A woman being pregnant is an incredible period in her life. All of a sudden, your body is changing, and you’re growing a human being inside of you. It is a genuinely remarkable event.
Of course, being pregnant has its share of difficulties as well. The problem of dealing with water breaking during pregnancy is one such difficulty. Water breaking is when the amniotic sac surrounding your baby ruptures, and the fluid leaks out. It’s also called the “rupturing of membranes.”
For some women, water breaking is a slow leak. However, for some people, it can be a gush of fluid.
Water breaking during pregnancy is a sign that labor is beginning. It can happen a few weeks before labor begins or just as labor is starting. The sac of fluid that surrounds and shields the unborn child has burst, which is what happens when the water breaks. This can happen either on its own or after your membranes have been artificially ruptured during a medical procedure called an amniotomy.
What is Water Breaking?
Water breaking is the moment when your baby’s first starts to come out. It usually happens during labor, when your cervix has dilated enough, and the baby’s head is low enough in your pelvis.
Most women take breaking their water as a cue to head to the hospital or birthing center. But it doesn’t always mean that labor has begun. Sometimes contractions may not start for hours or even days after your water breaks.
When your water bursts before 37 weeks of pregnancy, the medical term is preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Because it raises your and your baby’s risk of infection, this can be a dangerous issue. If you’re experiencing PPROM, your healthcare provider will likely admit you to the hospital for close monitoring.
In some rare cases, a baby’s head may start to come out before the water breaks. This is called crowning. If this happens, it’s important to call your healthcare provider right away and head to the hospital or birth center.
Why Does Your Water Break?
There’s nothing quite like the moment your water breaks. It’s a startling, unexpected event that marks the start of your pregnancy’s end. However, have you ever wondered about the cause of a water break?
The amniotic sac, which is the membrane that surrounds and safeguards your baby in the womb, really bursts when water breaks. Your baby’s amniotic sac bursts, releasing the fluid that surrounds and cradles the baby.
Although the reason for the water bursting is uncertain, there are various ideas. One theory is that the sudden release of fluid helps to trigger labor contractions. Another theory is that the sac may rupture due to the increasing pressure on the uterus as the baby grows.
Whatever the cause, once your water breaks, labor is usually imminent. So if you’re at or near your due date, be on the lookout for those telltale signs that labor is about to begin!
How to Tell If Your Water Break?
You probably know very little about your water breaking like the majority of people. One of those things, that is happens in the movies, but you never really consider it happening to you until it does.
Water breaking is a symptom of labor is starting and delivery is imminent. It doesn’t always happen the way it does in the movies, though. Sometimes water breaks before labor starts, and sometimes it doesn’t happen until you’re already in labor.
Here are five signs that your water may have broken:
A gush or trickle of fluid
If you suddenly feel a gush of fluid, it’s likely that your water has broken. This usually happens when the baby’s head is already engaged in the birth canal and puts pressure on the membranes that contain the amniotic fluid.
This can be done by looking for wetness in your underwear or on your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus). Another way to tell if your water has broken is by seeing if the fluid is clear or straw-colored. If the fluid is greenish or has blood in it, this could mean that your baby’s meconium (first stool) has passed into the amniotic fluid. If this occurs, it’s crucial to get in touch with your doctor.
Lastly, you may feel a sudden gush of fluid when your water breaks. You may also experience warmth or dampness in your vagina. If you think your water has broken, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away so that they can check for signs of infection and monitor your baby’s heart rate.
A constant trickle of fluid
If you leak small amounts of fluid constantly, your water may have broken. This is called “trickle rupture of membranes,” and it usually happens when the infant is not moving in the birth canal yet.
Sporadic leaking of fluid
If you’re leaking fluid intermittently, it’s possible that your water has broken. When the infant is not yet engaged in the delivery canal, this typically occurs.
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about the occasional drop of water that seeps through your ceiling or walls. But if you’re dealing with a more serious problem, such as sporadic leaking of fluid, it’s important to take action right away.
Contractions with a shift in vaginal fluid
The alteration in your vaginal discharge is one of the most typical symptoms. Your cervix thins and openswhile your body prepares for childbirth. This process is called effacement and dilation, and it can cause your mucus plug to dislodge.
Vaginal discharge that is clear, pink, or barely bloody may become more frequent. This is called the “bloody show,” and it’s a sign that labor is likely to begin within the next few hours to days.
Another common sign of labor is contractions. While Braxton Hicks contractions are often irregular and painless, true labor contractions tend to be more regular, intense, and painful.
If you’re having contractions and your vaginal discharge changes color or consistency, it’s possible that your water has broken. Typically, this occurs once the infant is inserted into the delivery canal.
A sudden decrease in fetal movement
Your water may have ruptured if there is a rapid reduction in fetal movement. Typically, this takes place once the infant has entered the delivery canal.
It’s critical to keep track of any changes in your baby’s movements while you’re pregnant. A sudden decrease in fetal movement can be a sign that your water is going to break. If you experience surprisingly less fetal movement, contact your doctor instantly.
What to Do If Your Water Breaks
You should get straight to the hospital if your water breaks. This is because there’s a chance an infection might spread once your water breaks. During this momentous day, remember the following:
- Make a quick call to your doctor or nurse. They’ll probably ask you to come in and get evaluated.
- Start gathering your things for the hospital. This includes your insurance information, a going-home outfit for the baby, and any other essentials.
- Try to stay calm. This can be a nerve-wracking time, but it’s essential to keep your cool.
- Once at the medical facility, they will probably verify whether your water has indeed burst.An internal exam is frequently conducted to do this.
- They’ll probably start closely watching you and the child after that. In order to assist you in avoiding infections, they could also offer you some medicine.
- You’ll often be allowed to return home within a few hours. However, you will need to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity.
- Consult your physician or midwife if you have any issues or worries. They are there to help you throughout this enjoyable time.
Conclusion
It may be a symptom of water breaking if there is a quick burst of liquid or if the leak is substantial. It’s vital to talk with your doctor or midwife straight soon if this occurs. They will likely want to monitor you for signs of labor.
So, while leakage is normal during pregnancy, water breaking is a sign that labor may be starting. Be sure to contact your care provider if it happens so they can keep an eye on you and your baby!
