Worried that I'm leaking amniotic fluid

Earlier today I did a big cough and had a strange feeling near my cervix... I don't know how to explain the feeling, but it felt bulgy. I was laying down on the bed at the time watching TV with DH.
We had to go out to get some things for our DD and walked around for about 10 mins, then went in the car to my brother's house. Whilst standing around chatting I felt something on my leg; as I was wearing a skirt I put my hand down to feel and noticed it was wet.
The wetness went all the way down to my ankles and I quickly got my DH and kids out to the car where I told DH what happened.
We're home now and I went to the bathroom to check... because my underwear is dark I can't tell what colour the leaking is, but it doesn't smell like urine (I also didn't need to use the toilet either) but it does smell slightly sweet.
I have since put a pad on and am waiting to see if I keep leaking, but there has been nothing that I have noticed since, but I have been sitting down.
Should I be worried? Bumpty is still moving around and I am not having any pains. At what point should I go to the hospital? Obviously I only want to go if I really have to as it is late afternoon and I have 3 other children to think about.

Hi

I had this happen to me (but I didn't have the big cough first). I was about 30 weeks and I felt some leakage and it went down my leg. I ended up going to the Birth Centre where they put a pad on so they could see what kind of fluid it was. After an ultrasound and observation (and big stress on my part) they decided it was nothing. Most likely to be normal discharge that was a bit watery because of changing hormones.

They also told me that sometimes you can get a lack of bladder control when sneezing/coughing and not really notice it (maybe this time you did???).

It's up to you but if bub is moving ok and you don't have any bleeding it's prob fine.

Good luck :D

if your concerned i wouldn't hesitate to call a medical professional hospital and talk to someone you did the right thing with putting a pad on. I would ease my mind by talking to a professional. :hug:this must be scary for you. they normally say if its sickly sweet smelling its amnio fluid. ive smelt it before to.

Post by Alan on signs you might be leaking Amniotic Fluid.

http://forums.bellybelly.com.au/foru...ml#post1674163

Hope it helps.

Amniotic fluid generally smells like BO or an after sex smell. You could go to the hospital where they could do a simple test called an amni-sure that will determine if its amniotic fluid. I'd probably ring the hospital at least and ask for some advise as to weather you should come in and have it checked out.

Hi Lisa
If you have any more leaking like the one you describe I would suggest that you go to the hospital. Use a pad for the next couple of days and if there is any leakage, take the pad to the hospital, they can test the fluid on the pad and see if it is amniotic fluid.
If you do not have any more leaks then everything will be fine.

Thanks so much everyone.
I have been really worried because of the smell... it is unlike any other smell and definitely resembled what I recall amniotic fluid to smell like.
So far there seems to be little to no more leaking so fingers crossed it was just excessive CM or something.
Alan - Thanks for that. I am definitely going to keep a pad on over the next few days.

Lisa
Even if this was amniotic fluid. providing that there is no further leaking then everything will be fine. A small leak will often repair itself.

A really good way to check Lisa is to lie down with a pad in place - for about half an hour... If there is a leak you will usually get a bit of pooling and therefore a gush.

Keep a really close eye on things. As the mother of a very premature baby I would not wait it out at home. I would go and be assessed. It is highly likely that this is just either normal vaginal loss or even perhaps dilute urine. However, it is important to know. If it is amniotic fluid your temperature needs to be monitored and you will be given steroidal drugs to assist the baby's lung development.

In my personal opinion if you are feeling it smells like your experience with amniotic fluid that is good enough to be seen. A quick and easy test of your pad will tell...

I am here thinking of you and hoping that this is the most likely thing - excess vaginal discharge... :hug: