Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

If you see the signs of leaking amniotic fluid it is possible that you are facing preterm labor. This is also known as having your water broken.

Although it might not be as spectacular as seen in the movies, it is a serious problem. This is why all women should know the difference between urine and amniotic fluid.

Trickle

About 10% of the labors start with a trickle of amniotic fluid and even fewer start with a burst of amniotic fluid. Usually when the membranes rupture there will be a slow trickle. Don’t forget that the uterus is located above your bladder, pushing against it, so you could discharge some urine thinking that your water broke.

Testing

When thinking about the symptoms of leaking amniotic fluid you might think that this is disgusting, but the surest way to know the difference between urine and amniotic fluid is to smell your underwear. Amniotic fluid could have a sweet smell, although usually it is odorless and colorless.

If you are looking for the signs of leaking amniotic you should know that urine has a stronger smell, but the amount of water that you drink could dilute it. In the same time normally urine has a yellowish color, while your amniotic fluid is supposed to be clear.

Nitrazine or pH test

If you don’t know whether you see the leaking amniotic fluid symptoms or not, you should ask your health care provider. He can tell you by using a pH test in his or her office. The test strip has a certain color if your water broke. In this case the doctor can decide what the best course of action might be.

Tips and warnings

If you think you see the signs of leaking amniotic, you shouldn’t have intercourse, use a tampon or take a bath before your health care provider sees you. If the baby isn’t due yet, you should contact your health care provider immediately.  If the baby is due, you don’t have to rush to the hospital, but first finalize the preparations.

Although you don’t have to hurry if you see the warning signs of leaking amniotic fluid, the majority of the doctors don’t want to wait with delivery more than 24 hours because as the time goes by, the chances of having an infection increase.

The signs of leaking amniotic are quite obvious so it is helpful for all pregnant women to know as much info as possible about the proper way to handle this issue.