Does preterm labour cause waters breaking?

Fluid may be a sudden gush or a slow, repeated trickle that you cannot control. It can be difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or ordinary vaginal discharge by appearance alone. Preterm labour may also involve regular tightening, period-like cramps, lower-back pain, pelvic pressure, bleeding, or a change in discharge. Waters breaking can happen without painful contractions, and fluid leakage has causes other than labour, so a maternity team should check it.

Contact your maternity unit or obstetric team immediately, especially before term. Note the time, amount, colour, and smell of the fluid, and use a clean pad rather than a tampon. Avoid intercourse, swimming, and putting anything into the vagina until you receive advice. Do not wait for contractions to start. Keep your pregnancy information available and follow the team’s instructions about travelling for assessment.

Get urgent help for green or bloody fluid, fever, abdominal or back pain, regular contractions, feeling faint, unpleasant-smelling fluid, or reduced fetal movement. These symptoms can signal infection, labour, or another complication. A clinician may examine the fluid, check your temperature and vital signs, monitor contractions and the baby, and assess the cervix and membranes.

Could this fluid be amniotic fluid? What colour or smell should concern me? How should I protect against infection while waiting? Which symptoms mean I should return straight away?