How can you tell FOR SURE if you're leaking amniotic fluid, short of going to the hospital?

Question

I know it sounds like it should be something that is SIMPLE to tell, but with all the other lovely discharges that we get during pregnancy, how can you tell? I know it would be more watery, but when you're checking you're most likely on the toilet, so the "wateriness" could simply be urine. What other tell tale signs would/should go with it, any pain etc? Just curious.

I have also heard that water breaking isn't always the big gush that lets you know right away...what I'm more concerned about is if it was a slow trickle that was less noticeable...How could you tell.

Answer 1

When my water broke with my first, i got up and figured I just needed to go to the bathroom, well the fluid would not stop. so i assumed this was not urine, plus it got on my underwear, and this might sound yucky, but i had to smell it, because as we all know urine has a distinct smell, but amniotic fluid is more watery. turns out my water broke, and just so you know, it is not always a huge gush like some will tell you. sometimes it is a slow leak.

Answer 2

Signs Of Leaking Amniotic Fluid

Answer 3

There is no "feeling" associated with your waters breaking. Most of the time it's just a trickle, because the baby's head plugs up the "gush" If you have litmus paper, you can tell if it's amniotic fluid because it will turn blue, whereas urine will stay pink.

If you're due anytime now, a little trickle of waters isn't enough to send you to the hospital, unless it has a foul odor and a dark color. That would indicate that your baby is in distress and has pooped in the water (and is now swimming in its own poop)

Precautions to take when your water has broken- don't insert anything into the vagina (no sex)

If your contractions don't start in the next 24-48 hours, pop in to L&D to get checked out. AGAIN-watch the color.

It is possible for your water to break before contractions begin, but not probable. If that happens, the previous response about "bloody show" would be inaccurate.

Also- in some cases where the water has popped a leak prematurely, it can patch itself up and hold again for days even weeks.

Congratulations and take care!

Answer 4

This is my advice after too many false alarms to the hospital throughout my pregnancies.
Sit on the toilet with one or both knees pulled up to your chest and place a hand mirror angled so you can exam yourself. Is there any fluid leaking? Is it leaking from your vagina or urethra?
You can check with toilet paper or simply a qtip and gently swab the fluid if it's leaking from your vagina. Amniotic fluid is clearish has a "creekwater" type odor to it. Also if it's Amniotic Fluid, it will continue to trickle (even very very slowly) out. If you then suspect it is indeed amniotic fluid, you should contact your OB's office if they are open or head over to labor and delivery.
There may or may not be pain present (depending if contractions have started etc)

Best of luck... even us old pro's get confused!

Answer 5

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RE:
How can you tell FOR SURE if you're leaking amniotic fluid, short of going to the hospital?
I know it sounds like it should be something that is SIMPLE to tell, but with all the other lovely discharges that we get during pregnancy, how can you tell? I know it would be more watery, but when you're checking you're most likely on the toilet, so the "wateriness" could simply...

