[monkeys mum]

How do you tell f it's amniotic fluid??

My previous three pregnancies have been one hind water leak and then waters broken at hospital, hind water was obvious as it was when I sat up from a nap so was a smallish gush.

Being Nye I really don't want to trek to the hospital when I'm ready for bed but would love any advice on how to tell whether ts amniotic fluid or not?

Thanks

[natangel]

My guess (and i'm no expert) is that if it is odourless, then it could be amniotic fluid. Urine would have an odour.

[~squiggle~]

Amniotic fluid has a distinct smell, what does it smell like? Also if you have a pad on, what colour is the discharge?

[Minxybug]

amniotic fluid does have a distinct smell. I have to say it is kinda like amonia cross a sex smell sorry but it is the best way to put it.

I found with my last pregnancy (where I did have a leak) that if I sat on the toilet with a good wad of toilet paper held against the urethra (sp?) then pushed (again best way to describe it)
I found that I would have a gush and knew it wasn't urine.

Ring your maternity unit if you are concerned

[Natttmumm]

I think if anything gushes out I would get it checked as its likely to be fluid. A little bit of discharge is probably not

[ubermum]

Amniotic fluid has a smell. If you can smell c*m, it's probably amniotic fluid. If you are concerned, they have a tester at the hospital that works sort of like a pregnancy test I believe.

[soontobegran]

Did you put a pad on? Is there anything on it now?

Amniotic fluid has a smell, quite a strong smell. It is a sweet semen smell and will smell nothing like your usual discharge or urine. It may sometimes have a pinkish/straw coloured tinge to the colour.

If you've had no loss since last night and you are having no pain then if it was a hindwater leak it has probably sealed but you should always ring the hospital and let them know what has happened.

[monkeys mum]

Thank you for the replies and advice.

I didnt put a pad on as i wasnt home and didnt have a liner or pad in my handbag like i kept in my old handbag.

It did smell like has been described but when i woke there was nothing. I have to go to the hospital tomorrow or friday so will see if i can chat to the midwife then. I havent had a fever or a change in any way, but will still get checked out with a midwife before the weekend.

[PippityRoo]

Oooooh! Congrats OP!

Hope all is ok. Good luck!

[dreamingofcats]

When my waters broke and continued to leak during the labour I remember thinking to myself, it really does smell like semen, as gross as that sounds. Its a smell you cant mistake.