Slowly leaking Fluid?

hopeby2015 · January 2015

Anyone have experience with this? I just had my doc appt and she said that 1 test showed up positive for amniotic fluid but a different test showed up negative for AF. OB said to monitor and continue checking on pad and if I were to soak through, definitely go to the hospital. I've been leaking pee for a while and it makes me nervous that I may be slowly leaking AF, especially since it's hard for me to tell .. any advice from anyone out there would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

pblge · January 2015

No advice, but t&p for you! This baby may be coming pretty soon!

AMShark · January 2015

What were the tests that were performed? I know there is one in which the pH level of the fluid is tested (with something like litmus paper), and another in which a sample is examined under a microscope for "ferning." If I'm not mistaken, the 2nd is more accurate.

If its a slow leak, hopefully, its very slow, and there are still good levels of fluid present in the gestational sac. Did you get a scan today too, to measure fluid levels?

If baby still has fluid, I believe your biggest concern with a slow leak is infection. If your OB did not prescribe you any antibiotics, you can still be super careful with hygiene right now. Also, try to be very aware of whether you're feeling under the weather, and contact your OB at the first signs of fever.

Hopefully, you tested negative because you're discharging some other type of fluid. In a thread the other day people were noting how discharges come in all colors.

GL - I hope your future appointments bring you peace of mind.

*** eta - posted too early ***

hopeby2015 · January 2015

Thanks @pblge‌!

@AMShark‌ - yes first one was a litmus test and that was positive, the 2nd one was included some kind of plastic contraption - no idea what it was! And no to the u/s .. should I ask for one? I had one about 2 weeks ago and everything looked good flui-wise

mrs.willie · January 2015

I had the pH level of the fluid tested when I had DS and it was positive for amniotic fluid. I was just over 39 weeks and I know at that point, they don't want you to go more than a certain period of time (is it 24 hrs?) after you water breaks. I've heard about the ferning test, but I have no experience with it and am not sure which one (if either) is more accurate.

If there's any concern about amniotic levels, I thought they usually check it on an u/s to make sure the level is ok.

hopeby2015 · January 2015

@IFinTN‌ - not dilated or anything .. n thanks for the info! That's good to know because the pad doesn't really turn yellow if it's pee, which makes this that much more difficult!

Eta - spelling!

hopeby2015 · January 2015

@Ducky719‌ - 38 weeks

luvboston · January 2015

I started gushing fluid at 34 weeks. And then leaking the rest of the time. It was sometimes tinged pink. I would insist on an u/s my LO went from a fluid level of 8 to 5 in 3 days and was barely moving and not growing. At this point they should just induce you.

hopeby2015 · January 2015

Thanks for all the advice - I left a msg at the OB office .. hopefully I'll get an answer back soon!

AMShark · January 2015

It can't hurt to ask for the u/s. If you're OB doesn't think it's necessary, at least then you'll have the opportunity to ask why.

hopeby2015 · January 2015

Does amniotic fluid smell sweet?

kmc84 · January 2015

hopeby2015 said:
Does amniotic fluid smell sweet?

Yes

AMShark · January 2015

hopeby2015 said:

Does amniotic fluid smell sweet?

Hmmm... I don't know how to describe it. It's definitely not a urine scent. I wanted to say that it had a "fresh scent" - but that sounds weird, so I've never said it aloud. Maybe sweet is the word.

hopeby2015 · January 2015

I just smelled last night's pad and it smelled kinda sweet .. that can't be a different kind of discharge, right? I guess I'll just inform the OB of this when she calls.

Ecarabeo217 · January 2015

Fern test is more accurate. Nitrazine (the little paper) can turn blue from semen or other discharge. Yltraosund should be able to tell. And at 38 weeks, you'd likely labor within hours of rupture of membranes.
As far as scent, sounds terrible, but amniotic fluid smells like...well...SEX. Kinda like semen. Sort of bleachy. Not unpleasant but I wouldn't say sweet

hopeby2015 · January 2015

Kinda wish I could smell AF to compare, as weird as this may sound ..

kmc84 · January 2015

When my water broke I thought it definitely smelled sweet-not overpowering, but it had a definite sweetness.

I would absolutely request to have an u/s to check fluid levels.

hopeby2015 · January 2015

So doc called back and told me to go to l&d to make sure everything is ok .. will update when I know more ..

kmc84 · January 2015

Good luck lady! It sounds like you'll have a baby soon!

mrs.willie · January 2015

Glad they're having you get checked out! Keep us updated when you can.

katers79 · January 2015

Got to this post late-- but good luck! Hope all goes well!

Sunny B · January 2015

Good luck to you!

hopeby2015 · January 2015

Thanks for all the well wishes! I'm being sent home - fluid levels came back good, within range and all the tests they ran here were negative for AF! And even though I'm not dilating, I am having contractions ..