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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Help- possible leaking amniotic fluid...

27 replies

JayTree · 14/03/2003 21:58

I am only 5 - 6 weeks pregnant and have had an odd two days and am now starting to really worry. A little bit embarassaing, but here goes! I have had a strange feeling of being wet down below. At first I was just relieved not to see blood and have no cramps. Then I thought maybe I was suffering from mild incontinence without being aware of it - but I have ruled this out. I know that an increase of vaginal discharge is normal, but this is much thinner, like water . It is clear and doesn?t smell (sorry if a bit gruesome). It is enough for me to be constantly aware of feeling rather damp and to make me keep running to the loo to check like a mad woman, but is really quite a small amount - damp knickers, no "gushing". After searching the web, I am still at a loss. Is it just normal discharge or could it be leaking amniotic fluid? Every article I read about aminiotic fluid leaking seems to indiciate that it is a problem that happens much later on than this. If anyone out there knows anything, please advise me before I go spare!

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Oakmaiden · 14/03/2003 22:05

It won't be amniotic fluid at this stage. It is likely to just be a normal (though thin!) vaginal discharge. It can get quite thin - but I can empathise with you! I have had 2 miscarriages in the past, and the "phantom trickle" has had me really paranoid this time round. So far all is well, though.

Try not to worry about it too much.

lalaa · 14/03/2003 22:14

When my waters broke, they trickled all day - and it was much more than just a general feeling of dampness.....and it's a bit gooey (eghhhyuck - sorry). So it sounds OK.
HTH a little!

Linzoid · 14/03/2003 22:25

I had exactly the same thing when i was pregnant and it started around the same time. I was completely paranoid about it the whole pregnancy convinced something was wrong! I would be out shopping and suddenly feel a gush(always feels more than it is too)on inspection, it would look partly like a normal disharge but with water around it (sorry if too much information, but want to help)It was just a big increase in the normal vaginal disharge and my son was born 4 days late perfectly fine. ironically the midwife had to break my waters for me after i had spoiled the last 9 months worrying they were leaking!
If i was you i would mention to your midwife just to put your mind at rest but i don't think you need worry.

threeangels · 15/03/2003 03:25

Hi Jaytree - I am 8 wks along and I too have had this type of problem. Not a mucusy discharge or watery just a damp feeling all the time. Try not to worry so many weird things can take place when pregnant. I know what you mean about running to check yourself. Everytime I feel dampness I'm running to make sure I'm not bleeding. Can be real nerve racking. Take care

Original poster

JayTree · 15/03/2003 07:12

Thank you so much - I have just read your messages and have tears of relief in my eyes!! So stupid to worry and I thought it was probably too early to be amniotic fluid. I just couldn?t bring myself to phone NHS Direct as I was so stressed that I thought i would just break down into a blubbering wreck!!! Right, deep breaths and a nice relaxing cup of peppermint tea is in order. Again, thank you all so much - you have really helped me out, reassured me and calmed me down! I will try to relax and not let my hormones/general paranoia creep up on me again!!

OP posts:

threeangels · 15/03/2003 12:58

JayTree - So glad the posts have made you feel better. It's so easy to worry. I find myself worrying all day long it seems. I have 7 mos to go and I'm already panicking over being in labor. I even have 3 other children. I feel like I'm more scared this time around. Don't know why though. Good luck with your pregnancy.

Wills · 15/03/2003 15:16

Jaytree, don't feel stupid. I know exactly what you mean about the "trickle". I'm almost 17 weeks and I'm still going to the toilet to check every now and then.

anto · 15/03/2003 16:58

Well, I'm 37wks and panicking too! I keep experiencing heavy but very watery vaginal discharge and the tickling, trickling feeling has me running to the loo every 20 mins.

The thing is that I know in my heart of hearts it isn't leaking amniotic fluid because last pregnancy my hindwaters broke at 40wks and the leaking, although a trickle, was definitely water-like fluid, and I needed to wear a sanitary towel to catch it (although one would last me all day). Whereas now it's more like I can feel the discharge trickling down - it doesn't even make my knickers damp (sorry for graphic detail!).

Last preg I remember saying to a midwife that I was freaked out by the increase in vaginal discharge and she told me it was completely 100% normal and to try not to worry (always easier said than done!). It's even worst when you've miscarried before - I have and every time I go to the loo I examine the paper in minute detail just to make sure there are no traces of blood!

