It can be confusing because the trickle of fluid might look like peeing or discharge. Are you wondering the same question, 'How do I know if my water broke?'?🤔 

Amniotic fluid sacs rupture

🤰What does it mean when your water breaks?

The amniotic sac🌊 surrounds and protects your baby. It is the cushion for the baby, and also serves as the media for the exchange of nutrients, water and biochemical products between you and your little one.👶  

When your water breaks, it is the reason for you to pick up the phone and call your doctor immediately.🤙👩‍⚕️ You're preparing to go into labor! If it's too early for you to deliver, the doctor will give you medications to prevent an infection and prolong pregnancy days to allow your baby's lungs to mature. 

🤰When can it happen?

Your water usually breaks when you're full term at around week 39 to 40 of your pregnancy🤰. It often bursts within 24 hours when you start labor or during labor. 

If your water breaks before week 37 of pregnancy, it's called preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pROM). If it ruptures after week 37 but before active labor, it's called premature prelabor rupture of membranes.⚠️

Signs of water rupture

🤰How to tell if your water is leaking slowly

Water sacs burst can be mistaken for vaginal discharge or peeing.🧐 You may have vaginal discharge like fluid or pink blood closer to delivery.🩸 The fluid you see could also be urine as your baby is resting on your bladder, causing possible leaks when you're moving around.

🤰How to differentiate amniotic fluid and other liquids

The most fundamental differences between amniotic fluid and other liquids are appearance and smell.👃 Urine typically has a yellowish color and smells acidic. Amniotic fluid doesn't have an odor and it has a slightly sweet smell.👃 

You can test yourself by lying down and checking your pantyliner after 30 minutes. If your pantyliner is wet, it can probably be amniotic fluid. You should consult with your doctor to check if it's really amniotic fluid by testing pH and observing it under a microscope.👩‍⚕️   

Amniotomy

Amniotomy is also called artificial rupture of membranes (AROM). When your cervix is sufficiently thinned and dilated but your water has not broken, the doctor might perform this procedure to speed up labor.👩‍⚕️ 

It's not necessary to accelerate labor because it can increase the risk of infection.😃 However, if you think you'd prefer to allow this to happen naturally in labor, you should consult with your doctor.