![]() ![]() (Although, it’s OK to labor in water once you’re at the hospital or birth center.) What if Your Water Doesn’t Break? The fear is that while bathing in your tub, some bacteria may make their way up into the uterus and cause infection. Some doctors allow women to shower after the bag of water has broken, but definitely not taking a bath. However, if you’re not yet having closely spaced contractions, your provider may suggest waiting a while longer at home. It may be time to hustle to your birthing center or hospital. What Should You Do When Your Water Breaks?Ĭall your midwife, nurse, or doctor. Your provider will not be able to diagnose water breaking over the phone but would be able to tell by testing the fluid, if needed. Urine tends to be darker yellow and smells like ammonia. If it’s clear, pale yellow, or tinged with blood and smells slightly sweet, that’s amniotic fluid. What Does Amniotic Fluid Look and Smell Like?Īnother way to tell if your water broke is to observe the look and smell of the fluid. If the flow of liquid increases when you stand, it’s probably your water breaking. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether your water is breaking or if you’re simply leaking urine, vaginal discharge, or mucus (which are all not-so-glamorous side effects of pregnancy!). What Does it Feel Like When Your Water Breaks-and What Happens When Your Water Breaks?ĭid my water just break?! When the amniotic fluid passes through the cervix and vagina, there may be noticeable wetness, but it could be anywhere from a trickle to a gush. If you’re concerned about flooding the bed, consider protecting your mattress with a waterproof cover. Sometimes, water breaks while you’re sleeping. So, if you’re worried about your water breaking suddenly when you’re out on the street, you can rest assured that most women get advanced warning in the form of strong contractions. In fact, it is often the squeezing force of the contractions that pops the membranes. ![]() Many women are surprised to learn that it’s much more likely for the water to break AFTER labor begins. They will likely recommend inducing labor to avoid the risk of infection traveling up into your uterus and hurting your baby. If regular uterine contractions haven’t begun 24 hours after your water breaks, your practitioner will say you had PROM, or premature rupture of membranes. When ROM occurs, labor usually begins within 12 to 24 hours. Though your water might break before your contractions begin (like in the movies), that only happens in about 15% of pregnancies. It can range from imperceptible dribbles to a flood like a popped water balloon. When your baby is nearly ready to be born, the membranes of the amniotic sac will release the fluid, called ROM, or rupture of membranes. ![]() The amniotic fluid is very important as it offers cushioning protection, holds a steady temperature around the baby, and provides nutrients and antibodies. About 12 days after conception, an amniotic sac forms inside your uterus to hold your growing baby. What Does it Mean When Your Water Breaks?įirst, let’s define what we mean by “water”. Here’s what to expect when your water breaks (or doesn’t) and what to do next. We’ve all seen it in the movies: Our very pregnant heroine suddenly drowns her designer shoes in a flood of amniotic fluid, and 12-hours later, out pops a baby! In reality, your water breaking may or may not be so dramatic and may or may not be an immediate sign of labor. ![]()
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