How To Recognize Leaking Amniotic Fluid And What To Do?

Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team

The fetus is surrounded by and cushioned in a clear, yellowish fluid in the womb known as amniotic fluid. Some women may experience leaking amniotic fluid during pregnancy, too much of which may be harmful.

The amniotic fluid comprises hormones, immune cells, nutrients, and urine produced by the fetus. The fetus starts swallowing and excreting this protective fluid at around 20 weeks. The amniotic fluid helps fetal movement and growth. Also, it prevents infections and injuries to the fetus, supports organ development (e.g., kidneys, intestines, and lungs), and protects the umbilical cord from compressing.

Keep reading this post to learn more about amniotic fluid leakage, how to differentiate it from the leakage of other fluids such as urine or vaginal discharge, and what to do in such cases.

What Is Leaking Of Amniotic Fluid Or Premature Rupture Of Membranes (PROM)?

The premature or preterm rupture of the amniotic sac membrane or water bag before the start of labor is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM). If it occurs before 37 weeks, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Premature rupture of membranes is rare, and no definite cause is identified despite various etiologies (1).

Quick fact

PROM occurs in about 8 to 10% of all pregnancies, whereas PPROM affects about 3% of all pregnancies (11) (23).

Normal Levels Of Amniotic Fluid

The normal levels of amniotic fluid vary according to gestational age. The amniotic fluid is visible after 12 days of conception, reaching the highest volume at the 36th week of gestation and declining near birth. Your doctor will measure the amount of amniotic fluid through ultrasound during your prenatal visits. An average amniotic fluid index is between 5cm and 25cm (2).

Amniotic fluid levels during your pregnancy can be (3):

• 60ml at 12 weeks
• 175ml at 16 weeks
• Around 400-1200ml between 34 and 38 weeks

The fluid level declines by around 125ml a week at 38 weeks of gestation and decreases to around 800ml by the 40th week.
Leakage could result in too little of the amniotic fluid in the sac, which could be problematic. Hence, you should detect a possible amniotic fluid leak and seek medical help.

Signs And Symptoms Of Amniotic Fluid Leak

Amniotic fluid comes out in a gush when the membrane ruptures. This is also known as a water break, and it usually happens when you enter labor. A small hole in the amniotic sac, it may lead to a slow fluid leak, which feels like the trickle of fluid down to the vagina. First-time mothers might be confused about the difference between amniotic fluid, mucus plug, urine, and vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Dr. Stephanie Langsam, FACOG, a Wynnewood, Pennsylvania-based physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology , says, “It is hard to know that your water broke, and rarely there is a moment with a large gush of fluid. Leaking amniotic fluid typically occurs randomly and feels almost like you are peeing on yourself. It can be a continuous trickle or a few spurts of leaking at random times. If you are concerned your water broke, call your doctor immediately. Amniotic fluid is usually clear and odorless; however, it may be concerning if it is green or mixed with blood.”

The following signs may help you identify amniotic fluid (4):

• Clear or colorless
• Present with mucus or blood
• No odor
• Does not stop leaking
• Soaks pad or underwear often

Jennica Hill, a mother of one, experienced amniotic fluid leakage at around 27 weeks of pregnancy. Reflecting on this incident, she says, “Usually, my discharge was very milky and white. But I noticed that I was getting more of a clear discharge. I wasn’t sure if it was urine, just a completely clear discharge, or amniotic fluid. But leaking amniotic fluid at this stage would mean that my water bag broke, and the baby might need to be born early.” However, after ultrasound, pH test, and microscopic examination of amniotic fluid, it was confirmed that she didn’t have amniotic fluid leakage (i).”

It may not be amniotic fluid if there is:

• Odor
• Light- or pale-yellow color
• Thick mucus or look milky

Urine and vaginal discharge have a peculiar odor and color. You may use a pad or panty liner to check these aspects. Another way to know is by holding your pelvic floor muscles for a few seconds. If it is urine, the leakage will stop. If it doesn’t stop, it is probably an amniotic fluid leak. These home tests to confirm amniotic fluid may not be helpful for all women. It is advised to get medical help if you are not sure it is not amniotic fluid. If the color of your amniotic fluid appears green or brown, it could indicate fetal distress, and you should seek medical assistance immediately.

Did you know?

Reviewed by UK NICE, vision ALD is a panty-liner with a removable indicator strip that helps detect leaking amniotic fluid as a cause of vaginal wetness (24).

Causes Of Premature Rupture Of Membranes

A premature amniotic fluid leak may occur from membrane weakening and uterine contractions. The possible risk factors of PROM include (1):

• Smoking
• Recreational drug use
• Alcohol use
• Uterine infection
• Accidental trauma
• Polyhydramnios or too much amniotic fluid in the sac
• Oligohydramnios or too little amniotic fluid in the sac
• Overstretching of amniotic sac and uterus
• Improper prenatal care
• Cervical surgery or short cervical length
• AmniocentesisⁱDiagnosis procedure carried out during pregnancy
• Previous preterm birth (premature birth)
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Less than six months after the previous labor
• Twin or multiple pregnancies
• Second and third trimester vaginal bleeding
• Nutritional deficiencies and underweight
• Connective tissue disordersⁱDisorders resulting from inflammation of connective tissues

The amniotic sac ruptures or water breaks during or at the beginning of labor after 37 weeks of pregnancy. However, the leakage of amniotic fluids before 37 weeks is associated with certain risks.

What Happens When Amniotic Fluid Leaks?

