Change in discharge - should I be concerned?

[Livinginoz]

Hi all,

I’m currently 28+3. I’ve noticed today that my discharge smells a little different, if anything it smells a little bit sweet. I always wear a pad but it doesn’t seem like the consistency has changed (it’s generally always quite thin) but the change in smell has thrown me. When I look online I see varying advice - some say amniotic fluid will be odourless and others say it will have a sweet smell.

Has anyone had any experience of this? There’s not a lot of discharge/fluid, I just feel generally damp but I know that discharge increases as time goes on.

Thanks in advance!

[Twiglet2]

if you are worried there are panty liners you can buy that change colour if it’s amniotic fluid leaking, I got them nearer the end of my last pregnancy with my son as I had what you had but they never showed it was amniotic fluid so might just be ‘normal’. I’m currently 30 weeks with 2nd pregnancy and the amount of discharge has defo increased (although still thin) especially through the night and it’s quite uncomfortable actually! Xx

[Livinginoz in reply to Twiglet2]

Ooh where do you get those from?? Or do you remember the name of them? They would be amazing! I read that if it’s amniotic fluid you will have more overnight when you’re lying down but I wouldn’t say that was the case so I’m thinking maybe it’s just my ‘normal’? Mine is thin too.

It’s my first pregnancy so I’m struggling with what’s ‘normal’ including movement. Doesn’t help my placenta is anterior too!

Hope your pregnancy is going well! Thank you for replying xx

[Twiglet2 in reply to Livinginoz]

I think they were something like these ones… i also checked with the midwives but these pads gave me some peace of mind on the ph levels of the discharge in between times (my first pregnancy was in covid times so it was a bit harder to get them all the time). The odd can give false positive too form the reviews but I never had that. I will probs get them again in a few weeks just for some extra peace of mind through the night xx

amzn.eu/d/0h5WFDl

[Skittles11]

Hi, if you are at all worried about this please phone your Maternity Advice line. I have phoned twice for a similar issue, they invited me in and checked. I felt very reassured afterwards. If there is any chance it is amniotic fluid you need to be checked x x

[Livinginoz in reply to Skittles11]

I’m really bad for overthinking and anxiety tends to get the better of me. Trying so hard to be rational! This feels like an over share, but the smell isn’t there today and if it was fluid, surely it would be there today? I don’t feel as damp either. I think if it happens again then I’ll call them straight away.

Can I ask what made you call them? Was it dampness or smell? Xx

[Skittles11 in reply to Livinginoz]

For me it was the dampness I was worried about, when I went in they did a couple of tests and said it must be discharge but I was glad I went in because it gave me peace of mind. Don't sit at home panicking. Always ask for advice - that's what they are there for x

[Livinginoz in reply to Skittles11]

It’s actually stopped since I asked on here (smell and dampness) which was really annoying! I don’t know if it was just one of those days! But thank you, I think if it happens again I will just call them straight away. Appreciate your response! X

[Saskiahope in reply to Skittles11]

Yes I think just phone in, as I’ve had to phone for lots of things (lots of spotting ) and they are so great. They can also do a test to see if it’s amniotic fluid so you could get reassured.

There is no harm, in fact it’s encouraged, to call whenever you are worried or have a question. Hope you’re feeling ok now x

[StarsAllAround]

I would speak to your midwife about it if I was you as sweet smelling pee can indicate diabetes not sure if it's the same for discharge but best to get it checked out just incase.

[Livinginoz in reply to StarsAllAround]

I actually had the gestational diabetes test a week and a half ago and came back fine, but thank you! It’s definitely worth keeping that in mind as I’m high risk for GD so I could develop it still. Thank you! Xx