Is Leaking Fluid During Pregnancy 38 and 39 Weeks Normal?

Leaking Fluid during Pregnancy 38/39 Weeks

Below are some facts that are related to fluid leaking during 38-39 weeks of pregnancy.

There are normal discharges or leucorrhea that gush in bigger volumes of fluid-like substances during the third trimester or specifically during the 38-39 weeks of pregnancy.
These discharges that are considered as normal usually have a milky color and are odorless.
These discharges are the same ones with those that are experienced before pregnancy but are only greater in volume.
Another reason behind a sudden gush or fluid discharge during this time is the passing of the mucus plug. This happens when the cervix starts to dilate. Usually, the fluid will be tinged with blood.
Urine is commonly mistaken as amniotic fluid that is leaking. The increased pressure of the uterus on the bladder causes uncontrolled urine to gush out.
Spontaneous rupture of membranes or breaking of the bag of water which leaks out amniotic fluid is the most common reason of leaking fluid during the 38th to 39th week of pregnancy.

When this happens, labor usually begins within a day or two.
Premature rupture of the membranes is also amniotic fluid leak that happens before the baby reaches full term or before reaching 38 weeks.

This is contributed by the change of the levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body. This is usually a normal occurrence.
Discharges throughout the gestation period which usually are colored yellow and are odorless are also considered as common and normal symptoms of pregnancy. These usually increase in volume during the third trimester of pregnancy.
For those patients that are on their 38th week, leaking fluid is due to the rupture of the membrane that surrounds the amniotic fluid. This is normal and would indicate that labor and child birth will happen soon.
Leaking fluid from the amniotic sac before the 38th week of pregnancy calls for an immediate visit to the doctor since this premature leak may harm the baby and cause infection. It can also cause underdevelopment of fetal organs and other birth defects.

Below are some of the common signs experienced by pregnant patients during the breaking or rupture of the amniotic sac.

Pregnant patients on their full term will feel a surge of water that is followed by a stable and uncontrollable leaking. This is like urinating uncontrollably.
Some patients may feel like they want to remove their bowels before the fluid leaks.
Wetness that is generalized in the perennial area.