Um..did my water just break?

[mariekitt24]

I'm thirteen days overdue and I've been on my midwife's "3 day induction plan" which includes black and blue cohosh and castor oil. since its 2 in the morning, yesterday would have been the third day on which I was expected to have the baby after having some major diarrhea from the castor oil. But I did not follow the plans instructions as much as I was supposed to (how could I keep ALL of that castor oil down??) and didn't have *major* diarrhea wasnt "feeling" any contractions when I went to bed.

I know that I lost my mucous plug two days ago. And tonight when I just woke up, I felt a small gush of clear fluid come out of me. It left a tiny wet spot on the bed but nothing much. It didnt soak the bed, it moreso left like maybe a three inch wet spot. It mostly just covered my bottom and I went to the bathroom and cleaned myself off. Also, Im positive it was not urine.

Right now I guess I'm having contractions because I have some *really* mild cramping and my stomach is tight, but my stomach has felt "tight" just about every hour for days, so I cant tell. My midwife would feel my stomach and tell me I was having braxton hicks, and I would tell her I didnt even feel it tighten up ever, but when I feel my stomach is has been indeed tight. I thought I was supposed to be able to feel contractions? Ive been doing hypnobabies a tiny bit, but I didn't follow that program well either. Its been a few minutes and I'm still pretty wet down there, more than usual.

I'm worried its just wishful thinking, but this is definitely the first time during my pregnancy I've had anything gush out of me at all, I havent had that much discharge or anything throughout. Maybe I'm just doubtful because all Ive *seen* of waters breaking is dramatic and sudden. but I remember reading its possible it can come as just a trickle. Im also scared that if it WAS my water breaking, what if I still dont get any strong contractions? I'm worried I will go over whatever the time limit is because it just doesnt seem like my labor is ever going to happen to me. I do have a midwife I can call but I kinda just wanted to be sure of what happened before I wake her up. Thanks for any insight guys!

[mariekitt24]

anybody?

[littlebb]

Sounds to me like water breaking! It's not always a huge gush like in the movies. I know women who've had a slow leak instead. Sounds like it is in your case. Keep track of your panties - if you keep finding wet spots you know isn't urine, I'd say that's what it sounds like. The light cramping may be pre-labor. Definitely have your midwife come and check you out! I hope this is it!!

[soveryblessed]

You can always smell it. Amniotic fluid usually smells like semen...not a pleasant smell!

[Belle]

Originally Posted by soveryblessed

You can always smell it. Amniotic fluid usually smells like semen...not a pleasant smell!

Not necessarily. I've been to births as a doula where the smell was very strong and not pleasant. I've been to other births where it was distinctive, but not an unpleasant smell. When my own water broke it wasn't unpleasant at all.

OP it does sound like your water may have broken a little. It's not always in a big gush (though it was for me) Hope you're holding your LO soon.

[MamaMem]

Originally Posted by soveryblessed

You can always smell it. Amniotic fluid usually smells like semen...not a pleasant smell!

Really? Last time I got close to amniotic fluid it was kind of nice. A bit musty but definitely sweet-ish smelling... ??

[MidwifeErika]

If you haven't already called your midwife, I would do that and run it past her. She might want to check the fluid with a swab and see if it is amniotic fluid.

[Amber Lion]

If you have Ph paper you can check the liquid. Urine is on the acidic side, amniotic fluid is more basic. That's how I decided my water had broken and finally called my midwife. I didn't have a huge gush, but enough to wet my panties. Contractions didn't start for me for another 5 hours too, so just b/c your water has broken it doesn't mean you'll be in labor immediately.

[mariekitt24]

Yeah I called my midwife, Im going to go see her today. She thinks its possible it may have just "leaked" or partially broken or something.

[Jilian]

Good luck mama! Usually when your water breaks it will keep trickling down, especially when you lay down. Wen you stand up the baby's head can act as a stopper and hold it in. Try laying down on different sides and see what happens.

[deymm]

any updates??

[mariekitt24]

to my surprise my water hasnt broken. My midwife says it must have been the hind waters..new term to me! Very disappointing.. I'm starting to think this baby is never going to come. and I've only got a couple days left before my midwife can no longer legally attend to my birth.

[JamieB]

I hope the baby comes very soon for you! Good luck!

[Ktietje85]

Originally Posted by mariekitt24

and I've only got a couple days left before my midwife can no longer legally attend to my birth.

I don't know what state you're in, but where I am, CPMs aren't legal at all. BUT there is no law saying where, when, or how you have to give birth or who can be there. So, therefore, CPMs can practice because women can simply choose not to go to the hospital or hire an OB. (This is Ohio.) My midwives are perfectly willing to let me go to 44 weeks or so if that's how long it takes (I hope not! And I don't think so because DD was born at 39w1d with no induction).

I would suggest that you just "accidentally" forget to go to the hospital or see the OB if you still want your home birth but go very late. The truth is, normal pregnancies can last 36 - 44 weeks and on occasion even longer with perfectly healthy babies. Inducing "late" babies without clear evidence of fetal distress (many tests show false pos) is basically a crime. The dates might be wrong or you might be someone who naturally carries longer, and inducing your baby at 42 weeks might actually still be premature. Do what you have to to avoid this!!