5 Signs Your Water Is Breaking During Pregnancy

Water breaking can be a worrying experience as your due date approaches, especially when you can’t differentiate it from a normal vaginal discharge. It can become a full-time job trying to figure out if your water is breaking or not.

At some point before delivery, the amniotic sac ruptures and fluid flows out. The rupturing is what is usually referred to as water breaking. Though the experience is different for every woman, here are five signs that show your water is breaking and labor is on its way.

The Fluid is Clear and Odorless

You’ll experience a popping sound or pressure when your water breaks. It’s usually painless but the leakage increases in frequency. A sure sign that your water is breaking is that the fluid is clear with no smell. Though some women may detect a sweet scent, which is clear, or the fluid is lightly tinged with blood.

You Can’t Control the Leaking

You might feel a gush of fluid or a slow trickle when your water breaks. But in both cases, you can’t control the leaking, and you should expect two to three cups of fluid. It’s advisable not to wear a tampon when this happens, instead, wear a sanitary pad to manage the wetness.

It Might Feel Like Urinary Incontinence

It’s normal for your urine to leak during the third trimester of your pregnancy because of the pressure your growing baby adds to your bladder. When your water breaks, you may think that your urine is leaking, but the difference is that urine smells like ammonia and has a yellow color while amniotic fluid is clear and odorless.

However, if you’re having a challenge differentiating the two, sit down for a few minutes and then stand up. Amniotic fluid flows out consistently, so, if the fluid is still trickling out, and you can’t hold it, then your water is breaking.

The Fluid is Thin and Watery

You might find it tricky to tell the difference between a vaginal discharge and your water breaking, considering they are both odorless. However, vaginal discharge is usually thick, sticky and might be clear or look like a white slime. Amniotic fluid is normally thin and runny.

Strong Contractions that Follow Up the Leak

Your water is breaking when you notice that you are having stronger contractions following up on the leak. Water breaking is usually a sign that labor is coming, and you’re getting closer to active labor when the contractions are longer, more painful, and are at a closer interval.

In Closing

Water breaking shows that delivery is almost here, and it may happen before or after contractions kick in. It might be confusing to tell if your water is breaking, but these five signs tell you that you’re progressing into active labor. Contact your OB/GYN once you notice these signs.

Looking to create memories on your pregnancy journey? Fiesta House Attire is your one-stop shop for maternity shoots, makeup, and professional styling. Our experienced photographers are ready to help you capture this beautiful moment. Call us today today learn more about our services.

5 Signs Your Water Is Breaking During Pregnancy