If your water breaks

The waters are the membranes and fluid around the baby. When the membranes rupture, fluid may come as a gush or a slow, ongoing trickle. It can be difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or normal vaginal discharge, so do not rely on appearance alone.

The timing matters. If the waters break before labour begins, your maternity team will assess your pregnancy, the baby’s wellbeing and the possibility of infection. Leakage before the expected stage of pregnancy can be associated with preterm labour and needs prompt advice.

Write down when the leakage started, whether it is continuous, and its colour or smell. Wear a sanitary pad rather than using a tampon, and avoid putting anything into the vagina until you have received advice. Follow instructions about eating, drinking, travel and attending the maternity unit.

A clinician may check your temperature, pulse, the baby’s heartbeat and the fluid. They may also ask about contractions, bleeding, baby movements and your pregnancy history. Keep your maternity notes and arrange transport that allows you to reach care safely.

Get urgent maternity help for heavy bleeding, green or brown fluid, fever or chills, severe abdominal pain, regular contractions, reduced baby movements, or feeling faint or seriously unwell. If you can see or feel the umbilical cord or part of the baby, call emergency services and do not push it back.

Ask whether the membranes have ruptured, how the baby is being monitored, and whether labour has started. Clarify which symptoms mean you should return immediately, how infection will be watched for, and what the plan is if the leakage occurred before full term.