When your water breaks, call your healthcare provider immediately, put on a pad (not a tampon), note the fluid's color/smell, and prepare for labor while awaiting instructions, which usually means heading to the hospital to prevent infection, especially if the fluid is green/smelly or you're GBS positive. If your water breaks before 37 weeks, go to the hospital right away as it's considered preterm.
Around 7 in every 10 people give birth within 24 hours of their waters breaking, and almost all (9 in 10 people) within 48 hours. If your waters break after 37 weeks pregnant and labour doesn't start within 24 hours, your health team may discuss inducing labour due to the risk of infection.
I got up to use the bathroom, and I will never forget this—the nurse told me, “That's the last time you will be allowed to walk. After you get back in bed, you are on strict bed rest because your water has broken.” I was also told I was not allowed to eat or drink (not evidence-based).
What can you do after your water breaks?
You can have a bath or shower with plain water. Do not add any bubble bath or oils to the water. Avoid sexual intercourse. Remain as active as possible; this will encourage your contractions to start.
Or go to your hospital or birthing center right away. A member of your healthcare team can check to see if you're leaking amniotic fluid. Your healthcare team might do an ultrasound to check the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.
Therefore, your healthcare provider may recommend amniotomy to intentionally break your water. Rupturing or breaking your amniotic sac can cause your uterus to contract and help dilate your cervix.
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.
6 out of 10 women will go into labour naturally in the next 24 hours after their waters have broken, and most will go into labour within 48 hours. This means that you avoid the risks of being induced.
Staying in bed isn't likely to delay early labor and delivery, and it could lead to health concerns. When you're pregnant, being told to stay in bed for a few days or a few weeks might seem like just the welcome break you need.
The 5-5-5 rule is a postpartum guideline for the first 15 days of recovery, emphasizing rest to help the new parent heal and bond with the baby, by spending 5 days in bed, followed by 5 days on the bed, and then 5 days near the bed, gradually increasing activity while prioritizing rest, nourishment, and self-care over chores or visitors. It's a framework for creating boundaries and slowing down to prevent overexertion, though individual recovery needs should guide the pace.
It may be time to hustle to your birthing center or hospital. However, if you're not yet having closely spaced contractions, your provider may suggest waiting a while longer at home. Some doctors allow women to shower after the bag of water has broken, but definitely not taking a bath.
No, it should not hurt when your waters break or when they are broken for you. The amniotic sac does not have pain receptors, which are the things that cause you to feel pain. Your contractions might feel stronger and more painful after your waters break, though.
If you think your water broke but aren't having contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider right away for an evaluation.
It depends. Some people lose a little bit at a time, while others will experience several large gushes. Your amniotic sac holds up to 4 cups of amniotic fluid at 36 weeks. As your baby's due date approaches, the volume of amniotic fluid goes down.
In early labor, dilating from 0 to 6 centimeters can take from a few hours up to about 12 hours (though for some people, up to 20 hours). During active labor, dilating from 6 to 10 centimeters generally takes around 4 to 8 hours. On average, you may dilate about 1 centimeter an hour.
Tell your doctor or midwife that your water broke and follow their guidelines on next steps. If you haven't already, pack your hospital bag so that you're ready to head to the birthing center or hospital. Start timing your contractions, which may begin shortly after your water breaks.
Put on a pad. If your water is broken, it will keep leaking. You will need to wear a pad to keep you dry. Take note of: » The time your water broke, or when you think it broke if you aren't sure. » How much water is leaking. » The colour of the fluid.
The sensation of your water breaking can be unique, varying from person to person. Some people describe it as a sudden gush of fluid, while others may feel a slow leak. Factors like the amount of amniotic fluid, the baby's position, and individual sensitivity contribute to these differences.
If the pantyliner is wet at the end of that time, it could be amniotic fluid. If it's dry, it's more likely pee or discharge. If you're not 100% sure what type of fluid you're leaking, check with your provider. Leaking pee is sometimes a sign of a bladder infection.
1 centimeter fits one finger tightly. 2 centimeters fits one finger loosely. 3 centimeters fits 2 fingers tightly. 4 centimeters is 2 loose fingers.
This may concern you, but there are many things that you can try to help get labor going once your water has broken, including:
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.