Katherine · 15/03/2003 19:48

If you look at the thread about pg after mc you will see that the "phantom trickle" has plagued loads of us. I've never found a book which covers this but you do get loads more discharge and it can leave you feeling REALLY wet and soggy (and paranoid!). If anyone later on is really worried they can actually test for amniotic leakage with a little dipstip which turns purple if you are leaking. Had this with my frist pg 5 weeks before DD. They tested and it was negative (although my waters did break the following morning so I wasn't totally paranoid afterall). But in most cases then it will just be extra mucous/ discharge. Just wait till you get a bad cough and your pelvic floor muscles give up - then you really panic!

roco · 26/01/2007 21:15

I have just had a cervical stitch and am having small amounts of fluid on my pants. Anyone any ideas? Thanks

lulumama · 26/01/2007 21:17

i would call the midwife roco, esp if you have had a procedure today...fluid might just be discharge, but i would get a professional opinion.x

roco · 29/01/2007 20:03

Thanks Lulumama. Has not happened again but had blood loss last night. Scan today and they say everything is all right. I have a double uterus. Anyone else heard of this? Roco

lulumama · 29/01/2007 22:15

glad all is well roco....re the double uterus..might be worth starting your own thread about this......x

Geeg · 01/02/2007 13:34

I am so glad I have found this thread!! I am 30 weeks pregnant and have been suffering from an extremely watery discharge for a few weeks now and totally paranoid that it is amniotic fluid. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. Does anyone know where you can get the dipstick testers (just to put my mind at rest even more!). I've got twin boys who are soon to be four and I was nowhere near this paranoid then! Thanks again.

lulumama · 01/02/2007 13:36

it should be checked at the hospital, i do not think you can buy them over the counter...possible leaks in the sac at this gestation should be checked by your midwife urgently, IMO x

Geeg · 05/02/2007 17:54

Thanks Lulumama - I had it checked and it was fortunately nothing sinister - just very heavy discharge - not very pleasant but better than going in to labour now!

lulumama · 05/02/2007 17:55

glad to hear all is well.....xxx hope the rest of your pregnancy is worry free x

MrsJ · 13/02/2007 13:21

hi i'm having this since this morning. I am 40 + 2 weeks but it is very watery, but clear and sticky. Sorry if TMI! I am having to wear a pad at the moment. Is this a sign things could be moving?? This is my first baby!
Thanks in advance!

Mumpbump · 14/02/2007 13:25

Just saw this thread - sounds like things are happening, MrsJ... If so, hope all goes/has gone well for you and that you get your lo safe and sound...

TinaFay · 11/08/2007 19:45

Hi,I realise this thread is quite old, but just wanted to mention to anyone who happens to be reading it in a panic (like me yesterday!) that you can now buy special panty liners called Amniosense. They're available online - just search the name on Google. Basically they have a strip in them that turns blue if they detect amniotic fluid. I'm 19 weeks pregnant and have had an increased discharge for almost a week and was getting really worried about it. Thankfully, after using one today it hasn't picked anything up so I can relax knowing that it's just another pregnancy symptom. I can't recommend these enough if you're worried - either to put your mind at rest or as an early warning that something might be wrong. Hope this helps. Tina.

leeanne26 · 21/06/2010 18:19

hi this is my 2nd pregnancy in the space of 14 weeks i miscarried at 9 and a half weeks and knew all along that something didnt feel right, We didnt expect to fall so soon but have and im currently 5 or 6 weeks pregnant. Im so very aware of what is going on down below this time and today i was visiting my father in-law in hospital and i thought i had wet myself that's why i searched for info on whether this is ok. I hope it is just need a little reassurance and the dr's dont seemed to be to interested like the other lady said it doesnt smell but its been enough to make me feel like ive peed myself is this normal?????

legallyblond · 22/06/2010 10:14

I have had a LOT of very watery discharge (plus a little bit of normal white discharge) the whole way through my pregnancy, since I found out at 4/5 weeks. It doesn't feel like I have weed myself (not quite that wet) but is a LOT - as in (yes, TMI) the whole gusset (is that the word?) of my knickers is completely wet.... It smells kinda like normal discharge/(ahem) cum.

I haven't specificallt mentioned it to my mw ever as it has been continuous since I found out I was pregnant (one of the first symptoms I noticed) and no change, ever! (I am now 26+1).

At every scan I have had, there has been plenty of amniotic fluid and no signs of problems.

I think that, if its something you are getting from this early on (OP - you said 5 weeks, which is when I noticed it too), it is just extra discharge - all good and keeps the whole area nice and clean and infection free!

xkatyx · 22/06/2010 10:50

hi leeanne26, im 6 weeks with baby no3 i have the same i go for a wee and pants are wet, honestly its normal

leeanne26 · 22/06/2010 18:24

thank you thats reassuring xx

xMrsSx · 22/06/2010 20:31

I have had a similar thing from about 6 weeksish, thought I was just weeing a bit at first, but pretty sure it's not this. Am now 22+4 and all was well at the scans and baby is kicking away all the time. It is probably just ANOTHER crazy thing our body does to confuse and worry us!!!??

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