If you picture your baby floating inside a giant water balloon, you can get a pretty good idea of the amniotic sac and the fluid inside. When the balloon springs a small leak or a larger hole, it’s commonly known as your “water breaking.” Your water can break at any time as you near the end of your pregnancy. Most commonly, it happens after labor has started, but it can happen all on its own without any contractions or be “broken” by your OB provider. Though a geyser may be a better metaphor for some, many have difficulty distinguishing their water breaking from simple urinary incontinence. Feeling wet from sweat and vaginal discharge can also commonly be mistaken for your water breaking.
What causes it?
Nobody is entirely sure what causes the water to break when it does, but generally, the membrane of the amniotic sac does not rupture until the baby has reached full term and is developed enough to be born (>39 weeks). However, sometimes, the water breaks or leaks prematurely, which is something to have evaluated as soon as possible if you have any suspicion it is happening to you.
Tips?
The leaking or gushing fluid should be clear, though it might have white flecks or small amounts of blood or mucus. It has a unique and very faint smell. Because there is a lot of fluid around most babies, even after a big gush – you’ll still need a heavy pad to contain further gushes of fluid. You’ll keep on leaking until Baby is born! If your water breaks at home, try not to panic. You generally have time to clean up, get changed and call your OB provider without rushing to the hospital.
People often feel a slow and steady trickle instead of a big gush of fluid. This can make it tough to know whether your water has broken. As mentioned earlier, some people think they may just be leaking urine. But it’s impossible to stop the stream of amniotic fluid. It’s also very likely to leak after lying down or changing positions. If you’re not sure or think there’s any chance you might be leaking, it’s always best to get checked out by your medical team. There are quick and painless vaginal swabs that can detect the presence of amniotic fluid.
However, if you notice that your amniotic fluid has a green or brown color, it’s important to let your provider know right away. Sometimes, this can be a sign of distress, although it’s most common in babies who are well past their due dates. If you have heavy bleeding or notice anything other than fluid coming out of your vagina – it’s important to get help immediately.
Once your water breaks, your baby and your uterus are no longer in a little bubble of protection. Infection becomes more likely as time goes on. It’s important not to put anything in your vagina after your water breaks, get to the hospital if you are GBS positive or see warning signs, and make sure your OB provider is aware.
Reviewed the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Water breaking: Understand this sign of labor.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/18/2013. Web.
- “Labor and birth.” WomensHealth. Office on Women’s Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Feb 2017. Web. Accessed 6/28/17. Available at https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/labor-and-birth.
