Water breaking during intercourse

Semen, vaginal lubrication, urine, and amniotic fluid can all cause wetness after sex. Amniotic fluid may come as a gush or a repeated trickle that you cannot control. Its colour and smell can provide clues, but they cannot confirm the source at home. A clinician can assess you and check the baby if rupture of membranes is suspected.

Stop intercourse and place a sanitary pad in your underwear. Record the time, colour, smell, and amount of fluid, and avoid tampons or further vaginal penetration. Call your maternity unit for instructions, including whether you should attend for testing. Keep monitoring your baby's movements in the usual way while arranging advice.

Seek urgent maternity advice for green or brown fluid, fresh bleeding, fever, worsening pain, regular contractions, feeling unwell, or reduced baby movements. A suspected rupture before full term needs prompt assessment because it can be associated with preterm labour. Heavy bleeding, collapse, or severe breathing difficulty requires emergency help.

Ask how the source of the fluid will be checked, whether sex should be avoided for now, how to monitor movements, and which symptoms should bring you back immediately.