What should you know about test for water breaking in pregnancy?

Fluid from the vagina may be urine, normal discharge, semen, or amniotic fluid, so appearance alone cannot confirm the cause. A clinician may ask when the wetness began, whether it was a gush or a trickle, and what colour or smell you noticed. They may check your temperature and the baby's wellbeing, then examine the vagina with a sterile speculum. A swab or bedside test of the fluid can support the assessment, although no single test is perfect in every situation.

Put on a clean sanitary pad and note the time, colour, smell, and amount of fluid. Do not use a tampon, have sex, or put anything inside the vagina until a maternity professional has advised you. Keep the pad available for assessment, and follow instructions about eating, drinking, travel, and monitoring movements. A leak before labour can need observation even when you feel well, especially if the pregnancy is not yet at term.

Call your maternity unit promptly for a gush or continuing leak, even without contractions. Seek urgent help for bleeding, green or brown fluid, fever, feeling unwell, worsening abdominal pain, regular contractions, or reduced baby movements. A suspected leak earlier in pregnancy may indicate preterm labour and needs timely review; learn more about [Preterm Labour](/conditions/preterm-labour/).

Ask which test was used and what its result means, whether the membranes appear open, how to monitor the baby's movements, and which symptoms should send you back immediately. Confirm whether you should avoid intercourse, bathing, or travel and when you will be reviewed again.