Leaking Amniotic Fluid?

[Rhi315]

I am 16 weeks pregnant and think that I could be leaking amniotic fluid. I have had to wear a panty liner everyday anyways due to spontaneous bleeding (that issue has already been addressed). But a little over a week ago, I noticed a clear stain in my pad. I can't tell if it's urine or amniotic fluid. I smelled it and it does smell sweet. Which is what I read amniotic fluid smells like. But then I did like a trial test, and urinated on a panty liner, let it dry and then smelled that. I can't tell the difference. It is very inconsistent as well. It does not soak my panty liner and it's not there everytime I change it. I don't have an OB in this state yet because I am waiting for my health insurance to kick in. Any suggestions?

[Rhi315]

I think it's just increased cervical mucus. I bought one of those Vagisil yeast infection kits at Target. You just stick the swab up you and it gives you a ph. Mine was normal. I looked it up online and amniotic fluid is like 6.5+. Thank you guys!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

Chances are it could just be cervical mucus which tends to increased dramatically during pregnancy.  However, if at any time you are concerned that you are leaking fluid, you should go to your ob or L & D.  They can perform a simple swab test that will determine if it is or not.  

[mom2ariana]

its possible to have a slow leak from the top of your waters and only soak a panty liner every now and then. if you think it may be amniotic fluid you should go to the nearest hospital and stop in their ER or L&D...some L&D wont see you until 20 weeks *i think* but it wouldn't hurt to just ask them to check you with a ph stick. but er for sure will.
are you getting on medicaid? i know for a fact they will cover service rendered before the policy was effective IF you were elligible when the services were received.. if not i am not sure what to tell you other than that its important you go get it checked out if you think it could be fluid.

[SunWorshiper_26]

I agree if you are worried it could be amnio fluid than you need to see a dr right away if you don't have one go to planned parenthood they charge on a sliding scale for those without insurance. Or go to the ER they will see you regardless of your ability to pay

[megancannon]

Please do not let anyone other than your doctor tell you what is normal in pregnancy. It is possible that you are leaking amniotic fluid. It is also possible that you are having an issue with incontinence and leaking urine and it's possible that you are just having an increased amount of discharge.

But, in pregnancy it's important to always follow up with a doctor when you're not sure about something. I know you said you don't have an OB yet but you can go to the ER at any hospital. You may have an incompetent cervix, which is where your cervix is too short to carry the baby and your cervix will eventually give out and the baby will be delivered.

Also, it is possible to go into labor at 16 weeks. I have been pregnant three times. With my first i went into labor at 20 weeks and my son died shortly after he was born, with my second i miscarried and with my 3rd i went into labor at 16 weeks and my daughter also ended up dying.. I am so glad i went right to the ER when i felt something was wrong, if not, my husband and i would've delivered our babies at home. Good luck, I hope everything works out well for you.

[alaysha]

Discharge which is normal during pregnancy.