What does it mean when your waters break in pregnancy?

The leak may be a sudden gush or a slow, ongoing trickle that you cannot control. Amniotic fluid is often clear or pale, but it can be difficult to distinguish from urine or normal vaginal discharge. Contractions may start before or after the leak, and some people have no pain at first.

If the membranes open before labour begins, clinicians assess the pregnancy, the baby's wellbeing, the fluid, and signs of infection. If this happens before the expected time of birth, it can be associated with preterm labour and needs maternity guidance.

Call your maternity unit or obstetric team as soon as you think your waters have broken. Wear a clean sanitary pad, note the time and colour of the fluid, and avoid sex, tampons, and putting anything into the vagina until you have been advised. Do not rely on a home test to decide whether assessment is needed. Take your maternity records if you go in.

Seek emergency maternity help for heavy bleeding, severe or constant abdominal pain, fever, feeling very unwell, reduced baby movements, or fluid that is green, brown, or foul-smelling. Treat a visible cord or a feeling that something is coming through the vagina as an emergency: call emergency services and follow the operator's instructions.

Ask how the fluid will be confirmed, how your baby's wellbeing will be checked, what infection symptoms to watch for, whether you need observation, and when to return if leaking continues or contractions begin.