Answer 6

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Probably every woman who tells you about her labor experience, tells you a different story. Your delivery will be just as unique. However, the following information will prepare you for when “Labor Day” is just around the corner. Six Signs that Labor is Within a Few Weeks or Days: 1. Lightening: You can breathe again! This is an indication that the baby has dropped, settling deeper into your pelvis and relieving some of the pressure on your diaphragm, so you are not so short of breath. You may feel increased pressure on your bladder, which means more trips to the bathroom. Others may comment on your changed appearance, although you might not be aware of it at all. 2. Bloody show: Loss of mucus plug. During pregnancy, a thick plug of mucus protects your cervical opening from bacteria entering the uterus. When your cervix begins to thin and relax, this plug is expelled. Some women think the plug will look solid like a cork, but it is actually stringy mucus or discharge. It can be clear, pink or blood tinged and can appear minutes, hours or even days before labor begins. Not all women notice this sign. 3. Rupture of membranes: Your water breaks! Only 1 in 10 woman experience a dramatic gush of the amniotic fluid and even then it usually happens at home, often in bed. Sometimes the amniotic sac breaks or leaks before labor begins. Your uterus is sitting directly on top of your bladder, which can cause you to leak urine. Sometimes it can be quite difficult to distinguish urine from amniotic fluid. If your membranes have ruptured and you are leaking amniotic fluid, it will be an odorless fluid. This can occur with a sudden gush or a constant trickle. If you notice fluid leaking, you need to try to determine if it smells like urine or if it is odorless. If it does not seem to be urine, you would want to contact your health care provider. Until you see your physician or midwife do not use tampons, have sexual intercourse or do anything that would introduce bacteria to your vagina. Let your health care provider know if the fluid is anything other than clear and odorless, particularly if it's green or foul smelling, because this could be a sign of infection. 4. Nesting: Spurt of energy. For most of your pregnancy you have probably been fighting the urge to take a nap, so you'll know when you experience this. One day you will wake up feeling full of energy! You'll start making a long list of things to do, things to clean, things to buy and everything you've put off doing will become a high priority. In all your preparations, don't forget that “Labor Day” may be just around the corner so save some energy. 5. Effacement: Thinning of the cervix. Usually in the last month the cervix begins to stretch and thin. This process means the lower segment of the uterus is getting ready for delivery. A thin cervix will also allow the cervix to dilate more easily. Your health care provider may check for effacement in the final 2 months of pregnancy. Effacement is measured in percentages. You may hear your helath care provider say,“You are 25% effaced, 50% effaced, 75%...” The Braxton Hicks contractions or “practice contractions” you have been experiencing may play a part in the effacement process. You will not be able to determine your effacement process, this can only be done by a health care provider's exam. 6. Dilation: Opening of the cervix. Dilation is the process of the cervix opening in preparation for childbirth. Dilation is measured in centimeters or, less accurately, in “fingers” during an internal (manual) pelvic exam. “Fully dilated” means you're at 10 centimeters and are ready to give birth. In the same way that your health care provider may be checking for effacement in the last 2 months, your health care provider may also tell you how many centimeters your cervix has dilated. One SURE Sign Labor is Really Happening: Consistent Contractions: When you begin to experience regular uterine contractions, this is the strongest indication that you are in labor. This is the time to get your notebook to record the exact time each one begins and how long it lasts. These contractions feel like menstrual cramps or a low backache that comes and goes at 20 to 30 minute intervals. Gradually, the aching or cramping becomes stronger and lasts longer. When your contractions are consistantly 5 minutes apart, it's time to call your health care provider. Labor Contractions Have the Following Characteristics: They are regular They follow a predictable pattern (such as every eight minutes) They become progressively closer They last progressively longer They become progressively stronger Each contraction is felt first in the lower back and then radiates around to the front or visa versa A change in activity or position will not slow down or stop contractions There may be bloody show Membranes may rupture Your health care provider will notice cervical changes, such as effacement (thinning), or dilation I LOOKED THIS UP ON THE INTERNT HOPE THAT THIS HELPS SOME AND ANSWERS SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS, BUT IF I WAS IN YOUR SHOES I WOULD SIT DOWN AND TALK TO THE DOCTOR AND ASK HIM QUESIOTNS DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK THEM ANYHTING.THEY ARE HERE TO HELP YO UOK.

Answer 7

Amniotic fluid has a kinda "sterile" smell to it. Also, when my water broke, I thought I was peeing on myself but when I felt that I didn't have to release the urine and if was just kinda coming out on it's own. and wouldn't stop, I just quielty went to to the ER where they placed a strip in the leakage and confirmed it was amniotic fluid. Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 8

You should really have your dr check it out if you think you're leaking fluid. You're right...you don't always get a gush and you DO want to know if a lot of the fluid is gone.

Answer 9

When my water broke, it was in the morning. I woke up, felt like I had to pee. Before I could roll myself up (literally) and outta bed, it came out. Not in a big gush, just a stream. There were no contractions. I thought I had wet the bed. I went to the bathroom to pee and when I was done, there was still leakage. Not alot, but enough to make my undies damp. It wouldn't stop. We went directly to the hospital and I was admitted-- even tho I had no contractions and wasn't really dialated. They went ahead and admitted me, and sped up my labor w/Pitocin. When your water(amniotic sac) breaks, it compromises the sterile environment of the baby and can allow bacteria to enter the uterus.

If you feel like your water broke, even if it is a trickle-- call your ob or the maternity ward at the hospital.

An exam and a PROFESSIONAL medical opinion is needed to determine whether you can wait on delivery, or if you need to be in a sterile environment.

Answer 10

the only time my waters broke was when I was pregnant with my 3rd baby. I didnt know they had, I just felt a weird wee trickle when I emptied the dryer on the floor. I told my husband I just peed myself and went to change my knickers I sat on the loo and nothing happened, I lay down on my bed, nothing happened, so I thought nothign of it and continued to eat my dinner and shower the kids etc. then later on I noticed when I stood up I felt it again, so I rang my midwife who came over and did a swab thing to find they had indeed broken.

During the c-section (it was planned) they found my hindwaters had broken and Katelyns noggin had corked it so to speak.

so yes they can break withotu a huge gush as you mentioned, I did smell my knickers and didnt smell like amonia or look like straw coloured like the books said. it was just a bit like pee...

I think you should find out just to be safe, though since its been a few days youd definately know by now.

if it ever happens again, make sure you dont bathe or have sex until you know for sure :) you dont want an infection.

goodluck with the birth of your baby,I hope it goes smoothly