PROM pregnancy symptoms: what they can feel like

Amniotic fluid can wet underwear or run down the legs, and the leak may continue when you stand, move or change position. It is often clear or pale, but fluid colour can vary. A wet feeling can also come from urine or normal vaginal discharge, so appearance alone cannot confirm the cause. PROM is defined by the membranes opening before labour begins; contractions may start later or may already be developing.

Put on a clean sanitary pad, note when the fluid started and observe its colour and smell. Contact your maternity unit for instructions and avoid tampons or putting anything in the vagina. Do not drive yourself if you feel unwell or have heavy bleeding. At assessment, the team may examine you and monitor the baby before deciding whether observation, treatment or birth planning is needed.

Seek urgent maternity care for green, brown or foul-smelling fluid, bright bleeding, fever, chills, severe or persistent abdominal pain, regular contractions, reduced fetal movement or a feeling that something is wrong. A visible cord or part of the baby is an emergency: call emergency services and follow their instructions while waiting.

Ask how the leak was confirmed, how to track fetal movement, what fluid changes matter, whether you need hospital observation, and when antenatal steroid injection or induction of labour might enter the plan.