Discharge vs. water leak?

[alison_in_oh]

For the last few days, since I first lost some really cool gobs of mucus, I've had intermittent really wet discharge. It'll come and go, and never gushes or anything, it's usually about a quarter-sized spot to something that could amount to a thimbleful or slightly more of water -- today after a nap I was wet clear through to my pants (not the first time in the past few days). :

I've been assuming that this is just a variation on the cervical discharge I've been having. Even if there was a leak that was being stoppered and unstoppered by the baby's head, it would be more frequent and more obvious than this, wouldn't it? Is there any other way to decide what's going on? Do I need to worry at some point that I'm decreasing the baby's fluid levels to a dangerous point if I keep ignoring it?

I'm pretty sure it's not pee, FWIW.

(40w4d)

[kerikadi]

Smell it - amniotic fluid smells a little bleachy like semen.
I'd also try squatting over a dark towel to see if there are any white flecks in it that might be vernix. That is how I was able to determine my water had broken with #4.

Keri

[Spark]

That sounds like discharge to me, but if you really want to check, it's very easy to have it tested. That's the best way to tell.

When my water was broken when I laid down I would feel it spurting out. When I stood up, it was dry city. If I had a ctx more water would come out usually.

But, really if you're concerned, I'd get it tested.

If not, labor will begin sometime soon! Wishing you a beautiful gentle birth.

- Gal who's water broke at 31 weeks and my baby wasn't born unti 41 1/2 weeks.

[courtenay_e]

if you're worried about losing too much fluid, drink a lot of fluids to replenish them. Take vitamin C. You could go in and have it litmus tested...but at the risk of having them admit you and induce labor. Keep everything out of your vagina. Happy laboring!

[alison_in_oh]

Yeah, I'm GBS+ so I can't risk premature rupture -- both because I'm mildly concerned about the risk to my baby and because I'm heartily concerned about the risk of interventions. :\

I don't think it's ever been enough to be drippy. I don't think. So I'm going with the assumption that it's discharge. And I think I'll go ahead and try to seduce my hubby as planned...

[georgia]

I'm willing to bet it's just stuff I've had my water break two times, and I agree with Keri--it smells bleachy, but not in a bad way

Keep everything out of your vagina

Except that baby That would be the only exception to this excellent advice above!


Soon, mama, soon!!!

[alison_in_oh]

Thank you for the good wishes!!