What Expect When Your Water Breaks

When your water breaks, it is a sign that your baby's birth is imminent. Here is what to expect when your water breaks:

Leaking or Gushing: The amount of fluid that comes out can vary from a small trickle to a sudden gush. It may happen while you are standing, sitting, or sleeping.

Color and Consistency: The amniotic fluid is typically clear or slightly yellow, and its consistency can be thin and watery or thicker with mucus-like plugs. If the fluid is greenish, brown, or has a foul odor, it could be a sign of infection and requires immediate medical attention.

Feelings and Sensations: You may experience a warm, gushing feeling or a sudden pop in your abdomen. Some women also report a feeling of relief and a decrease in abdominal pressure.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider:

- First Pregnancy: If this is your first pregnancy and your water breaks, call your healthcare provider or go to the hospital immediately, especially if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.

- Repeat Pregnancy: If you have been through childbirth before and your water breaks, you may be advised to wait until your contractions become regular before heading to the hospital. However, if you are 37 weeks pregnant or more, contact your healthcare provider.

After Your Water Breaks:

- Hygiene and Comfort: To maintain hygiene and comfort, wear a menstrual pad or incontinence pad. Your healthcare provider may recommend showering and changing clothes to reduce the risk of infection.

- Contractions: Your contractions may start soon after your water breaks or may take several hours to begin. If you do not experience contractions within a certain timeframe (usually 12-24 hours), your healthcare provider may recommend inducing labor to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

- Medical Care: Once your water breaks, you will likely be admitted to the hospital for continuous monitoring. Your healthcare provider will assess you and your baby's condition, check for contractions, and discuss the birth plan.

Remember that every woman's experience is unique. If you have any concerns or questions about your water breaking, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.