Water breaking is often one of the first signs that labour is approaching, marking an exciting and significant moment in your pregnancy journey. It is natural to feel a mix of emotions as you enter this journey. Understanding the process, what it feels like, and knowing what comes next can help expectant parents feel more prepared. Water breaking is the first step into entering labour, but for some women, it might take a little longer, requiring medical intervention to help get things moving. Either way, understanding the process and having a plan is important to experience this thrilling stage of your pregnancy with confidence.
Beyond preparing for labour, many expectant parents also take proactive steps, like preserving stem cells through LifeCell’s stem cell banking services. This option provides long-term health benefits for your baby, helping safeguard against potential health risks in the future, giving you added peace of mind during this life-changing experience.
Now, let’s start with the basics.
What Is “Water Breaking”?
During pregnancy, the baby grows inside a “bag of waters” called the amniotic sac, which is located in the uterus. This sac is filled with a water-like fluid called amniotic fluid that helps protect the baby. When the sac tears, the fluid comes out through the vagina, which is called “water breaking.” This usually means that labour is near. Your water can break at different times—before labour starts, after contractions begin, or just before delivery. Sometimes, your doctor may even break your water for you (this is called an amniotomy). The amount of fluid can vary, from a large gush to a small trickle that may not be noticed.
How Do You Know If Your Water Breaks?
You might know your water has broken if you experience the following:
- A release of fluid, either in a large gush or a slow trickle accompanied by a sudden popping sensation
- Small or large amounts of fluid leaking into your underwear or running down your leg. The fluid is often clear or pale yellow and has no odor.
- Uncontrollable leakage that you are not able to stop or hold back.
- The fluid is thin and watery instead of thick or sticky.
- Stronger contractions than before.
Try wearing clean underwear or a sanitary pad (avoid tampons) if you’re unsure. Lie down for about 15 to 30 minutes, then stand up. You should see fluid coming out when you stand if your water has broken. Make sure you pay attention to the fluid’s color, amount, and smell to help identify whether it’s amniotic fluid, urine, or discharge.
To confirm, your doctor can perform a vaginal exam and use special paper (nitrazine or litmus paper), which changes color when it contacts amniotic fluid.
What Causes Water To Break?
Your water usually breaks due to pressure from contractions or the baby, much like a balloon bursting from the inside. Poor nutrition or excess amniotic fluid can result in a weakened amniotic sac, causing it to break or leak before the baby is ready to be born. This can lead to your water breaking too early.
On the other hand, in some cases, the water doesn’t break even after contractions begin. For women having a C-section, the water may not break until the surgery takes place.
In rare instances, the water doesn’t break during labour at all, and the baby is born still enclosed in the amniotic sac. This is known as an “en caul” birth.
What Happens After Your Water Breaks?
If your water breaks before 37 weeks, contact your midwife or doctor immediately. They will ask you to come in for tests to check if you are in premature labour or have an infection.
They’ll also listen to your baby’s heartbeat. If your water has broken early, this is called preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM). There is a higher risk of infection, so you will be offered tests and antibiotics. You might need to stay in the hospital for a few days, or you could go home and wait for labour to start.
If you’re between 24 and 36 weeks, you may also be given steroids to help your baby’s lungs develop in case they are born early.
If your water breaks after 37 weeks, call your midwife/doctor. They will ask about your pregnancy stage and whether you’re having contractions. You might be told to stay home and wait for labour, or they may want to check you at the maternity unit. About 60% of people go into labour within 24 hours after their water breaks. Use a sanitary pad (not a tampon) to help your doctor check the color of the fluid if needed.
Once your water breaks, your baby is more at risk of infection, so it’s important to keep your health care provider updated if the fluid smells or has a color change. This could be a sign that you and your baby need immediate medical attention.
What Happens If Labour Doesn’t Start After Your Water Breaks?
Usually, labour starts within 24 hours after your water breaks. If it doesn’t, you’ll likely be offered an induction, since there is a small risk of infection for your baby without the amniotic fluid.
Until your induction or if you decide to wait for labour to begin naturally, contact your doctor right away if:
- You notice your baby moving less than usual.
- There’s a change in the color or smell of the fluid coming from your vagina.
You should also check your temperature every 4 hours while you’re awake. If it rises above 37.5°C, tell your doctor. If it’s a bit lower, check with your doctor about when to call.
There’s no evidence that having a bath or shower after your water breaks increases infection risk, but having sex could.
Conclusion:
When your water breaks, it’s important to stay calm and know the right steps to take based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Whether you’re under or over 37 weeks, reaching out to your healthcare provider immediately ensures both you and your baby are closely monitored for any potential risks.
In addition to preparing for the arrival of your little one, it’s also a good time to think about long-term health options, such as stem cell banking. LifeCell offers the opportunity to preserve umbilical cord blood stem cells, giving you peace of mind knowing you’ve taken steps to protect your child’s future health from the impact of 90+ medical conditions. With the right care and planning, you can focus on the journey ahead with confidence and security.
