Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen Can It Begin?Identifying Amniotic FluidRisks of Early LeakingSafe Amounts to LoseSeeking Emergency Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
When Can It Begin?
Identifying Amniotic Fluid
Risks of Early Leaking
Safe Amounts to Lose
Seeking Emergency Care
Leakingamniotic fluidtoward the end ofpregnancyis often a sign of labor.Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy. When the amniotic sac breaks, known as the rupture of membranes (water breaking), you may feel a gush or trickle of warm liquid from the vagina.
Leaking amniotic fluid earlier in pregnancy is a preterm complication in which the amniotic sac ruptures early. It’s known as the premature rupture of membranes (PROM). This is a serious condition that requires medical attention.
This article will provide an overview of what it feels like to leak amniotic fluid, the possible causes, and what to do next.
Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez/ Getty Images
Leaking Amniotic Fluid: What Week Can It Begin?
Most pregnant people experience leaking amniotic fluid at the end of their pregnancy when labor is starting. The amniotic sac usually ruptures within 24 hours after the start of labor.
When theamniotic sac breaksbefore the 37th week of pregnancy, it is considered a premature rupture of membranes. This occurs in about 2% to 3% of all pregnancies in the United States.
It is possible to leak amniotic fluid at any point during pregnancy. In most cases, the earlier the amniotic sac breaks, the more serious the condition is.
What to Expect During the Third Trimester
Identifying What Amniotic Fluid Looks Like
It is natural to feel worried about leaking amniotic fluid when you notice discharge or liquid from your vagina. Fortunately, there are other possible causes for this.
Many people experience an increased amount ofvaginal dischargeduring pregnancy.It is also common to leak urine during this time. Your uterus sits on top of yourbladder, so as the fetus grows, more pressure is put on your bladder.
Amniotic fluid is usually clear and odorless. It might contain blood or mucus. Once amniotic fluid starts leaking, it does not stop.
It may be helpful to wear a sanitary pad to absorb the liquid. Then, examine the pad. If the fluid is yellow and smells like urine, it is likely urine. If the liquid looks milky and has a mild odor, it is likely normal vaginal discharge.Call your healthcare provider if you are concerned that you are leaking amniotic fluid.
Risks of Early Amniotic Fluid Leaking
Leaking amniotic fluid during pregnancy is serious and requires medical care. The amniotic sac protects the fetus from infection. Once it ruptures, the risk of infection goes up.
Other risks of leaking amniotic fluid include:
Causes
The cause of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and leaking amniotic fluid is often unknown. It is estimated that up to 30% of cases are related to aninfectionin the uterus,cervix, or vagina.
Risk factors for PROM include:
How Much Amniotic Fluid Can You Leak?
The amount of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac changes throughout pregnancy. For most pregnant people, the amount of fluid steadily increases each week and peaks at about 800 milliliters (mL) at week 34. By week 40 of pregnancy, most people have 600 milliliters of amniotic fluid.Once the amniotic sac ruptures, the fluid will not stop leaking.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Having the right amount of amniotic fluid is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Amniotic fluid protects the fetus from injury, allowing it to move and develop bone strength. It aids in lung development and prevents heat loss as well.
Leaking amniotic fluid is a serious condition and requires treatment right away. Call your healthcare provider if you believe that you are leaking amniotic fluid at any point in your pregnancy. Do not place anything in your vagina (such as atampon), and refrain from sex ordouching.
Seek emergency medical care if you develop:
Treatment for leaking amniotic fluid depends on how far along you are in pregnancy and may include:
Summary
Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy. It is essential for healthy development. When the amniotic sac ruptures (water breaks), the amniotic fluid can gush or trickle out of your vagina.
Amniotic fluid is often clear and odorless. It is common to mistake urine or vaginal discharge for amniotic fluid. Urine is usually yellow and has a distinct odor. Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy is often milky and has a mild odor.
If you believe that you are leaking amniotic fluid, contact your healthcare provider right away.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office of Research on Women’s Health.Labor and birth.MedlinePlus.Premature rupture of membranes.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Prelabor rupture of membranes.Enjamo M, Deribew A, Semagn S, Mareg M.Determinants of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia: a case-control study.Int J Womens Health. 2022;14:455-466. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S352348Mogami H, Word RA.Healing mechanism of ruptured fetal membrane.Front Physiol. 2020;11:623. doi:10.3389/fphys.2020.00623MedlinePlus.Amniotic fluid.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office of Research on Women’s Health.Labor and birth.MedlinePlus.Premature rupture of membranes.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Prelabor rupture of membranes.Enjamo M, Deribew A, Semagn S, Mareg M.Determinants of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia: a case-control study.Int J Womens Health. 2022;14:455-466. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S352348Mogami H, Word RA.Healing mechanism of ruptured fetal membrane.Front Physiol. 2020;11:623. doi:10.3389/fphys.2020.00623MedlinePlus.Amniotic fluid.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Office of Research on Women’s Health.Labor and birth.MedlinePlus.Premature rupture of membranes.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Prelabor rupture of membranes.Enjamo M, Deribew A, Semagn S, Mareg M.Determinants of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia: a case-control study.Int J Womens Health. 2022;14:455-466. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S352348Mogami H, Word RA.Healing mechanism of ruptured fetal membrane.Front Physiol. 2020;11:623. doi:10.3389/fphys.2020.00623MedlinePlus.Amniotic fluid.
Office of Research on Women’s Health.Labor and birth.
MedlinePlus.Premature rupture of membranes.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Prelabor rupture of membranes.
Enjamo M, Deribew A, Semagn S, Mareg M.Determinants of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia: a case-control study.Int J Womens Health. 2022;14:455-466. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S352348
Mogami H, Word RA.Healing mechanism of ruptured fetal membrane.Front Physiol. 2020;11:623. doi:10.3389/fphys.2020.00623
MedlinePlus.Amniotic fluid.
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