Waters broken or not?

[lazybaby]

I have lost a fairly large amount of fluid gradually over the past 3 hours or so. Thinking that my waters had broken, went down to the hospital only to be told that they probably hadn't, and it was some kind of discharge probably caused by an infection - and told to go home. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? As I say, it never gushed out, but every time I sit up or walk I feel and look like I am wetting myself and can't believe that this is not my waters breaking! - I am 41 weeks today and now feeling quite anxious - if anyone could shed any light I would be very grateful.

can you wear a pad and see how often you have to change it? What does it smell like?

having to change it pretty much everytime I get up from sitting and it smells of nothing - and whilst not exactly like water, is clear albeit a little thicker than water - this is pleasant isn't it?!

bump for you, sorry no idea, my waters broke in one little gush! sorry....

similar happened to me.was told waters probably gone but babies head acting like a plug, everytime i stood up water trickled out. It did get faster as time went by. I went into labour 36 hours later (only lasted 45mins though!)

45 mins?!Please tell me that was with your first child!

Sounds like waters have probably gone and I'd give labour ward a ring again. I've had my waters break before labobur twice now and the other time they went during pushing. All were quick labours under 3 hours and only about an hour for the 3rd.

Sounds like your waters definitely. Exactly the same happened to me - I remember the same, every time I stood up it was as though I wet myself. I also went to the hospital and they said it wasn't my waters (ha!) Got home from hospital and had a show, went into labour that evening but it faded away, then induced the next morning and finally had c-section the NEXT morning . If it is waters then it shouldn't smell of anything.

Sounds like it might be a hindwater leak, that's the waters leaking but the membranes in front of the baby's head are intact so technically your waters have not broken. Did they do a speculum exam on you or just a normal vaginal exam with fingers? It can be very hard to tell if just fingers. If it's a hindwater leak labour could still be some way away. These can of leaks can come and go for a while. Have you had any other signs of imminent labour such as a show, period-like cramps, backache? If you wear a pad you can leave it for a few hours and then sniff it. Amniotic fluid is supposed to smell sweetish, like grass, whereas urine will have a smell like ammonia.

Even if it were a hindwater leak this can still cause infection. I know because I saw many senior consultants during my last pregnancy as my waters broke at 22 weeks and it was a big concern. They said that hindwater leaks or full leaks can both lead to infection.

Thank you for all your advice. I can't believe its not my waters - they did do a speculum exam and she did mention that it could be a hind water leak but didn't seem too convinced. Since then, I have been having quite strong period like cramps intermitently, but wouldn't be so bold as to say they are contractions, and am still leaking although not as much as before - its also more pink this morning. I have a 41+3 appoint. this morning so hopefully we'll find out more then. Thank you again and I'll let you know the outcome of the appoint.

My waters went pink with ds2, it meant my cervix was dilating and some blood was coming away from it too.

If they tell me that my cervix is dilating I will be ecstatic! Fingers crossed - baby is moving loads though, so at least he/she seems to be happy. Just as a matter of interest, if the consultants were concerned about infection, did they give you any antibiotics against group Streb B? The midwife took a swab last night to test for infection, but the results won't be back for a few days, by which time I hope the baby is out? So I was wondering whether they would give ABs as a precaution?

I was given anti biotics as a precaution especially as I was 22 weeks at the time but I also had another lot later on as they thought I was getting an infection but thankfully it didn't develop.

Pink is good! It shows the tiny blood vessels in the cervix are breaking - that usually means the cervix is at least starting to efface (go thin) if not open. The risk of infection is there but is pretty low, especially if you are in your home. To be honest if your waters break, you'd know it, there's quite a lot of fluid in there at term, as much as 500-800ml. Andit is being replenished all the time. You don't necessarily need ABX - if the Strep B does come back positive you can consider it but even if the test shows + the risk to the baby is relatively low assuming a normal delivery as you are already at term (it would be different for a 22 week baby). An alternative is simply to monitor your own temp, twice a day, any spike in temp might indicate an infection. You can take baths or showers while you wait for things to get going but might want to avoid sex or vaginal exams (except with a speculum). Sounds great, hang in there, get plenty of rest and don't worry, things will get going when your body is ready. It doesn't sound like it will be long now!

i would think your waters have broken if some is released every time you change position.
i would ring labour ward as they can swab to see what it is.

probably hindwaters.

Yes, it was the waters! scan showed there were no waters left, and now getting more and more cramps - so hopefully all moving in the right direction. Induction booked for Sunday if not, so fingers crossed! Thank you everyone for your help.

Ooh, congrats! Hope it all goes well and quickly for you! Do you know what you're having?

Thank you! No, its still a surprise, so we'll wait to see.