Fluid... « Back to Group Discussions

[rozziemama]

So - at the risk of TMI, how can you tell if you're leaking amniotic fluid vs other fluids... Like, normal copious amounts of discharge, or, perhaps small amounts of pee (ok TMI).

Thanks!

[BubbleMa]

I'm not 100%, and neither is Dr. Google.  There are lots of stories that go both ways.  My MW did say that it's normal for discharge to become more watery (I asked because mine is watery).  Apparently there's a strip test that your health care provider can do to tell you if it's amniotic fluid or not.  I think I remember reading about a way to do it at home too, let me see if I can find it again.

[rozziemama]

Hmmm thanks. Let me know if you find anything. I'm avoiding calling dr because I'm sure they will just send me for another ultrasound.

[Kamiro]

I have gotten so much more watery, Rozzie. It is crazy. A few times I have felt like I am leaking water..I won't stress unless I lost a mucus plug, just been assuming its discharge.

[rozziemama]

Ok ok. Good to know that others are ...ummm ... producing a ton of fluid!!

[Astraia]

More watery, yes. More of it, yes. For my first I started wearing pads because the discharge was grossing me out, but I've never had it in that quantity since then.

And I uh.... definitely peed myself yesterday.... I sorta needed to go, and then I turned on the tap at the same time baby did some weird wiggly jiggly thing and yep... had to change my pants. I was only sure it was pee because when I kegeled hard and crossed my legs, it stopped. Hah. Sorry, way TMI.

[lightheartedmom]

Add me to the list of watery and copious. Annoying to feel like I need to wear Depends all the time...but between the almost nonstop discharge faucet and the odd (once per week-ish) urinary accidents, I'm almost always wearing pads. Otherwise I'd have to change my underwear several times a day. MW swears the discharge is normal and that the mild incontinence will dissipate after pregnancy (she said give it 6 months). But yeah...kinda gross.

as far as distinguishing between amniotic fluid and the other stuff...I heard amniotic fluid has a more sweet(???) smell. Your mw or dr can definitely do a simple strip (ph) to check if it's amniotic fluid - you should NOT need an u/s. Dr google could probably tell you the approx ph of amniotic fluid and the strips might be easy to find at the drug store or health food place...if you want to avoid the office and DIY.

[Kamiro]

I have to wear pads every day. *bag on head*

[rozziemama]

I've peed my pants so many times this pregnancy - it is terrible! Every time I cough or sneeze I leak. Awful!
I'm going to research those strips, just in case. I don't remember being this discharge-y with DS. It's crazy!

[smilingsara]

I'm like that too. I hear its normal. I just stop what I'm doing, cross my legs, and hope nothing comes out. Being sick wasn't fun because I coughed and sneezed way more than normal. 

[MeredithA]

I've had an increase in discharge as well. Nothing too crazy, but enough that I wear a panty liner during the day! I think an increase in discharge is very common especially as we get closer to the end. 

[maryamrose]

I've wondered this a few times too. I'm sure it's just discharge for me... I've had a lot of that throughout pregnancy, and it's increased lately. I also tend to sweat more down there.