Should I Be Worried?

Updated on December 24, 2008
A.P. asks from Fort Wayne, IN
40 answers

I'm schedueled for a c-section on friday...the thing is I dunno if I'm leaking amniotic fluid or not...it feels like I'm constantly leaking from down there...I have to sleep on a towel just in case I "gush" in the middle of the night. This is my first pregnancy so I'm sure I'm overworried but did anyone else go through this? If so please give any advice that you may have. I feel like I'm constantly calling the dr's office so since I'm scheduled to have this baby on friday I don't want to drive them crazy with dumb questions.

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So What Happened?

Thanks so much for all of your help! I ended up going to the hospital last night and it was not amniotic fluid, thank goodness. I did feel so much better for being safe rather than sorry. My BP was too high tho so they decided to keep me over night and I'm having a c-section today at around 5pm! So thanks everyone!

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M.M.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I was CONSTANTLY calling my Dr that is what they are there for. Call them every 10 min if need be lol.... I would call and let them know. I had to have a c section as well b/c of epilepsy. Good luck and Fri will be here before you know it GET REST b/c it is DOWN hill from there lol JOKING.....

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T.C.

answers from South Bend on

This would definately not be considered a dumb question. You should call the dr office right away. If you are leaking amniotic fluid and it isn't taken care of you could have complications with the birth and/or pregnancy. Just call them now. That's what you pay them for.

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S.L.

answers from Columbus on

Dear A.,

That was how labor started when I had my son, so I'm wondering if you're still home to read this. :-)

You might have what's referred to as a high leak. I'd call my doctor if I were you and let them know what you're experiencing., They might want to get you in before Friday. If it is amniotic fluid, you'll want to stay horizontal as much as possible.

It might just be that the baby has other ideas about when to make an entrance. :-)

Good luck!

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J.F.

answers from Toledo on

My guess is that it would be urine, but that is absolutely only a guess based on my experience. Call the doctor. That is what they are there for. My kids are 8, 5 & 7 months and I asked more questions and felt more clueless the third time around than I did with either of the first two. Good luck with your c seciton! I had all three of mine that way and wouldn't change it for the world.

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N.S.

answers from Columbus on

Call your OB right away. They will send you to the hospital right away to check the fluid that you are leaking. If it's amniotic fluid, they'll have to proceed from there. Once amniotic fluid has leaked for 24 hours, infection can set in. So, call right away, even if it's after hours or go to the hospital that you are supposed to get the c-section at and let them check you.

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J.J.

answers from Columbus on

Call your doc. They will tell you what to do. The end of pregnancy gets very ..um..damp, but in the chance that you are leaking fluid, they will need to take steps to avoid infection. In the end, it doesn't matter what they think of you, but I am certain you are not their most annoying patient! Good luck! Enjoy your little boy!

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K.R.

answers from Youngstown on

The hospital can test to see if its amniotic fluid or not. Better to be safe than sorry- you don't want to be leaking too long! Don't worry about asking too many questions- I have 3 kids and still asked questions with my 3rd- it is up to you to make sure your baby is ok and if it annoys the Dr oh well, thats what they get paid for. Get checked out like the 1st mom said leaking fluid can cause serious problems. Good Luck and enjoy your little man!

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S.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi A.,

It is always better to be safe than sorry! Yes you should get it checked out asap. It is very possible that your little boy is jumping on your bladder (mine loved to use my bladder as a trampoline!) but you won't know until you get checked out and it can indeed be dangerous if it is the amniotic fluid.

Good luck with the c-section and the birth of your little guy!

S.

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A.F.

answers from Columbus on

A. - I often felt that I called too much, but as my OB put it, if he or his office staff thought that any questions about pregnancy were dumb or irritating, they would be in the wrong line of business and he'd expect me to go elsewhere. It's part of the service they provide to you to answer questions like this. They're the experts and their job is to keep you and the baby safe and healthy. I'd call right away, even if it's after hours. Another mom was right, if it is amniotic fluid, it could cause problems. It could also just be that your bladder is taking a beating, but better to be safe than sorry. Best wishes on your new little guy! It's such fun!

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

I'm wondering why you are scheduled for a section?
You can safely leak fluid for a while as long as you aren't sticking anything up there and introducing bacteria. Smell it, if it is thin and doesn't smell like urine, it's probably amniotic fluid. If it's at all thicker it's not fluid. Amniotic fluid replaces itself pretty quickly. Just no sex and no cervical exams.

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P.M.

answers from Cleveland on

your worry is not dumb! During my first pregnancy, I had a similar concern early on. I went to hospital only to find out it was the baby kicking my bladder. Who would have thought something so small could create so much worry. There is a simple test they can do on the fluid to see if it is amniotic fluid or not. My water did break on all my kids(3) before I actually went into labor. There was no 'gush'. It is possible you could be leaking and you will want to know for sure. First if you are, that opens risk for infections. Second, if you are not, then you don't have to worry or stress, which is important. The dr's office is there for you and your concerns. I am sure this isn't the first time someone has this question, nor the last!

