Amniotic fluid advice

[Vilanelle]

Before anyone says, I am going to ring my midwife in the morning. I don't think this warrants ringing their out of hours emergency number.

I am 18 weeks pregnant and had increased discharge recently. However today in my knickers it was watery, just damp on knickers but over a larger area than usual

How do I know if this is just discharge or amniotic fluid? I'm feeling v anxious this evening because of it so hoping I can get some reassurance before tomorrow.

Pop a sanitary pad in your underwear and call your maternity triage for advice.

Don't wait till morning.

Do they test the sanitary towel?

You need to ring triage now and ask them for advice.

Don’t wait. Ring. Just in case. It may be nothing, it may not be. Good luck OP.

Call your midwife

Some hospitals you have to go to a and e not maternity before 20 w

Def get it checked today

Midwife here - if you’re very anxious this is exactly what the out of hours number is for. It is very likely to be an excess of discharge. It can be difficult to tell the difference between amniotic fluid and discharge but a big difference is the smell. Amniotic fluid is quite sweet (it smells like a newborn baby!). Please don’t wait until tomorrow, especially if you have any pains or bleeding.

No pains or bleeding. Ok perhaps I should ring now.

This may seem like a stupid question but would I have to smell knickers or would I smell it on toilet ?

They wouldn't test the sanitary pad but if you go in they will look at it, it can sometimes be obvious if it is amniotic fluid but even if not it can give them an idea of how much you are losing.

There is a test that can be done which can test if it's fluid or urine, it would involve an exam with a speculum just like a smear. They will take a full history when you call and advise you from there. Good luck.

I am 24 weeks and if I forget to wear a liner my pants feel uncomfortably damp at the moment. It is just increased discharge though and baby is fine.
Do phone to put your mind at ease though.

I rang and she said they don't see anyone before 20 weeks. Didnt even give me a chance to explain what was wrong! Said to either ring community midwives between 9 and 5 or go to a and e.