to prevent infection that can harm the baby. I did go on my own, but on the very last day.

Definately go get checked. You'd rather be safe than sorry.

Answer 2

You can use pH strips but I forget what color it is supposed to turn.

WARNING: If it is amniotic fluid and you are seeing a typical jackass sOB he will try induce you which is a) really dangerous with a previous c-section b) way more likely to cause a c-section.

So if I were you (unless you are seeing a midwife who know that a slow leak or even a completely ruptured bag does not mean that the baby must be born within a certain amount of time) I would not mention it to the doctor. I would treat myself as if my bag was leaking which means drinking extra water and not allowing anything into the vagina. Which means no sex, no checking yourself, and definitely not internal exams. Every object introduced into the vagina after the bags break increases the chances of infection --which is a very small risk under a midwifes care, but docs can not keep their hands to themselves and do a million internal exams which increases the risk. And although the bag can reseal I wouldn't want to take any risks. (Unless you can get pH paper and figure that out). Also you should monitor your temperature -- once a day is probably enough. This is too keep an eye out for infection. If it goes up more that 1.5 - 2 degrees go to the doctor.

I don't want to sound doom and gloom there is nothing wrong with your waters leaking, but as you have previously found out sOBs/docs are sometimes looney and the standard of care makes no sense. I just do not want to see you go through an/another unnecessary c-section.

If you want to e-mail me your location I can see if I know any midwives or homebirthing mommas near you.

Congrats and good luck!

Answer 3

Remember you have a mucus plug that will start relaxing and showing of a discharge in your panties. If it's your water bag that has broken then it will have a ammonia smell to it. Generally doesn't stain your panties but does smell. The dribble after you go to the bathroom is generally caused from the weight of the uterus on your bladder..Not unusual, especially beings this is your second pregnancy. When you stand if it is your water, then you would leak some then also and especially when laying down on the bed or couch... Notice the smell that will tell you.... Good Luck with the miracle.....

Answer 4

That's not stupid at all, don't feel bad. I know this is going to seem sick, but smell it. If it smells like ammonia, it's pee. If it has a sweet smell, it's probably amniotic fluid. Just remember if your water has broken to keep the risk of infection low. Make sure you wipe front to back, and never use a tampon to hold in the fluid, but maxi pads are just fine.

Answer 5

I did the same thing and the gynecologist had to check the fluid to see if it was urine or amniotic fluid. He did it with a piece of paper. I am not exactly sure how. I guess it was a special sheet of tissue paper that would have turned blue if it was peepee.
It was urine and he said I was leaking because my son was so big. He was a large baby and I dont wee in my pants anymore. I am not exactly sure what was going on.

Answer 6

Not so stupid. See your doc. There is a lot of pressure on your bladder, so you are not going to have any kind of "formal pee session" as in diliberate start followed by deliberate stop If you are properly hydrated urine should be clear, so that is no help in determining where it comes from. That is why you need a check up. Good luck.

Answer 7

When I went into labor I thought i just leaked pee in my pants too but to my advantage my fiance made me go to the hospital and sure enough even though i was feeling great my water had broke on the top and it was just like a pee.......check it out just in case because my didn't gush just dribbled like a pee

Answer 8

If your water broke, it feels like a gallon of water that is constantly leaking out of you without you doing anything. It will constantly leak out even if you're just sitting or sleeping. Wear a pad, if the pad is filled with water like a sponge, then your water broke. If your water broke, you should be heading to the hospital. This is the fluid that your baby is floating in. If the water is gone, he/she should be taken out. Since you are so close to the due date, you should be heading to the hospital.

Answer 9

it is quite possible it is amniotic fluid. see when you are sitting or standing, the babies head is actually putting pressure on the cervix, which would be a little leak. when your laying down, there would be more of a gush. good lucka nd congrats, and no its not a stupid question. every pregnancy is different.

Answer 10

If your water breaks, you may feel a "gushing" feeling and wetness. If you feel unsure, (this sounds gross) you should take a quick sniff of the fluids, amniotic fluid smells kind of sweet. Then, you can call the doctor and they can verify for you at the hospital.