Water Break During Pregnancy: Everything You Need To Know

Hey to-be-mommy! Like other pregnant women, are you also going through mixed emotions of anticipation, excitement and worry? The journey to motherhood isn’t easy and in case you’re feeling overwhelmed; you’re not alone! Throughout this special time, there are several moments that a mom-to-be cherishes and at the same time, she is afraid of many things like her delivery, the baby’s growth, and the whole process of childbirth. Imagining all this makes her anxious and nervous. One of the key moments that an expectant mum eagerly awaits but also dreads is- a water break during pregnancy!

So, if you’re expecting and nearing the end of your pregnancy, then this blog is a must-read for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss water break, its signs, causes, and risk factors.

To know more, keep scrolling!

Water Break During Pregnancy: Meaning

Dear moms, your uterus is like a home to your baby. The fetus is growing inside a protection bag known as an amniotic sac. This sac is full of amniotic fluid which protects the growing baby. When this amniotic sac starts tearing, the fluid inside comes out of the vagina. This rupturing of the membrane is referred to as “water break during pregnancy”.

What Does It Mean When Your Water Breaks?

It can simply be summarised as

  • A clear sign that your body is finally preparing for delivery
  • Your contractions may start anytime (if they haven’t yet)
  • Childbirth can happen soon
  • Your baby is ready to enter the world

Common Symptoms Of Water Breaking During Pregnancy

Mommies! Are you wondering if it’s the water break or something else? Let’s uncover the signs and symptoms.

  • Experience a sensation of wetness in your vagina
  • Fluid flows down your legs in smaller and sometimes, larger quantities
  • Leaking fluid that is thin and watery (not sticky and thick)
  • Gush of odourless, pale/yellow and clear liquid
  • All this is followed by contractions (stronger than before)

What Are Its Possible Causes?

It would be difficult to jot down the related reasons that trigger water breaks during pregnancy. Every woman’s body is different and the exact cause behind the tearing up of the amniotic sac and fluid gushing out is still known.

When Will The Water Usually Break?

Mostly, a water break takes place in the first stage of labour, where the cervix begins to open and prepare for giving birth. However, if your water breaks early i.e. before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is known as PROM (premature rupture of membranes. Approximately 8-10% of pregnancies have experienced this early water break.

What Are Its Risk Factors?

Some of the risk factors of water break during pregnancy are-

  • Infections (could be in the vagina, cervix or uterus)
  • Smoking or drug habits
  • History of PROM earlier as well
  • Vaginal bleeding during 2nd or 3rd trimester
  • Poor nutrition intake
  • Underweight
  • Short cervical length

What Happens If Your Water Doesn’t Break On Its Own?

Don’t panic, moms! There is no compulsion that your water has to break. When a mother is in active labour and somehow, she hasn’t experienced a water break till now, then the doctor will carry out an amniotomy. It’s a technique that induces labour contractions or makes it stronger if you’re already going through one. During this procedure, a thin plastic hook is used to make a small hole in the amniotic sac to let the fluid out and the water to break finally.

When To Call The Doctor?

Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish between a water break during pregnancy and a pee. As we have discussed at the beginning of the blog, water break symptoms may vary depending on the woman and how far she is in her pregnancy. At times, the amniotic fluid drips slowly through the vagina. So, if the liquid has been leaking continuously, then it’s time to call your gynae. After examining you thoroughly, your healthcare provider may run an ultrasound to determine the volume of amniotic fluid inside. This will help navigate the way forward as well.

Conclusion

We hope this blog on water break during pregnancy has been insightful and helpful. If you’re pregnant or know someone who’s around her delivery time, we suggest sharing your experience and knowledge with them. We know, pregnancy might seem an easy deal to handle but bringing a life into this world is challenging enough. As a to-be mommy, you must have a lot to endure and the stress and anxiety of what’s going to happen, and the complications and risks involved make it even more difficult.

Dear mommies, hang in there, you are doing perfectly great! Just remember to take good care of yourself and the baby growing inside your womb. Eat well, sleep more and leave everything aside. Have a safe pregnancy!

FAQs

Q1- Does It hurt when water breaks during pregnancy?

No, it’s a painless procedure and doesn’t hurt an expectant mother anywhere.

Q2- What happens to a baby in the womb after water breaks?

The baby in the womb may acquire a bacterial infection. So, doctors usually try to deliver the baby within 24-48 hours after water breaks during pregnancy.

Q3- How much water comes out when water breaks during pregnancy?

The amniotic sac has around 4 cups of amniotic fluid at 36 weeks of pregnancy. When you start moving towards your due date, this fluid volume starts declining. By the 40th week of pregnancy, only 2.5 cups of fluid remain in the sac.

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