I'd know it if I was leaking amniotic fluid, right?

PotomacSt

Sorry if this is a moronic question.

I've had discharge throughout my pregnancy but today has been way more than usual... my cotton undies were thoroughly wet and it soaked through to my dress.  It's not that it's a massive amount (that is, it's not running down my legs or anything) but it's just suddenly so much more than I'm used to.

Google told me to call the doctor if there was a significant change in the amount of discharge, so I did. My doctor wasn't in, but her partner called back and asked me about signs of a yeast infection (which I don't have) and then wasn't concerned. My next appointment is Monday.

Anyone else had so much it's soaking through to your clothes? Or anyone want to reassure me that I'm worried about nothing?

Thanks so much.

Jennybake12

I was actually thinking about making a post on this as well. About 2 days ago I had my underwear was completely soaked (but didn't notice on my jeans) and I just went to the bathroom right now and had the same thing. I don't know what to think either. It makes me feel better that someone else having the same experience, so hopefully it is normal for both of us

tnywndy

I freaked about this on Christmas....it's likely that it's either a simple change in discharge or it's the infamous "swamp crotch."  Try putting a pantiliner on, laying down for about 30 minutes, and then getting up.  If you feel an instant gush and it's really wet--like filling the liner, then you may want to call back into the on-call doctor. More than likely, it's just good old discharge! 

cltk12

I asked this exact question to my OB yesterday at my appt.  She asked if it had a funky smell and it does so she did a quick swab test to see if there was an infection.  During the swab she had me cough a few times saying that if you cough and leak at the same time then it's a good chance it is amniontic fluid and then you should call right away. 

hopefulmom81

I almost made the same post as well.  I have had wet undies the last three days.  I am pretty sure it is a combo of sweat and discharge.

jbeck78

I was worried about this too, because it has increased alot. But I just got home from l&d for other reasons and they checked my amniotic fluid and she said it was excellent. I think its just more discharge at this point in our pregnancy's. I would definately mention it to your ob though at your next appt just to be safe!

easjer05

Between 18-20 weeks, there is a huge increase in discharge for most women, which will continue until birth.  On a day where you are especially active or extra hydrated, it may be worse.

Because we believe that a leak in fluid precipitated labor with my son, and because of where my cervical damage is, the cerclage will help but may not stop PPROM, I am extremely paranoid about this issue.  (I also have increased discharge due to the cerclage).

Here is what my OB told me to look for:

- sudden changes in quantity (suddenly soaking through clothing/liner, needing to change liners very frequently, etc).

- change to the consistency of the fluid.  Because there is a natural variation on fluid, I asked about this particularly.  She said that if it suddenly became very watery, for no discernable reason, to have it checked out.

- color of fluid.  Normal discharge is whitish.  May be a little yellow.  Amniotic fluid is clear - may have a yellowish tinge or be bloodstained.

- a leak will continue.  Sometimes discharge is heavy enough to feel like a light period - where you can feel it coming out, if that makes sense.  Amniotic fluid will come out in a big gush if there is a large rupture, or a continual leaking in the case of a small tear.  It will be most noticeable if you lay down for awhile - it will pool and drip out when you stand up.  She said if that happened go immediately to L&D and to take whatever pad/liner/underwear I had with me to be tested for fluid.

What I remember from when my water broke:

It was warm, and it was was water-like.  Not just watery.  It was pink (blood-tinged) and it flowed out of my vagina like I was peeing from my vagina (but with no control).  It continued for about an hour in small gushes.  Definitely from my vagina and definitely different than anything I'd experienced to that point.

I do think you will notice a difference, but not everyone does.  My advice is to do what you did - call it in and talk to your doctor.  If you are really concerned, head to L&D.  You won't be the first person they check for that or the last.  And there is nothing wrong with being concerned and acting on it.  Better safe than sorry.  If a leak is big enough, it could require delivery.  If nothing else, a leak can lead to infection, which can be fatal.  Better to find out it's just discharge and know what to eliminate from concern in the future, right?

MeghanF13

With DD, I didn't know I had been leaking amniotic fluid until the ultrasound before my schedule induction at 41 weeks showed that I only had half the fluid. So - no, you don't always know. I thought it was just an increase in  discharge and sweat since it was getting warmer.....turns out I was wrong. She ended up in distress and I ended up with a c-section!

So - when in doubt, or worried, call or go to L&D to get checked out. Better safe than sorry.

pkfld82

Thanks everyone for sharing all this. I posted on this the other day, but barely had any responses.  I have the same thing, and I know at least part of it is sweat, because the outer edges of panties are wet.  But my panty liners get so wet.  I told the Dr. at 19 weeks during my anatomy scan and all he said was that I could go see a specialist to measure the fluid.  I should have said "what?"  I thought they did that at the anatomy scan???  I said I did not think it was necessary, I should have said "yes."  

 

When I smell my liner it smells strong, not sweet, so maybe it is sweat and urine???  I had a culture done the other day, and no infection.  

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences ladies. 

PotomacSt

Thank you all so much for your replies. I feel reasonably certain now that it was discharge and not fluid... but I definitely will take easjer's advice and head to L&D if I'm ever worried again.