Many women enter labor around 24 hours after the rupture of the membrane or leakage of amniotic fluid at term. If it doesn’t begin in 24 hours, labor is induced to prevent any complications (5). and the mother is closely monitored to record cervical dilation rates and labor progression. If the fluid leaks before term, it may lead to the following risks (6):

• Fetal and maternal infection
• Placenta separating from the uterus
• Umbilical cord problems
• C-section delivery

An amniotic fluid leak in the first and second trimesters may be associated with an increased risk for congenital disabilities, miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery, whereas in the third trimester, it may cause difficulties in delivery.

The risk of complications may be reduced by choosing suitable approaches after a preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM). A retrospective study by the University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, revealed that waiting 48 hours for delivery following a PPROM can reduce the risk of complications in a baby born after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Discuss with your Ob/Gyn the best next step after an amniotic fluid leak to ensure your safety and your baby’s best health.

Be watchful

Green or brown-colored leaking amniotic fluid means the baby has passed meconium while in the womb, raising the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome (25).

When To Call The Doctor?

You should also call the doctor if (7):

• Fluid is green-tinged or brownish-yellow or has a foul smell
• You have vaginal bleeding
• You have a fever or flu-like symptoms such as feeling hot and shivery
• Heart rate has increased
• There is abdominal pain or contractions
• You are uncertain and concerned

The doctor will diagnose your condition based on your gestation age and will also give you an internal examination before the treatment. An amniotic fluid leak is diagnosed by a speculumⁱA device used to look inside the vagina to observe the cervix examination, followed by a pH test and microscopic fluid examination.

While waiting for the doctor, try to stay calm and do not insert anything, such as a tampon or cloth, into the vagina to stop the leakage. Just notice how much fluid has leaked and what the color of the fluid is to let the doctor know.

How Is Amniotic Fluid Leakage Or PROM Treated?

The treatment plan differs for a woman based on the gestational age, cause of fluid leakage, and maternal and fetal health status

. If it occurs at term, it is managed with delivery unless there is an indication to wait for spontaneous labor.

If fluid leaks or PROM occurs before term, the next steps could be (8):

• Administers corticosteroidsⁱMedication used to reduce inflammation and overactive immune system to speed up the maturity of the fetal lung between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation
• Prescribes antibiotics to prevent infection
• TocolyticⁱProcedure used to delay delivery in women having preterm contractions medicines to prevent preterm labor
• Delivery to manage PROM unless there are benefits from delaying it without any risks.
• Magnesium sulfate to protect the fetus from neurological complications such as cerebral palsy if delivery is expected within 24 hours before 32 weeks of gestation (9).
• Admission to a hospital for observation and fetal monitoring and transfer to a hospital where there are good neonatal intensive care facilities just in case the baby arrives early.

If the PROM causes low amniotic fluid levels (10):

• Amnio-fusion: This may be carried out using an intrauterine catheterⁱA device placed inside a pregnant woman's uterus to monitor uterine contractions during labor during labor induction. Adding fluid to make up for the loss of amniotic fluid will provide extra support around the umbilical cord and reduce the chances of a cesarean.
• Re-hydration: You may be given fluids orally or intravenously to increase the amniotic fluid level.

Quick fact

Nitrazine paper test can help detect amniotic fluid leakage when the leakage is slow and difficult to differentiate from urine (17).

Can You Prevent Premature Rupture Of Membranes?

PROM is generally not preventable but avoiding the risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, and unprotected sex might reduce the probability of the condition (11).

According to one clinical trial study, intake of vitamin C supplements by pregnant women, with a history of PROM, after the 14th week of pregnancy may help reduce the risk of PROM in the current pregnancy (12). However, consult your doctor about the safety and efficacy of its consumption.

Does Leaking Amniotic Fluid Mean Miscarriage?

Leaking amniotic fluid is not one of the common reasons for a miscarriage. However, if it occurs in the second trimester and is accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, it could be a sign of miscarriage. Nevertheless, you should get it checked by the doctor before concluding anything.

Can Amniotic Fluid Replenish Itself?

The fetus will continue to produce amniotic fluid even if there is a leak, but it may not be enough if there is a heavy leak (13). In a few cases, the amniotic sac may reseal itself and prevent fluid leakage. However, more studies are required to understand the resealing of the sac and replenishing of amniotic fluid after a leak.

Infographic: Difference Between Leaking Amniotic Fluid And Urine Leak

Amniotic fluid leak before the due date requires medical evaluation and necessary interventions since it may lead to preterm birth or other complications. However, it is possible to have urine leaks in the last trimesters of pregnancy due to increased pressure on the bladder. Go through the below infographic to know the difference between an amniotic fluid leak and a urine leak during pregnancy that may help you seek medical care if required.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: How To Recognize Leaking Amniotic Fluid And What To Do?

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Are you worried you might be leaking amniotic fluid? Learn the signs to tell the difference between amniotic fluid and pee. Get the facts now!

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Sangeeta AgrawalFRCOG, MD, DNB, DGO

Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal is an obstetrician and gynecologist with around 29 years of experience in the field. She worked in Royal London, St. Bartholomew’s, North Middlesex, and Barnet General hospitals in London and currently runs her clinic in Mumbai.

Read full bio of Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal

• 
  Stephanie LangsamMD Dr. Stephanie Langsam is a board-certified physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her medical degree from Technion Israel Institute of Technology and completed her residency at Lankenau Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
  
  Dr. Stephanie Langsam is a board-certified physician specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her medical degree from Technion Israel Institute of Technology and completed her residency at Lankenau Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD

Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

Read full bio of Dr. Joyani Das