If you feel cramps, a backache, nausea, loose bowels, or contractions, then it’s possible your water has broken! If the mystery fluid was discharge, sweat, or pee, you probably won’t feel anything unusual. If there’s another gush, it’s possible your water has broken, as it will continue to leak out whenever you change positions. When the time is up, slowly get up and take note of any new fluid. Use this time to rest, calm your nerves, and practice deep breathing exercises. Try laying down on your side for 10-15 minutes (we promise, even if your water DID break, you’ve got time to do this). Again, if it smells foul, get in touch with your provider. If it smells sweet or like bleach, it may be amniotic fluid. If it smells like ammonia or urine, it likely is. It’s not for everyone, but if you can’t tell based on the color, you may consider smelling the fluid.

Whatever color it is, take note of it, because your care provider will ask! Sometimes, it will appear brown or green-tinged if baby has had a bowel movement inside (known as meconium). Usually, amniotic fluid is clear, though sometimes it’s normal if there’s some blood in there, too. If you’re pretty sure that what you’re dealing with isn’t on the above list, it’s time to move on to figuring out if it’s amniotic fluid. But, it’s really normal at the end of pregnancy (your baby is putting a lot of pressure on your bladder!), and it usually gets better after birth. We know this is the least appealing option on the list- and we’re sorry. Wear loose fitting cotton undies, stay cool and hydrated, and enjoy some nice long baths! increased sweating- remember, you’re working hard! Especially in the warmer months, you may find yourself sweating everywhere.If it is an unusual color or smells foul, be sure to let your doctor or midwife know. increased vaginal discharge- this could be anything from thin and clear to thick and creamy.At the end of your pregnancy, your body is working incredibly hard to put the finishing touches on a new human while simultaneously preparing your body to give birth to said human. So, how can you tell? First, let’s talk about what else you might be experiencing in your underwear. We’ve all heard the stories about someone’s water breaking in the middle of Walmart, and likely about that friend that was sent home from the hospital because even though they were sure their water had broken, it was really just pee.

Even though most labours don’t begin this way (the most common time for your water to break is when you’re 9 centimeters dilated!), it’s important to be able to tell the difference between amniotic fluid and other normal late-pregnancy symptoms. Even if this isn’t your first pregnancy, sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your water just broke, especially if it was broken for you during your last labour. By the time you’re nearing your due date, there can be a lot going on down there.

Amniotic fluid test strip color