Key takeaways
- Leaking amniotic fluid is usually a sign of labor. If it happens early, it is known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
- Leaking amniotic fluid typically feels like a gush of warm fluid or a slow trickle from the vagina. It is usually clear and odorless, though it may contain traces of blood or mucus.
- A person should see a healthcare professional if they notice fluid leaking that does not appear to be urine or discharge, or if they develop a fever, foul-smelling discharge, or abdominal tenderness.
Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds a fetus in the womb. It has a range of functions that relate to fetal development.
The fetus and fluid stay in the amniotic sac, which usually breaks when a person goes into labor. Some people refer to this as “water breaking.” However, amniotic fluid may leak for other reasons.
In this article, learn about the signs that amniotic fluid is leaking, the common causes of PROM, and when to contact a doctor.
Leaking amniotic fluid might feel like a gush of warm fluid or a slow trickle from the vagina. It will usually be clear and odorless, but may sometimes contain traces of blood or mucus.
If the liquid is amniotic fluid, it is unlikely to stop leaking.
Vs. urine
The uterus sits on the bladder during pregnancy, so it is
Vs. discharge
Amniotic fluid differs from discharge. Discharge tends to have a mild smell and look milky.
Discharge volume may increase toward the end of pregnancy. A person may also notice streaky or sticky pink mucus in the discharge around the last week of pregnancy. This is because the mucus in the cervix begins to come away.
The amniotic sac ruptures when a person goes into labor. People often refer to this as the water breaking.
Sometimes the amniotic sac ruptures or leaks before labor begins. If the amniotic sac breaks before the
According to a
- having a history of PPROM
- vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester
- having a short cervix
- uterine overdistention, or a larger uterus
- copper deficiency
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deficiency
- connective tissue disorders
- low BMI
- low socioeconomic status, which may make it harder to receive proper prenatal care
- smoking cigarettes
- drug use
However, in some cases, there is no identifiable cause for PPROM.
If the fluid does not appear to be urine or discharge, it is best to speak to a doctor.
People who experience the following symptoms should also seek medical attention:
- foul-smelling, brown, or green discharge from the vagina
- fever
- a tender uterus or lower abdomen
- rapid heart rate
- a decrease, or no increase, in weight
While waiting for medical attention, the individual should not use tampons, have sex, or do anything else that might introduce bacteria into the vagina.
A doctor
These tests could include a vaginal exam to see if the cervix is dilating and the individual is in labor. An ultrasound can help doctors assess the amount of fluid surrounding the fetus.
They may also perform a dye test, which involves introducing blue dye into the amniotic sac and asking the individual to wear a sanitary pad. If the dye appears on the pad, it may indicate leaking amniotic fluid.
Treatment will depend on the cause of the amniotic fluid leak and the fetus’s age, health, and development.
A doctor may recommend bed rest, meaning that the individual should reduce their activities and rest for most of the day. They may also advise abstaining from sex.
If the individual has an infection, a doctor
If the baby is ready to be born, doctors may choose to initiate labor using a drug called oxytocin. Alternatively, medications called tocolytics can help stop premature labor if it is too early for the birth to occur.
Leaking amniotic fluid will usually be clear and odorless and will continue to leak. Some people refer to it as water breaking, and it is often a sign that a person is going into labor.
Early rupture is known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM). If the amniotic sac breaks before week 37 of the pregnancy, it is called preterm PROM (PPROM).
Treatments for leaking amniotic fluid can vary. A doctor can advise on whether it is best to initiate or stop labor. They may also prescribe medications.
A person should contact a doctor if they believe the amniotic fluid is leaking. The doctor may order tests to confirm the presence of amniotic fluid and advise on the next steps a person may need to take.
