What the colour of your waters may mean

A slight pink tinge can occur around labour, but fresh red bleeding should not be assumed to come from the waters. Call your maternity unit whenever you think your membranes have ruptured, even if the fluid looks clear or contractions have not begun.

Green or brown fluid may contain meconium, the baby's first stool, so the maternity team will assess the baby's wellbeing and decide what monitoring is appropriate. Cloudiness or an unpleasant smell can accompany infection. Blood-stained fluid needs assessment to distinguish a small pink tinge from active bleeding. Colour cannot confirm the cause on its own, and urine, vaginal discharge, bath water, or the mucus plug can sometimes be mistaken for leaking amniotic fluid.

Put on a clean maternity or sanitary pad, not a tampon, and note the time, colour, smell, and whether the loss was a gush or ongoing trickle. Contact your maternity unit for instructions and keep monitoring your baby's usual movement pattern. Do not wait for contractions before calling. If you are unsure whether the fluid is urine or amniotic fluid, the maternity team can advise whether you need an examination.

Tell the team how many weeks pregnant you are, whether contractions have started, and whether you have pain, fever, bleeding, or reduced movements. Avoid inserting anything into the vagina while awaiting advice.

Seek urgent maternity care for green or brown water, fresh or heavy bleeding, a bad smell, fever, feeling very unwell, severe constant abdominal pain, or reduced baby movements. Immediate emergency help is needed if you can see or feel the umbilical cord or any part of the baby. Fluid leakage before full term also requires prompt contact because ruptured membranes can accompany preterm labour even without regular contractions.

Ask how they will confirm whether your waters have broken, what the fluid's appearance may indicate, and how your baby's wellbeing will be checked. Clarify where and when you should attend, what changes require an immediate return, and whether the plan differs because of your stage of pregnancy or medical history.