What should you know about partial water break?

The amniotic sac can develop a small opening, allowing fluid to seep rather than flow all at once. Fluid may feel warm and may continue to damp underwear, but urine, normal discharge, and semen can look or feel similar. The colour, smell, amount, and timing provide useful information but cannot confirm the cause at home.

A leak before labour can increase the chance of infection and may occur before the baby is ready to be born. If it happens earlier in pregnancy, the team may discuss monitoring and signs of preterm labour.

Contact your maternity unit promptly and use a clean pad to observe the fluid. Do not use tampons, have vaginal sex, or put anything into the vagina until assessed. Record when the dampness started and whether the fluid is clear, green, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling. Take your maternity notes if you attend hospital.

Seek immediate maternity care for fever, feeling shivery or unwell, abdominal pain, regular contractions, vaginal bleeding, green or foul-smelling fluid, or reduced fetal movement. Emergency help is needed for severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, or collapse. Do not wait for a large gush of fluid.

Ask how the fluid was tested, whether your waters are broken, how the baby will be monitored, which activities to avoid, and which symptoms mean you should return immediately.