Leaking amniotic fluid at 18 weeks?

[Hopingfor2021]

I try to keep this short but really really hope someone can offer insight.

Anyone heard of amniotic fluid tests being inaccurate??

I’m 18 weeks pregnant with DCDA twins. Had been having braxton hicks and some discharge so gp suggested I go to a&e for a check up. There they check cervix is closed and long and see no pooling it fluid near the open. They then use a test strip to check for amniotic fluid and it shows faint positive. After this everyone becomes terribly concerned, I’m moved up to the ward and told by a gynaecologist doctor vast majority of babies won’t make it and I should prepare for labour or infection to set in.

I stay overnight and meet a senior gynaecologist that performs ultrasound. We are shocked to see our babies have normal fluid around them and everything looks as it should. Cervix is above average long and closed too. Consultant tells me these test strips can be inaccurate and that he has seen it many times. In fact, he doesn’t use them for this reason. He also mentioned there could have been a small hole that resealed. He generally seemed very positive, I was discharged and am going for another scan tomorrow morning. I haven’t had any gushes of water and my pad is dry although I do feel very moist and some of it is more watery than cloudy white (sorry!).

Me and my husband are still processing it all. It’s hard to be told such contrasting things, I’m still worrying sick.

So my question is, anyone heard of these ROM tests being inaccurate? Or has similar experiences? I’m trying to take it day by day and resting til we hopefully get more answers x

Sorry you’re going through this. It depends what test they’re using - there are a couple of different types, varying in accuracy, but both do have a false positive (and false negative!). You can also have ROM with normal fluid if it’s just a small leak +/- reseal.
The fact that things have been stable and the fluid around both babies is normal is very reassuring - and the experienced consultant is more likely to be correct than not. Unfortunately though it’ll just be a nervous wait for you for the next few weeks. I’d say if you notice a distinct increase in discharge (wetting pads) you should go back in for another assessment, as well as any pain/fevers/unwell ness.
Fingers crossed it’s all a false alarm.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. It was one of those swab tests inside after putting up specula. They then waited to see if a second line would come up (looked same to One step pregnancy strip). I'm seeing the consultant again today and praying we got more good news. I have been wearing pads and (hopefully) a positive is that they are not even getting damp. But I generally feel very moist with something travelling down my vagina (so sorry TMI!).

Good luck op, I don't know much on the subject but I just wanted to mention you can buy pads called amniosense pads from places like boots which change colour if it is amniotic fluid you are leaking. I just wondered if it might be worth getting some in your case so you know if you are getting any more fluid or not/ if it corresponds with the hospitals test. I don't know if they are more reliable than the hospitals tests or not though. I would hope both wouldn't be inaccurate?

Hi @Hopingfor2021
I have had a similar(ish) experience.
I had low amniotic fluid levels at my 20 week scan. No apparent leakages and there wasn't anything structurally wrong with the baby or placenta which is the usual cause apparently. I expected them to test for leakages but this was not mentioned at any point.

They monitored the fluid levels at fetal medicine with regular scans for 8 weeks and I am now discharged with fluid levels being on the lower end of normal range.
The consultant I saw said the same thing about it just being one of those things and the membranes sealing themselves.
It was a really scary few weeks but I am now 31weeks and fingers crossed things are going well. Make sure you rest lots and look after yourself.

Thanks for your input ladies. I have just been at the consultant again and the babies are still looking happy and healthy with lots of fluid around them. They look identical in terms of size and fluid amount too. He seems to think the most likely scenario is a false positive test (as there is not one other indication of leakage anywhere). Second would be a very small leak that resealed. I'm going again on Monday (a week from now) and will also be having repeat blood tests to make sure no infection.