Water breaks: what to do

The fluid may come as a sudden gush or a continuing trickle that you cannot control. It is usually clear or pale, although a small amount of blood-tinged mucus can occur around the start of labour. Urine and vaginal discharge can look similar, so an examination may be needed to confirm the source. The membranes can rupture before contractions, during labour or after contractions have begun. If this happens before labour or before the pregnancy is near term, the maternity team will assess you for infection, labour and your baby's wellbeing.

Put on a clean maternity pad, not a tampon, and record when the leaking started, its colour, smell and approximate amount. Avoid sex, swimming and putting anything in the vagina until your care team advises otherwise. Keep your antenatal notes available and arrange assessment according to your maternity unit's instructions. Do not rely on a home impression if the fluid keeps leaking; confirmation helps guide monitoring and birth planning.

Call urgently if the fluid is green, brown or foul-smelling, if you have heavy bleeding, fever, severe abdominal pain, regular painful contractions or reduced fetal movement. Seek immediate help if you feel faint or seriously unwell. A water break before term can be linked with preterm labour, so follow the maternity team's timing advice even when contractions are absent.

Ask how the fluid will be confirmed, whether you need monitoring, which symptoms should prompt a return call and how to track fetal movements. Clarify bathing, sex, travel and work advice, and what plan applies if contractions do not begin.