Early pregnancy watery discharge.WHEN YOUR WATER BREAKS I've heard about my water breaking. What does this mean? When your water breaks, the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby and placenta actually ruptures. Some amniotic fluid inside the sac may initially gush out, then the rest leak out more slowly. This occurrence often signals the beginning of labor. What is the bag of waters? This is another name for the amniotic sac. These membranes must break when it is time for the baby to be born. If this does not happen naturally, the doctor will break them. What does amniotic fluid look like? It is usually clear, but it may have a bloody appearance, or it may be yellow or green. What should I do when my water breaks? Call your doctor. Don't have sexual intercourse; it can increase the possibility of an infection inside your uterus. Are there any tests that can determine if my water has broken? Yes, there are two. One is a nitrazine test. Fluid is placed on a piece of nitrazine paper; if membranes have ruptured, the paper changes color. The other test is a ferning test. When viewed under a microscope, dried amniotic fluid looks like a fern or the branches of a pine tree.
Every once in a while I feel a little wetness, as though I'm losing urine. Am I leaking amniotic fluid? Probably not. As your pregnancy grows, your uterus grows larger and gets heavier. The uterus sits on top of the bladder as it increases in size, it can put a great deal of pressure on your bladder and prevent your bladder from holding as much urine. Leakages can occur, especially when you lift something or bounce up and down. You may notice that your underwear or clothing is damp. How do I know my water isn't broken when I find my clothing wet? When your membranes rupture, you usually experience a gush of fluid or a continual leaking from inside the vagina. If you think your water has broken, call your doctor.
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