how do you know if your waters have gone

[mentalcase]

I'm 40 +2 today and I'm needing the loo alot more than usual but when I wipe there's a yellow stain left behind with like clear mucus (tmi sorry) been having period type pains and constant lower back ache. Also after I've been to the loo it smells not like wee but like milky/ sweet baby smell?? I don't know how else to describe it :/

When my waters broke, there was a massive gush whenever I stood up, completely beyond my control. There seemed to be gallons of it and it was utterly unmistakable.

I understand other people have more of a trickle though. Put a pad in and if you think it's your waters, go to the maternity unit and they can check.

With my ds I didn't even know. I was 8cm dilated, waters had gone and was pushing before I even noticed labour had started!

I put the contractions down to braxton hicks as they didn't hurt that much and I didn't think they were regular enough to warrant timing lol

This time not a clue what to expect

Mine went at 5am, at first wasn't sure, but with every contraction or change of position I get a gush. My MW told me they don't care much unless you are soaking a mat pad in 2hrs.

Have you ever cleaned the lines in a pub? You know how line cleaner feels thicker than water? That's kind of how waters feel rather than urine which has as more water like consistency.

Otherwise, it doesn't feel too dissimilar to the fluid that appears when 'getting down to business' with the OH and with regards to how it's coming out itl flow if its own accord; you can't control it at all.

You may be leaking but amniotic fluid replenishes itself in most cases so don't worry too much but if you are concerned ring triage x

Not sure whether to go get checked. I'd feel like a right fraud if it's nothing.

Could just be me being paranoid but with the back ache and the period type cramps I'm wondering if somethings happening and don't want a repeat of waking up at 5 and having to sort childcare lol

It sounds like it might be the start of something. I would go get checked out to be on the safe side.

Good luck :)

Ring maternity triage for advice, but it is unlikely they'll want you to go in yet. Usual advice is stay home until 3 painful contractions every 10mins. Even then they'll leave you in reception for ages, and probably send you home!

Well that was the most unhelpful phone call ever.

I explained that my previous labour (2nd pregnancy) my waters went without me knowing by trickling out when I went to the loo and I think it's happening again and all she said was 'oh it can't do that if your waters go it gushes or it's a constant flow. If it's only happening when you go to the loo it's just urine.'

So where did my waters go last time then?!