thread: Does amniotic fluid have an odour?

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    North Lakes, Brisbane
    1,590

    Does amniotic fluid have an odour?

    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.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    Just Coasting
    1,794

    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

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    Croydon, Victoria
    1,754

    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

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    Thirroul, NSW, Originally Cornwall, UK
    249

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

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    8,986

    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?

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    North Lakes, Brisbane
    1,590

    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.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    In Bankworld with Barbara
    14,222

    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.