Feeling your water break: what to know

The membranes around the baby can release fluid suddenly or leak slowly. The fluid may continue after you change position, unlike urine or ordinary vaginal discharge. It can be difficult to tell the difference at home, and contractions may be present or absent. If the leak happens before labour or before the expected stage of pregnancy, it may need prompt specialist care, including for possible preterm labour.

Contact your maternity unit or obstetric team promptly and describe the fluid’s colour, smell, amount, and when it began. Wear a clean maternity pad so the fluid can be observed; do not use a tampon. Avoid putting anything into the vagina and avoid sex until you have received advice. Keep track of contractions and your baby’s movements while arranging assessment.

Go for urgent maternity assessment if the fluid is green, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling; you have fever, severe pain, regular contractions, or feel unwell; the baby is moving less; or you feel or see something coming through the vagina. A suspected leak before full term is urgent even when there is no pain. Do not wait for a large gush.

Ask how the fluid will be checked, whether your cervix and baby need monitoring, what warning signs to watch for, and which activities are safe while you wait. Tell them your pregnancy stage, blood group if known, recent symptoms, and any prior pregnancy concerns.