How do I know if my waters are leaking?

[anne74]

I posted yesterday saying that I had lost my mucus plug at 34+3. Everything was checked out at the hospital and they were happy it was all ok. They said to go back if I thought my waters had gone (amongst other things).

My question is this - how do I know if my waters are leaking or if I just have some very watery discharge? Yesterday when my plug went, there was quite a lot of wetness with it and also on a couple of occasions throughout the day. This morning when I got out of bed, I could feel the 'liquid' coming out as I stood up and my knickers were very wet (we're staying at a friends house and I'm trying not to leak pregnant stuff all over the place!). I've smelt it and it's definitely not urine but I don't want to go back to the hospital and look like a complete worry wart.

If it is my waters, would they be particularly bothered anyway?

I don't really know what to do. I don't have access to a community midwife as far as I know. There is one who comes to my GP practice once a week and she has never mentioned being able to get hold of her at other times although there is a number on my notes for community midwives.

Please help. I may just be totally overreacting and need to be told to breathe... ;-)

[aideesmum]

Give the midwife a ring to be sure so you can be checked out. My waters went like this over a couple of days - when I saw the MW about 3 days later they had to induce me as the waters were all gone (and no contractions). So much for the gush you see on the telly!

[anne74]

Thanks for the advice. I rang the community midwives number who suggested I call the birth centre at the hospital for their advice. They suggested that I put a pad on and if it's wet over the next hour to call them back or just go to the hospital to get checked out.

Now to go and buy some pads as I'm staying at a friends as we've got builders at our house and the place is in complete disarray!

I appreciate your help x

[CrazyChristmasLady]

Sounds exactly like when my waters went tbh. I got up to go toilet and when I stood up, I was just leaking a little bit. Wasn't sure so phoned the labour ward and they said use a pad. As I stood up after they went with a gush anyway so I knew but they did continue to trickle constantly. Perfectly clear, no smell.

[anne74]

I've got the pad on now but can't help but wonder how a pad which sells itself as being super absorbent will give me any clues. Surely it's all going to get absorbed into the pad with nothing on the surface to see.

Will see what happens...

[westlake]

Mine went over 3 days, although the midwives told me it was excessive vaginal discharge!!!! Bollocks! I felt 'pooling' when i woke in the morning and rolled over. Definitely waters tho cos i got merconium (sp) in them on day 3 and a distressed baby!

I hear it's very common and some women have this and then nothing for weeks.........

[JeelyPiece]

Anne when I was worried about what was just apparently excessive discharge a few weeks ago I thought the same about the absorbent pad and the mat ward said to use maternity pads instead of normal sanitary pads, if that's what you're using.

Also the pad will feel heavy if there is a lot of fluid in it, even if it has all been absorbed so you can't see.

[wussbird]

I read your post yesterday and was wondering how you were getting on (sorry I didn't post as had no good advice to give!).

If you are still worried then definitely go back to the hospital. Tell them you think your waters are leaking and get them to have a look! That would mean a vaginal exam but it's only the same as having a smear test in my experience.

You will not be wasting their time! :)

[thell]

PS: Just to add that amniotic fluid often has a pale pinkish colour, which you might be able to see on a maternity or sanitary pad.
And it can smell sweet too.

[anne74]

Ok so I'm really none the wiser. I've had the pad on for 2 hours and it's definitely damp but that could be sweat as I've been at the hospital where I work clearing my desk and the place is roasting. Would you leave it and try again tomorrow or go and get checked?

[westlake]

I had se trouble. Stayed in hospital all day and they sent me home again. continued to leak mainly when i got up in morning and then had no doubt the following day.

Get yourself checked out to put your mind at rest. If is turns yellow go immediately to hospital but if not don't worry too much. xx

[anne74]

Have come to MAU to get checked just to be on the safe side. Will let you know what the outcome is...

[anne74]

Well here we go! Waters went with a massive gush when I arrived at MAU. Have been admitted for 48hrs to see if I go into spontaneous labour. If not will go home and be induced at about 36 weeks (only 10 days away).

Thanks for all your advice and support xx

[Geepers]

How exciting! Best of luck, you might have a baby for Christmas :)

[westlake]

woohoo! Good luck! :-) how exciting! xx

[anne74]

My little boy was born at 6.55 this morning!!! I slept from about 12-1.30am then the contractions got going and by 5.30 they were coming thick and fast. By the time I was examined I was 10 cms! He's now in the neonatal unit due to being 5 weeks early and he's struggling a bit with his breathing but generally he's ok. Was 6lbs 2oz!!!

Thanks for all your support and good wishes. My husband has now gone out to buy him something to wear!

[CrazyChristmasLady]

Yay, congratulations! and well done on finding the energy to update MN too.

[ecuse]

Wow, congratulations! So exciting!

[Geepers]

Congratulations! I'd love a christmas baby :)