You don't "break your water" after losing your mucus plug; losing the plug is just a sign labor might start soon, and your water breaking (membrane rupture) happens naturally, often during labor, but if you're concerned or overdue, your doctor can perform an Artificial Rupture of Membranes (ARM) or membrane sweep to encourage labor, though you should never try to break your water at home yourself due to infection risks. Focus on watching for real labor signs like regular contractions, and call your provider if you have questions or concerns, especially if you're preterm.
How long after losing your mucus plug do you go into labor? The length of time between losing your mucus plug and going into labor can vary. In some cases, you may go into labor within hours or days, while other times, you may not go into labor for a few weeks.
If your cervix and body are ready, low-impact exercises can encourage your water to break and start up contractions. Try deep breathing exercises. Hold your breath and exhale slowly through your mouth, imagining the baby being pushed down into your pelvis. Repeat until you feel your pelvic floor muscles relax.
Before your water breaks, you might feel pressure in your lower belly, notice a gentle trickle of fluid, or experience light contractions.
Your mucus plug is what protects baby and the uterus against infection during pregnancy, so once you've lost it there are some things you'll want to avoid to reduce your risk of infection, Gerber notes. These include using tampons and submerging yourself in water (i.e. in pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, etc.).
It means labor is on the horizon, but you could go into labor within hours, days, or even weeks afterward[5]. Watch for other signs of labor (like regular contractions or water breaking) to gauge timing. Avoid inserting anything into the vagina after losing the mucus plug.
While losing the mucus plug is a sign that your body is getting ready to give birth, it's not possible to say exactly when it will happen. For some, it may still be a couple of weeks until labor starts, while for others it can be a matter of days or even hours.
Water breaks when the amniotic sac weakens and stretches due to natural changes in the body and the baby's growth, which eventually causes the sac to rupture.
"Water breaking" refers to the amniotic fluid breaking free from the sac that holds your baby. It's most likely to occur between weeks 39 and 40 of your pregnancy, but can happen before or after. If you're unsure if your water has broken, try putting in a pantyliner and sitting down for 30 minutes.
Three key signs that labor is approaching soon are regular contractions, losing your "bloody show" (mucus plug), and your waters breaking, often accompanied by lower backache, baby dropping, or a sudden urge to clean (nesting). These signals show your body is preparing for birth, with contractions becoming stronger and closer together as labor progresses.
Bounce away
If the baby puts enough pressure on your cervix or the bag of waters, it is possible that your water may break. If you are also pumping to induce, bouncing on the exercise ball would be a great addition to help things get moving along.
Can anything bring labour on?
Walking and exercise often make it to the top of the list of things to try. While there's no research that says it will induce labor, 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times a week can be helpful in any stage of pregnancy.
How to Speed Up Labor
You may see a thick, jelly-like discharge that is clear, pink, or a little bloody. This plug of mucus closes your cervix during pregnancy, and its discharge usually comes one to two days before actual labour. A strong desire to clean, cook, or organise your home is usual 24–48 hours prior to labour.
When the cervix begins to dilate (open) several days before labor begins or at the start of labor, this plug is pushed into the vagina. When this happens you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge that's clear, pink, or slightly bloody. Some women expel the entire mucus plug.
Sometimes, women may also experience mild cramping or discomfort just before the water actually breaks. These changes happen because the protective amniotic sac, filled with the baby's fluid, is getting thinner and softer as your body prepares for labor.
Once your cervix has thinned down and dilated to about two to three centimetres we will be able to break your waters. This is done on labour ward by performing a vaginal examination and inserting a small plastic hook and putting pressure on the bag of membranes around the baby to make a hole.
Usually the bag of waters breaks just before you go into labor or during the early part of labor. It happens often when you are in bed sleeping.
There are no proven safe ways for a woman to break her water at home. It can be dangerous if the water breaks before natural labor begins or before the baby is fully developed. During the natural process of labor, the water breaks when the baby's head puts pressure on the amniotic sac, causing it to rupture.
FYI: Your Water Can Break While You're Peeing ... or Sleeping. If you think you peed your pants, think again. You've probably seen that cliché movie scene: the pregnant woman is leading a corporate board meeting in heels when her water breaks, or maybe she's mid-fight with her partner and boom — she's soaking.
Your waters breaking can feel like a mild pop, followed by a trickle or gush of fluid that you cannot control, unlike when you wee. You may not notice the actual breaking.
If you lose your mucus plug before 37 weeks, speak with your doctor. This could be a sign of a complication such as preterm labor. Because of this, it's important to discuss all your symptoms with your doctor. Keep an eye out for a lot of blood, especially if there's more blood than mucus.
Losing your mucus plug indicates that labor is approaching, but it could still be days or even weeks before it starts. Monitor for contractions that get longer, stronger, and closer together as signs that labor has begun. Contact your health care provider if you lose the mucus plug before your 37th week of pregnancy.
As the cervix dilates, the mucus plug releases into the vagina. Loss of the mucus plug is one of the first steps in labor. You may notice a thick vaginal discharge that appears clear, pink, or tinged with blood.