Blood in amniotic fluid when your waters break

A slight pink tinge can occur as the cervix changes or a mucus plug passes, but blood mixed with leaking fluid cannot be safely interpreted by colour alone. Call your maternity unit now and follow its instructions.

Amniotic fluid is usually clear or pale. A small streak of blood or pink, sticky mucus may be a show as the cervix begins to open. Fresh red blood, a heavily blood-stained gush, or bleeding that continues separately from the fluid needs urgent clinical assessment because the source may be the cervix, placenta, or another part of the birth canal.

Fluid that is green, brown, unpleasant-smelling, or accompanied by fever also needs prompt review. If the waters break before labour is expected, the team will consider whether the membranes have ruptured early and whether there are signs of preterm labour or infection.

Put on a clean maternity or sanitary pad rather than a tampon. Note when the leaking began, whether it was a gush or trickle, and the fluid's colour, smell, and approximate amount. Keep the pad if your maternity team asks to see it.

Pay attention to your baby's usual pattern of movement and tell the team about any reduction. Avoid sex and do not place anything in the vagina. Take your maternity notes and medicines list if you are asked to attend.

Contact your maternity unit immediately for any suspected rupture of membranes with blood. Seek emergency help if bleeding is heavy or ongoing, you feel faint or unwell, you have severe abdominal pain, or the baby is moving less than usual. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or the bleeding is heavy.

Also report contractions, fever, chills, an unusual smell, or green or brown fluid. These details help the maternity team decide how quickly you should be examined and what monitoring you and your baby may need.

Ask whether your membranes have ruptured, what may be causing the blood, and whether you and your baby need monitoring. You can also ask what changes in bleeding, fluid, contractions, temperature, or movement should bring you back immediately if you are sent home.