How does a baby breath when the water breaks?

Babies don't breathe until after they are born. The fluid that surrounds a baby in the womb is known as amniotic fluid, and it consists mainly of water and various nutrients and hormones that help to support the baby's development. When the water breaks, it is a sign that the amniotic sac has ruptured and labour is about to begin, but the baby is still getting oxygen from the placenta through the umbilical cord.