Way TMI but how do I tell if its a leak?

[Snowy Love]

I may have over exerted myself today moving 4 archive boxes.

I coughed and felt fluid in my pants & it didn't feel like I'd peed. I've had many incidents recently where it has felt that way, but this felt different somehow. It happened again just now & I'm vaguely concerned. I'm drinking lots of water so I don't have strong smelling pee, but how do I tell for sure its not a leak in my waters?

My waters broke before labour with DS, but I was about 17 weeks further on.

ta

[Stevie]

this happens to me to..
only when i sneeze sometimes..
is it something i should be worried about? i always heard that it all gets not quite as good as it used to be down there (im having big issues down there )

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

Obviously I have NO experience, but I've heard that a leak will be vaguely pink? If you're concerned I'd definitely be going to get it checked - better safe than sorry chicky

[Ellee05]

I had this, they can do a swab and it shows up if it is amniotic fluid. If you're concerned, I'd visit the doctor or hospital.

Hope all is ok and you feel relaxed again soon.

[Fleur]

I have had a leak previously and this is not quite that much...*sorry if TMI* but let me tell you, there have been days where I have kept a very close eye on it IYKWIM... I have had to change clothes some days & wondered if it's a leak, the only way for me to tell has been to wait & see. Basically it is just watery discharge... I have to wear a panty liner every day.

having said that... if it is leaking when you sneeze or cough it might be something more. Empty your bladder first, then give a pretend cough or even a little 'push' and see if you have any leakage.

It is always better to get it checked if you're not sure, that's what they are there for.

Good luck

[2CheekyMonkeys]

sounds to me like stress incontinence.. a bit of wee! could also be extra discharge. however, you cant really tell unless someone examines you. something similar happened to me while i was pregnant and i went in to get it checked out. it wasnt my waters but i felt heaps better knowing one way or the other. it turns out i was wet down there because of thrush and a bit of the pelvic floor not doing its job properly.. ;-)

oh, they said to me that it is most likely a leak if you saturate a pad in a couple hours.

[willow5]

I quite often have a "leak" down there if I cough or sneeze it can be quite watery but I think if it's watery and a slightly milky colour it's ok. You have increased discharge when pregnant.
If it's clear then that could be amniotic fluid.
If you're not sure probly get it checked out, even just for peace of mind.

[first_time_mummy]

Could it be discharge?
I have had a lot of this, and i always get it bad if i sneeze, cough or laugh, Its like its forced out of me. A lot of the time it is clear and runny like liquid, and i have myself in a panic...but ive learn that if i wear a liner, i can get a clearer look, and see that its more thicker and mucusie... sorry tmi

I have had BAD discharge for a few months now, and nothing seems to stop it, other than wearing a pad/liner. I can literally feel it running out of me, similar to when you have period blood.

[fi1980]

Snowy I had a similar thing about a month ago. We were relocating office and although I was careful not to lift anything too heavy I still found that I was over exerting myself and ended up absolutely buggered with a really sore persistent lower back ache and then the 'leaks' started. I know an increase in discharge is common but for a couple of days it got to the point where i could feel it trickling out (sorry TMI!) and I started to get really worried as it had definitely increased from what it had been. I ended up working myself up into a bit of a state thinking the worst so called the midwives who told me to come straight in and get checked out. As it turns out everything was just fine, a little thrush helped contribute to the increased discharge and they told me just to take it easy. They also said a leak would more likely result in the soaking of a pad over an hour or two which was good to know.

If you are concerned go get it checked out. Even though rationally i knew it was unlikely anything serious was wrong I found I was just so stressed about it and that certainly isn't good for bubs. The relief of getting thoroughly checked out was such a wonderful feeling and I know I would probably still be stressed now if I hadn't gone to the hospital.

I'm sure all is fine but like I said, if you are still worried then it can't hurt to get it checked out for your own piece of mind.

Fi

[MamaBones]

this happens to me to..
only when i sneeze sometimes..
is it something i should be worried about? i always heard that it all gets not quite as good as it used to be down there (im having big issues down there )

What kind of issues?? If you dont mind me asking...

[LadyRaven]

What does it smell like? amniotic fluid smells sweet and not like any other bodily discharge

[Miss E]

I would definately call the hospital and get this checked out. I had a hind water leak which barely let any fluid out, only when I was laying down and just enough to leave me with a damp pad overnight (definately not sopping wet). I also thought it was nothing, but finally decided to get it checked out after I had a tiny trickle when I sneezed. Turned out it was amniotic fluid.

If you are leaking you want to confirm it asap because there is a risk of infection which you really don't want to take. And if it turns out that it is nothing, you'll be glad you know for sure.