possible TMI - how do you know the difference between --UPDATE- went to hospital on Sat. night. All is OK

normal discharge and leaking fluid?

I've noticed a couple of wet dots on my panties.... kind of clear liquid. Is this normal discharge, or can it be leaking fluid?

I tend to worry ALOT, even before I was pregnant, and I don't know if this is something to be concerned about, or if its totally normal, and I'm just noticing it more because I've been paranoid since the amnio on Tuesday.

Sorry I'm asking so many questions lately!

UPDATE: On Sat night I was still finding moist panties, and got scared. I called the dr's service, and they called me back right away. He said that it was possible that I was leaking fluid, but most likely it was a bacterial infection. He said that if I wanted to go to the hospital to get it checked out, then I should. He also said it could wait until the morning. I didn't want to wait until the morning, because we had a mini-vacation planned - we were leaving Sunday morning to go to the hamptons. So we went to the hospital at 11 PM. I had the best experience there (Richmond University Hospital in Staten Island). The nurses were wonderful, and the resident dr's on staff were young, but very enthusiastic. Everything was OK. I did indeed have a bacterial infection - bacterial vaginosis, and they gave me metro gel, which did clear it up. (put a damper on celebrating our anniversary though! - its similar to yeast infection medication)

But I just wanted to let you gals know, if you do experience these symptoms, it might just be this type of infection and not a big deal.

and, I know that being this is LI families, I am in the minority living in Brooklyn, and even in the bigger minority delivering in Staten Island, but I just wanted to rave about how wonderful the hospital was. I was originally upset that my dr. only delivered there, I thought I wanted to deliver at NYU, but really, the treatment I got there was outstanding.

Phew, that was long!

Message edited 7/14/2009 3:23:22 PM.

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

Don't apologize, I worry alot too. I believe it is just normal discharge...I started to have that a few months ago and doc. said it was....he told me to test by wearing a maxi pad for 1 hour and if it was soaked to call him....

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

I was told amniotic fluid smells sweet.

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

my OB told me to test if i was leaking by emptying my bladder completely and then dont put my underwear back on stand in the bathroom for like 5 minutes, and see if anything comes out and trickles down ur leg, if it does he said i should go in and get checked. HTH

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

Thank you everyone.
I think I was just being paranoid...it was a couple of drops, not enough to fill a maxi pad or leak down your leg.
It didn't smell sweet.
I really am a bit of a hypochondriac. I slept with a maxipad, and its virtually dry.
My poor DH, I am driving him crazy.
Its going to be our 1 yr. anniversary on Monday - I hope I am relaxed enough to enjoy it!!!!!

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

Shari - I had the same thing too and of course freaked out. But it wasn't a continual leakage and has since stopped. I think it's ok - but that's a good test to try the maxi pad for an hour to see if it gets soaked.

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

Thank you!
I slept with a maxi pad last night, and it was hardly damp, so I guess I'm OK.....

I still can't relax though, I'm crazy!

I showed it to DH who in turn is not worried at all.

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

I was JUST about to post this same question. I was sitting on the couch and felt something leak out, went to the bathroom and emptied my bladder, and then stood there for a minute or two. Nothing trickled down my leg, but I felt like something leaked again, so I felt with my fingers and my "area" was wet again. Its clear and doesnt have a smell to it. Too thin to be discharge but not enough coming out to make me think that I'm definately leaking amniotic fluid I'm really not sure what it is...

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between

Yeah, I totally know that feeling...like I said the maxi pad was a great idea the doc said...I remember wearing it and after 1 hour I was laughing....saying to myself OMG you need to calm down...that was like 2months ago...I am 7 months now...and to be honest...I have a D/C all the time, usually just clear or seems sometimes to be some urine leaked out..I wear a pantiliner daily and change it a few tims a day b/c otherwise I feel so gross!!!!

Re: possible TMI - how do you know the difference between --UPDATE- went to hospital on Sat. night. All is OK

bump for update at the top of the thread.