What should you know about symptoms after water breaks?

The fluid can come as a gush or a slow, ongoing leak and may be difficult to distinguish from urine. Contractions may begin soon afterwards, but their absence does not make the fluid unimportant. The colour, smell and amount of fluid, along with your pregnancy stage and the baby’s movements, help the maternity team decide what assessment is needed.

A leak before the expected time of birth can be associated with preterm labour. It can also increase concern about infection because the protective membranes are no longer intact. Do not rely on a home check to confirm the cause.

Call your maternity unit or obstetric team as soon as you think your waters have broken. Note when the leaking started, the colour and smell, and whether contractions or reduced movements are present. Use a maternity pad rather than inserting anything into the vagina, and avoid sex until assessed. Keep the pad available if the team wants to see the fluid.

Follow the advice about coming in for examination. The team may check your observations, the baby’s heartbeat and whether the membranes have ruptured. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, unwell or are having strong, frequent contractions.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for green or brown fluid, fresh bleeding, fever or chills, worsening abdominal pain, regular contractions, feeling very unwell, or reduced or absent baby movements. A visible or felt cord, severe bleeding, collapse or breathing difficulty needs emergency help. These warning signs are based on symptoms, not on how likely labour is.

Could this fluid be amniotic fluid, urine or another discharge? How should I monitor movements and temperature? Where should I go if contractions start? What changes in colour, smell or pain should prompt an immediate call?