How to Identify an Amniotic Fluid Leak

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: December 8, 2023 Fact Checked

Amniotic fluid is a clear, odorless liquid that surrounds and cushions your baby in the womb. Typically, it starts leaking when the amniotic sac ruptures near the end of pregnancy, signaling the start of labor. However, the sac can rupture earlier in pregnancy, and it's important to see your doctor if it happens. Because you may leak different fluids during pregnancy, use your sight and smell to help you determine if it's amniotic fluid. If you're worried, it's always best to talk to your doctor, as they can advise you about the best course of action to take.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Noticing the Color, Amount, & Smell of Discharge

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If you start leaking fluid, catch some with a pad. Doing so will make it easier to identify what it is. Plus, if you think you have an issue, you can take it with you to the doctor to help determine what the problem is.^{[1]
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2
Look for pale or clear liquid to identify amniotic fluid. This fluid is typically odorless and very light in color. If your water breaks, you may feel a rush of water, but that's not always true! Sometimes, it's a light trickle.^{[2]
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- Your vaginal area may just feel wet or damp.
- Pay attention to the amount of the discharge so that you can tell your doctor about it.
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3
Watch for stringy mucus toward the end of labor, called the mucus plug. This mucus is wedged in the entrance of your uterus while you're pregnant to keep bacteria out. As you get closer to giving birth, usually within a few days or even just hours, your body will naturally push this plug out.^{[3]
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- This can be bloody or pink, but it can also be clear.
4
Sniff the fluid to determine if it's urine. During the late stages of pregnancy, the baby can put pressure on your bladder, causing you to leak pee. While a little gross, try sniffing it to see if it seems to be urine. If it doesn't smell like urine, it might be amniotic fluid instead.^{[4]
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- It's likely urine if you only get a little fluid when you sneeze or cough.
5
Call your doctor if the fluid is green, brown, or smells bad. If you have liquid coming out that is more green in color, that could point to an infection, particularly if it has a bad smell. It could also indicate meconium, which is in the baby's digestion system. Either sign requires immediate medical attention.^{[5]
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- Meconium can be more brownish.
Seeing blood in your discharge is relatively common in pregnancy; however, it’s always best to see a doctor right away to be safe. If your amniotic sac has ruptured, then you will likely see blood if you're still in your first trimester. If it's not, it could just be vaginal discharge, which does increase during pregnancy for some people.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Diagnosing Low Amniotic Fluid

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1
Get all your prenatal checkups your doctor recommends. The best way to diagnose this condition is through regular checkups. Your doctor or midwife will measure your belly to check your baby's growth. If it's low, they may recommend you get an ultrasound.^{[7]
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- Risk factors for this condition include low or high blood pressure, a previous baby with a low birth rate, and certain diseases, such as lupus.
2
Pay attention to clear or pale liquid flowing from your vagina. Sometimes, a small leak may cause the issue of low amniotic fluid. However, this symptom is relatively rare. The liquid will be clear and mostly odorless, and the flow can be at random intervals or constant.^{[8]
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- If it's just when you sneeze or cough, it's more likely to be urine. However, it doesn't hurt to get checked out by your doctor.
3
Ask for an ultrasound if you're concerned. With an ultrasound, the medical professional can measure pockets of fluid in your uterus. They can then determine if it's below what it should be.^{[9]
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- The most reliable method is to measure the largest pocket, which should be above 0.8 inches (2.0 cm) at the end of the second trimester.
4
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice a decrease in your baby's movement. Starting at week 28, your doctor will likely ask you to count kicks. Typically, you might feel around 10 kicks in an hour, but not every baby is the same. The key is to notice if the movement suddenly drops off or goes completely absent. If it does, you need to go to the emergency room or contact your doctor immediately.^{[10]
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- While everything could be fine, it's better to err on the side of safety. If something is wrong, the sooner you and the baby can get care, the better.
- Your doctor will likely do a pelvic exam to take a fluid sample and perform a dye test.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Knowing When Your Water Breaks

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1
Notice a feeling of wetness around your vaginal area. While you may not "gush," you will likely feel some wetness leaking out. Generally, you'll feel this in your vagina or between your vagina and your anus. You may notice your clothes get wet.^{[11]
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- You can take any pad that has liquid on it with you to the doctor if you think it may be amniotic fluid. They can use it to test what kind of fluid it is!
You've probably seen the dramatic scenes in shows and movies where water gushes out of a pregnant person. While this doesn't happen as often in real life, it is possible. You may feel water gushing down your legs. In that case, it's almost definitely amniotic fluid.^{[12]
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3
See your doctor immediately if your water breaks. When this happens, you're likely going into labor, or you may need to be induced to go into labor. If you are at or after 34 weeks, you will likely be induced. At 37 weeks, you may be given the choice to wait to see if you go directly into labor. Before 34 weeks, the doctor will likely put you on bed rest to try to keep you from going into labor.^{[13]
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- Before 34 weeks, your baby is premature so the doctor will want to put the birth off as long as possible. They will likely give you steroids to help your baby's lungs mature before you give birth.
4
Expect a speculum exam from the nurse or doctor. Even if you have a gushing sensation, the medical staff will want to check you out to make sure it's your amniotic sac rupturing. They might do a speculum test, where they insert a speculum into your vagina to check for a pool of liquid.^{[14]
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- They'll also take a sample to test the liquid and make sure it's amniotic fluid.
- Some doctors will use a less-invasive check, asking you to wear a pantyliner and then swabbing the fluid.^{[15]
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- If it's not amniotic, they'll likely send you home. But don't worry. False alarms happen all the time, and it's nothing to be embarrassed about.

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Tips

Consider getting an AmniCheck kit to test if your liquid or discharge is amniotic fluid without going to the hospital.

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