Published on: 4/28/2025
Doctors use a few tests to see if your water has broken, like looking for fluid with a speculum exam, testing the fluid’s pH with a nitrazine or fern test, and sometimes using an ultrasound.
When you go to the doctor and they think your water may have broken, they first look inside using a special tool called a speculum. This helps them see if there is any clear, watery fluid in your vagina. Next, they might use a nitrazine test. They take a little bit of the fluid and put it on a paper strip. If the strip changes color, it shows that the fluid is more alkaline like amniotic fluid. Another test they can use is the fern test. Here, a drop of the fluid is spread out on a slide and allowed to dry. When it is viewed under a microscope, it may form a pattern that looks like fern leaves, which is a sign that it is amniotic fluid. Sometimes, doctors also use immunologic tests that detect specific proteins found in amniotic fluid. In some cases, they use a simple ultrasound scan near the perineal area to help check the amount of fluid around your baby. Using these methods helps the doctor decide if your water has broken and what to do next.
(References)
Atterbury JL, Groome LJ, Hoff C. Methods used to diagnose premature rupture of membranes: a national survey of 812 obstetric nurses. Obstet Gynecol. 1998 Sep;92(3):384-9. doi: 10.1016/s0029-7844(98)00178-1. PMID: 9721775.
Thomasino T, Levi C, Draper M, Neubert AG. Diagnosing rupture of membranes using combination monoclonal/polyclonal immunologic protein detection. J Reprod Med. 2013 May-Jun;58(5-6):187-94. PMID: 23763001.
Kalafat E, Yuce T, Tanju O, Koc A. Preterm premature rupture of membrane assessment via transperineal ultrasonography: a diagnostic accuracy study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2016 Nov;29(22):3690-4. doi: 10.3109/14767058.2016.1140742. Epub 2016 Feb 12. PMID: 26755245.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.