What Tests or Checks Can Confirm If My Water Has Broken?

When there is a question about whether your amniotic sac has ruptured, your provider will begin with a simple physical exam. They may use a special tool called a speculum to look for fluid pooling in your vagina. Then, they might use a nitrazine test, which uses a strip that changes color if it touches amniotic fluid that is usually more alkaline compared to normal vaginal fluid. Another method is the fern test, where a small sample of fluid is placed on a slide, allowed to dry, and then examined under a microscope—if it forms a pattern that looks like fern leaves, this supports that the membrane has ruptured. There is also a more modern test sometimes called the AmniSure test, which checks for a protein found in amniotic fluid. Using one or more of these tests helps your provider decide if your membranes have broken and guides the next steps in your care. If you ever think your water has broken, it is important to tell your provider so they can do these tests and make sure you and your baby are safe.