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C.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

I hope you've already called your doc from all the previous responses, but if you haven't take it from a previous OB nurse. CALL THEM NOW!!! If your water has broken you need to be in the hospital, once the water has broken the barrier to the baby is broken. Therefore it can cause severe infection which in turn could harm you and/or the baby. If it's not that and it's your bladder or discharge or whatever, it's better to be safe when it comes to this. If your doctor gets mad because you're calling so much, well then after you have this baby I would be switching docs. All OB docs know going into this field it is a very high demand job, this is part of it.

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K.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

It sounds like your bag of waters might have ruptured. It's nothing to panic about, but you should be seen by the doctor to be sure. You can put your finger in the liquid and if it has no odor it is amniotic fluid vs urine. If you are scheduled for an elective c-section then they might just move you up if your water broke. Good luck!

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K.P.

answers from Toledo on

Hi A.,

Yes, you could be leaking fluid & yes you should be checked to see if it is or isn't!!!!

The concern is that if there is a hole in the sack this opens the uterus & baby up to possible infection. In most deliveries once the water breaks or leaks they like women to be delivered within 24 hours, or making great progress towards it, keeping a close eye on mom & monitor baby closely for a fever.

Don't wait any longer, call you OB they will tell you what the next step is.

I wish you the best! Merry Christmas!!!

K.

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M.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

You need to have your fluid checked to see if it's amniotic fluid. If it is, you'll probably be delivered sooner. If you are leaking fluid, it can cause an infection and possible harm to the baby. You need to call right away.

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R.V.

answers from Lafayette on

yes, it sounds like you are leaking amniotic fluids. i think you should call immediately b/c they will probably want to do your c section earlier than friday. don't ever feel bad for calling a lot and asking them a lot of questions - that is normal! =)

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

It may not be amniotic fluid that is leaking. At this stage sometimes the baby lays in a position that puts pressure on your bladder which can cause leakage. If you are concerned though call your doctor because that is what he or she is there for. There are no dumb questions during a pregnancy. I was always encouraged by my doctors to ask questions even if I felt they were dumb because they don't view any question as dumb. When you're a first time mom to be you are going to have all kinds of questions, and the doctor is there to answer them. Go ahead and call and don't feel like you are asking a dumb question because any and every question during pregnancy is normal and serious. Don't worry about the c-section either. They go quickly, and before you know it you'll have a beautiful daughter or son. Congratulations to you and your husband and best wishes! I have had 2 c-sections so if you have any questions I will be glad to help you out.
D.
I am 31 and have been married for 12 years. My husband and I have 3 wonderful boys ages 11, almost 8 (Christmas Day), and almost 5 (Jan. 22)

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K.P.

answers from Cleveland on

I went through the same thing but I was 7 months pregent if you are leeking you need to go to the hospital and let them take a look at you and see if you may have to have the baby befor then no question is dum when its about your health and your baby

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M.T.

answers from Dayton on

A., amniotic fluid is very important for you and your baby, if you feel that you are leaking you need to get to your Dr. and have it checked out. You can not continue a pregnancy without amniotic fluid, they may need to do your c section early if you are leaking. Don't take the chance of loosing your new bundle of joy. By the way there is no such thing as a dumb question, that is what your Dr. is there for and if we already knew the answer to the questions then he would not have a job. We would never learn anything if we didn't ask questions. GOD bless and enjoy your new baby, they grow up VERY fast.

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M.F.

answers from Indianapolis on

I don't think this is a dumb question. It can be dangerous to leak fluid; it could be causing problems for the baby if there is not enough but if you have a hole in your sac it could cause an infection. I would tell your doctor; they can tell right away at the office or hospital if it's fluid or not. I was leaking fluid with one of my kids and the doctor on the phone said it's common for women to leak urine and not know the difference. It was obvious to me. Urine goes out a completely different area; it has to go past the most sensitive part of your body- the clitoris. Amniotic fluid goes out the vagina; it's the same feeling as when you pass blood during your period. Amniotic fluid also has a different smell...urine is pretty distinct! Anyway- this is most definitely not a dumb question, tell your doctor just to make sure.

Hope this helps!

M.

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G.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi A.,
The same has happened to me with my first pregnancy (a little over 17 years ago...whew.) This leaking is normal...it can result in your water breaking soon, so there is a chance that you could go before Friday.

Regarding c-section...I have had both of my babies c-section and loved it! My sister-in-law had her baby vaginally a couple of weeks before my first c-section and she had to deal with hemorrhoids, soreness and itching from the incision and seemed to have a much harder recovery than me. I didn't need to worry about pushing (i just laid there and relaxed during the birth), sitting on rings and ice packs afterward.

Maybe it's just me...but having the pain in my abdomen area seemed a whole lot better than what my sister-in-law went through.

Also, the scars from my bikini-cut incision eventually shrunk to no more than 2 inches and moved right to my pantyline.

Hope this helps...Good Luck!!!

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P.B.

answers from Cleveland on

Call your Doctor! That is what they are for! You could end up with an infection. Best case scenario, your doc will check you out and send you home. Worst case scenario, you go into the hospital and have a baby. That's what happened to me. Pack your bags! Good luck.

