Does amniotic fluid have an odour?

[Deltadawn]

I'm sure this topic has been done to death but am having trouble finding an article on it. I have found a wet patch (which isnt unusual for me at almost 40 weeks pregnant) on my undies this morning but today it had a very strong ammonia smell whereas the rest of the patches have been odour-free. I "think" I read somewhere during my last pregnancy that it had an ammonia smell but cant remember now.

I have popped a pad on to "gather more evidence" but would appreciate your advice!!

Thanks.

[~mamaspice~]

I remember the midwife at our ante-natal classes saying that it smelt a bit sweet and apparently a bit like semen. Sorry if TMI

[ubba82]

You may have a urinary trac infection (UTI). I work in aged care, and when a resident has very strong amonia smelling urine it usually means they have a UTI. Go to the docs to get it checked. GL

[Brunette01]

The only time I smelt my amniotic fluid was when the middies broke my waters during labour, and it smelt just absolutely disgusting then!!

[Tinks]

I'd say if it smells like ammonia it's probably urine. Amneotic fluid does have a smell but it's nothing like ammonia at all. It's not an offensive smell if that makes sense?

[Deltadawn]

Thanks girls! Probably nothing then but will keep an eye on it just in case ....

Ubba82 - I just had an Ob appoinmtment yesterday and all was well as far as a UTI was concerned.

Thanks for your comments.

[Trillian]

It definately doesn't smell like ammonia - but urine does. Amniotic fluid smells quite distinct, like nothing you've ever really smelt before, a little sweet and very earthy I thought.

[Madissun]

I remember in our ante-natal class we too were told that it has sweet smell and is similar to the smell of semen.

[Megan]

at our antenatal class the midwife says it smells a bit like semen and she said some people even think it smells like freshly cut hay. That must be the earthy smell Trillian mentioned!

[Deltadawn]

Wow, I'm learning something new here!

Thank you!

[Becky29]

I had a trickle down my leg a few hows before my waters broke and it definately smelt like semen. When I phoned the hospital and told them what it smelt like the midwife said "yes it is definately amniotic fluid then". A few hours later my waters broke completely.