Leaking Amniotic Fluid: Signs, Causes, and What to Do
Updated November 19, 2025
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6 min read
Leaking amniotic fluid during pregnancy could signal that labour is approaching, or it might indicate a complication that needs to be checked out by your healthcare provider. Amniotic fluid is typically clear or lightly yellow and odourless. Unlike urine or regular vaginal discharge, amniotic fluid often continues leaking once it starts. You may notice a sudden gush or a steady trickle from the vagina that doesn’t stop.
Key Takeaways
Wondering if what you’re experiencing is leaking amniotic fluid? Here’s a handy comparison to help you distinguish:
Characteristic
Amniotic Fluid
Urine
Vaginal Discharge
Colour
Clear or pale yellow
Yellow
Milky or white
Odour
Odourless
Ammonia/urine smell
Mild scent
Flow pattern
Constant trickle or gush
On and off
Can vary
If you think you are leaking amniotic fluid, avoid using tampons or having sex, and contact your healthcare provider promptly. If you are under 37 weeks pregnant, leakage could be due to premature rupture of membranes (PROM or PPROM) and may lead to infection, early labour, or other risks for your baby.
Let’s take a closer look at the causes of leaking amniotic fluid, the warning signs, possible risks, and what to do next.
What Is Amniotic Fluid?
Amniotic fluid is the unique, protective liquid that surrounds your little one throughout pregnancy. Sometimes called “amniotic water,” this see-through or gently yellow fluid acts as a cushion, helping keep your baby comfy, regulating temperature, and supporting the growth of lungs, digestion, muscles, and bones. This important fluid is first produced by the placenta, then later by your baby. It’s a vital part of a healthy pregnancy!
Normal Amniotic Fluid Levels
Your care team will check your amniotic fluid levels at prenatal visits since they are an important sign of your baby’s health. An ultrasound is generally used to see how much amniotic fluid is inside your uterus. Levels generally peak between 34 and 36 weeks, then decline until delivery.
Two common ways to assess amniotic fluid are the amniotic fluid index (AFI) and maximum vertical pocket (MVP).
These measurements help your provider decide if your levels are normal. Too much amniotic fluid is called polyhydramnios, while too little is called oligohydramnios.
If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your care provider.
What Does Amniotic Fluid Look and Smell Like?
Amniotic fluid is usually clear or pale yellow and can sometimes have streaks of brown or red. It’s thin and watery, often felt as a steady drip or slow leak.
It’s also odourless—unlike urine, which typically carries a strong ammonia scent.
Wondering how amniotic fluid appears on a pad or toilet paper?
If you see clear, unscented leakage, it might be amniotic fluid. Urine is more likely to be yellowish and have a distinct smell, while vaginal discharge is thicker.
Track each moment as yourbabygrows by using our Pregnancy Calendar for every exciting stage.
Signs of Leaking Amniotic Fluid
If you suddenly feel a gush or notice a persistent, slow trickle of fluid that won’t stop, it could be amniotic fluid. It might seem like you’re urinating, but you won’t feel the need to pee. Watch for these typical signs:
Your underwear feels wet, clear, and watery
The fluid has a neutral odour (not ammonia)
Your pad soaks through quickly
The trickling continues even after changing position or emptying your bladder.
Many people wonder: is it leaked amniotic fluid or just discharge? It can be tough to tell. Vaginal discharge is stickier and thicker than amniotic fluid and may look clear, milky or yellowish.
Still unsure? Reach out to your doctor or midwife—they’re there to help.
Amniotic fluid leak
Urine
Vaginal discharge
Colour
Clear or pale yellow
Yellow
Milky or white
Odour
Odourless
Ammonia/urine smell
Mild scent
Consistency
Thin and watery
Liquid
Thicker and stickier
Other things to note
Constant trickle/slow leak or gush you can’t stop, no matter what.
Common in pregnancy—especially if you sneeze, laugh, or cough, or suddenly need to pee. Usually stops once bladder is emptied or muscles are squeezed.
Varies
Parents also ask. . .
Can amniotic fluid leaks be very minor?
Absolutely.Sometimes there is only a tiny, barely-there drip.Even a small leak should be checked out, especially if you’re under 37 weeks.
Can an amniotic fluid leak resolve on its own?
Occasionally, minor leaks can heal, but don’t take risks—always get checked immediately.
Amniotic Fluid Test Strips
Your care provider may use amniotic fluid test strips (nitrazine paper) or a speculum exam to identify if your water has broken. These tests look for chemical differences, such as pH level. While there are some at-home test kits, only a medical setting provides full accuracy. Trust your provider rather than an at-home test.
What Causes Amniotic Fluid to Leak?
The main causes for leaking amniotic fluid are:
PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes). The amniotic sac breaks after 37 weeks but ahead of labour. You may know this as your “water breaking,” although for many, it only happens in labour.
PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes). This is when the amniotic fluid sac breaks before 37 weeks.
Infections, overstretched uterus, or injury. These are less common but increase risk of ruptured membranes.
Risk factors for PROM or PPROM may include smoking, past preterm birth, or twins, triplets, etc.
Risks of Leaking Amniotic Fluid
Leaking amniotic fluid too early can cause:
Infection (such as chorioamnionitis, a serious infection of the tissues around your baby)
Preterm labour
Cord prolapse (when the umbilical cord drops into the birth canal—rare but serious)
Placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus).
Your healthcare team can explain the risks and when closer monitoring or early delivery is best for you and your baby.
Parents also ask. . .
What does leaking amniotic fluid feel like?
You may feel a steady drip or sudden gush of warm, clear fluid, even when you move or after you empty your bladder.
Can I still have a healthy pregnancy if amniotic fluid is leaking?
Many families do deliver a healthy baby!Early treatment and regular monitoring are vital.Your care team will keep an eye on your fluid levels and your baby’s growth.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your provider or go to the hospital immediately if you:
Notice a continuous trickle or gush of fluid
Are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think your water has broken
Have symptoms of infection (fever, pain, foul-smelling fluid, or chills).
Your provider will advise whether you should go in or wait at home. When in doubt, always check—your health and your baby’s are most important.
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Treatment for Leaking Amniotic Fluid
How leaking amniotic fluid is treated depends on timing and reason:
Before 37 weeks: Your provider weighs early delivery versus ongoing pregnancy, depending on your baby’s health and your own. You may need hospital monitoring. Treatment might involve antibiotics (against infection), steroids (for baby’s lung development), or medicines to delay labour (tocolytics).
Every pregnancy is different, so your care team will recommend what’s safest for you and your baby.
FAQs at a Glance
You might notice a persistent wet feeling in your underwear, like a trickle or slow leak. Amniotic fluid is usually thin, watery, clear or pale yellow, and doesn’t have a smell.
Yes, especially before 37 weeks (PPROM). Your healthcare provider can tell you what steps to take next.
Urine or vaginal discharge may feel alike, but differ in colour and scent. Amniotic fluid is generally clear or pale yellow, watery, and barely has an odour.
Amniotic fluid usually has no scent, unlike urine, which often smells like ammonia.
This depends on why, when, and how much fluid is leaking, but with close care, many pregnancies continue safely.
The Bottom Line
Leaking amniotic fluid may just be a normal part of labour, or it could be a sign that requires fast medical attention. Watch for a clear, watery, unscented fluid that leaks or trickles constantly. If you’re unsure, call your provider—getting care early matters. While preparing for your baby, discover the Pampers brand history and why so many Canadian families trust us.
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How We Wrote This Article
The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, 7th ed. (Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021).
