Leaking fluid

ecampbell80 · May 2013

I noticed a lot of wetness down there today. I'm convinced its just from being sweaty but how can you be sure? I'm out of town. Are there OTC tests?

flkong · May 2013

I don't know of any OTC test. But you can try using a panty liner to see exactly where the moisture is coming from. I've noticed when I'm really active, I have more BH which may increase the amount of vaginal discharge. But if the liner is wet and you can't certainly say it's discharge, I would give the doc a call.

karirlaw · May 2013

Something you can do is lay down for a half hour. If when you get up this is a "gush" it might be the bag. If not, it is most likely not. The OB gave me this test, and told me that bag would pool inside you while laying.

valstulas · May 2013

lwrightenator:
Um, not sure if this is practical or not, but the test they use at the hospital is by taking some vaginal fluid and smearing it on a glass slide. They let this dry and then look for shapes that look like a fern leaf. Think serrations. Maybe you could get some of the fluid on a flat piece of glass, let it dry, and see if you can see anything that looks like a fern leaf? I know this sounds really silly, but if you're out of town it might be easier than going to the ER. I hope it's just discharge!

You need quite a bit of fluid for this and
the ferns are really only visible under a microscope, so I'm not sure if this will be helpful, even though it's a good thought.

Unless it's a steady stream, it's most likely urine or vaginal secretions. You can give your underwear a quick sniff test. If it smells like pee, it's pee. You no doubt will recognize the smell of your own discharge. A sweet smell or no odor can be fluid.

You can also try cleaning and drying very well, putting on a fresh panty liner, then laying down and rechecking the pad in an hour to get a sense of how much discharge or fluid you are losing. However, the only way to truly know if it's fluid is to be seen in an ER or L and D. To be sure, you'll need to go to the nearest hospital, where an OB will do a speculum exam, take a sample of the fluid in your vagina, if present, and check it under a slide.

kbugcmommy · May 2013

My OB told me if you are leaking through 2 layers of clothes, aka your underwear and pants, then it's fluid. Otherwise it's either discharge, sweat, or pee.

valstulas · May 2013

lilshelly5_3:
My OB told me if you are leaking through 2 layers of clothes, aka your underwear and pants, then it's fluid. Otherwise it's either discharge, sweat, or pee.

Good rule in theory, but no. The only way to know if it's fluid is to take a sample and see if it ferns under the microscope. Even the nitrazine strips some hospitals use can be inaccurate. I've seen plenty of women who are ruptured who are not leaking that much. Conversely, I've leaked both discharge and urine through 2 layers of clothes. I major side eye your OB for this little tidbit of advice. Just wrong...

mikeANDjen448 · May 2013

Swamp Crotch

[Deleted User] · May 2013

mikeANDjen448:
Swamp Crotch :

Agreed.

Tammyhull82 · May 2013

i thought this too a week ago but it wasnt it was just sweat and alot of discharge.. my doc said if there is bleeding or if i lay on my side for half hour and stand up and feel a little gush or a constant trickle then to go in and be checked. hope this helps. good luck.

ecampbell80 · May 2013

Thanks for all the replies! I cracked up at the swamp crotch comment! That's got to be it. Oh the joys. 8 weeks to go!!

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