How common is waters breaking in premature rupture of membranes?

Premature rupture of membranes means the fluid-filled membranes around the baby break before labour begins. The fluid may come as a sudden gush or as a continuing trickle that dampens underwear. It can be difficult to distinguish from urine or normal pregnancy discharge by appearance alone.

The timing in pregnancy matters, and the fluid may be clear, pale or lightly blood-stained. A clinician can check whether the membranes have ruptured and assess you and the baby.

Contact your maternity unit or pregnancy care team immediately if you think your waters have broken. Note the time, colour and amount of fluid, and use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon so the fluid can be observed.

Avoid vaginal sex, swimming and inserting anything into the vagina until you have received advice. Keep the pad and any information about your pregnancy available for the assessment.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for green or foul-smelling fluid, heavy bleeding, fever, feeling unwell, regular contractions, worsening abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, or anything protruding from the vagina. Do not delay because the leak is small or painless.

Could this fluid be amniotic fluid? How will you check the membranes and the baby? What warning signs should I monitor, when should I return, and which activities are safe while I am being followed?