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E.I.

answers from Cleveland on

i have had three c-sections and i don't think i leaked amniotic fluids. it just feels like u r wet all the time, i think it is b/c of the pressure u feel down there. that is why u go to the bathroom like hundred times a day. i wouldn't worry unless your water breaks, or u start labor before Friday. Good luck...and Congradulations to u and hubby

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C.H.

answers from Cleveland on

You need to contact your doctor right away. When you water breaks it does not necessarily break with a gush.....I was there with my first and they admitted me and I delivered my baby about 5 hours later. Good Luck and Congrats!

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P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

Just remember there are "No dumb questions" and call the doctor's office if you have questions and are nervous. I will be praying for you and a wonderful Christmas and very Happy New Year with a healthy new addition to your family.

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L.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Not worried, but this is the time to call your doctor. You may have a gift earlier than expected. Good luck, best wishes and congratulations!!!

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A.P.

answers from Columbus on

Go to the doctor or ER...it's likely you have a small pin sized leak and need to have it checked out.
GL!!!!

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C.S.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Dont ever think a question is dumb!!! I did the same thing with my second kids and when I finally did call I was told to go directly to the ob where I was put on a lot of antibotics because I had lost almost all of my fluid and it put my baby at risk for infection. You REALLY need to call! Even if its nothing its better to be safe than sorry. Good Luck and Merry Christmas oh and Congrats on the new baby they are so much fun.

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M.W.

answers from Cleveland on

Honey I feel you. My midwife gave me these strips that turn green when they touch amniotic fluid. There is increased discharge during the last trimester and even more the last few weeks. Call and get checked out. It can't hurt. And if your doctor gets upset with you then maybe he was not a good doctor to begin with!!!! It may be too late to drop him now but for the next one. I have fired or replaced doctors as late as the 7th month. If they don't listen to you in the office they will NOT listen when you are in labor or when you need them too.

Best of luck.

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S.F.

answers from Fort Wayne on

You should definitely call your doctor right away.

That could be amniotic fluid. Your water might have broken and started leaking. Sometimes it's just a drizzle now and again because the baby is resting low and preventing all the fluid to leak out at once.

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M.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

A., Congrats on your first baby. My doctor always told me the only dumb question was the one I didn't call and ask. He told me he would rather me call 1 million times a day as opposed to something going wrong. If you constantly feel like you are leaking, you need to call, they may want to go ahead and hospitalize you. Good luck!

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H.S.

answers from Cleveland on

If you're leaking and it's coming from your vagina, not your urethra, you need to go to the hospital, it's amniotic fluid. You're gonna have a Christmas baby!!

Good Luck!

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K.V.

answers from Columbus on

Dear A.: Call your doc ASAP or get to the hospital now.

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E.S.

answers from Toledo on

I would call your doctor and let him know what if happening. If it is amniotic fluid you need to be seen right away. And don't worry about "dumb questions". There is no such thing and they understand you've never done this before. Good luck!!

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A.N.

answers from Cleveland on

Call the doctor's office ASAP if the leaking is more than the normal pregnancy discharge, and especially if you'd had a "gush." They can test the fluid to see if it is amniotic fluid. If it is, it could be dangerous to wait until Friday because of the risk of infection once your water breaks. Good luck!

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A.W.

answers from Toledo on

There are NO dumb questions when it comes to pregnancy! I have had 6 children and with my last I was calling them constantly. I would always say, I know I should know this by now but.... If you think you are leaking call them now before the holidays! Better safe than sorry!!

GOOD LUCK & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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M.W.

answers from Cleveland on

That is not a dumb question and you should definitely get checked out. It is their job to answer our "dumb" questions, and better safe than sorry! The Dr.s need to know when your water breaks, or even starts to leak. The longer the sack is broken the baby (and you) are at risk for infection. Call your MD right away. They'll just check to see if your leaking and prob put you on the monitor to see if you are contracting, and take a BP and temp. You could just be leaking urine (gross, I know, but there is a lot of pressure down there, right?) but like I said better safe than sorry. The docs check preggos out for this all the time. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Good luck!

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M.S.

answers from Columbus on

If you are worried then I would call the Dr every time you want to. That is what they are there for. That is your baby and worrying sometimes happen when you don't want it to. My baby is 4 months old and I am always worried about something with her. That's just what Mommie's do.
I wonder if your water could have broke if it is leaking...sometimes it can just trickle out. Call the doctor if you think you should and good luck with that baby boy!!! Congrats to you and your husband.

M.

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L.B.

answers from Toledo on

Yes I would call your doctor, you should never be worried to be a bother, that is their job. When I was pregnant with my daughter I had the same symptoms. I WAS leaking amniotic fluid. Everyone thinks that you have to have a huge gush but mine was a slow leak. Iwas 7 weeks early as well, everything turned out fine and I have a beautiful 2 year old that was just a little premature. Please call your doctor if you haven't already!

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T.P.

answers from Canton on

Yes, you should be worried and you should get to L&D PRONTO. It IS most likely amniotic fluid and it's nothing to mess around with. You can develop serious infections that can be passed to the baby, if you're not put on IV antibiotics immediately. Call your doctor ASAP and get to the hospital.

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