What to Do When Water Breaks

Knowing what to do when water breaks depends greatly on the stage of pregnancy the woman is in when it occurs. It is important to recognize the signs of water breaking in order to identify the occurrence. These factors determine what action you should take.

Pregnancy Doctors

The water is contained in an amniotic sac that surrounds the baby as a protective barrier. The sac is filled with fluid that has no color, making it difficult to detect if the water leaks rather than breaking in one gush. In some cases, pregnant women can have too much or too little amniotic fluid.

Too much amniotic fluid is polyhydramnios. This condition is commonly associated with multiple pregnancies, gestational diabetes, and some types of congenital anomalies. Too little fluid is oligohydramnios, a troublesome condition that can lead to complications in pregnancy. If the sac leaks, oligohydramnios can occur. Sometimes the amniotic sac repairs itself and the pregnancy continues to full term without further problems.

Many women look forward to having their babies and may try breaking the water to induce labor, depending on the specific situation. This is a medical procedure called an amniotomy and it should not be attempted by anyone except a medical professional. Many believe that amniotomy is an ineffective approach that may lead to complications.

Recognizing water breaking may seem quite simple, but it can be a little tricky. The event does not always present itself as a gush of water. Sometimes, it occurs subtly, depending on the individual.

The notion that the occurrence is a flush of fluid that suddenly appears is dramatic. In fact, most women do not need to worry about what to do when water breaks because it doesn't occur until active labor has already begun. In most cases, this is after they have checked into the hospital.

In some cases, a woman may notice excess fluid gushing when she stands up. This is an obvious sign that the amniotic sac has ruptured. However, not all instances are so obvious. In some cases, the fluid presents itself in a trickling leak. If you notice excess moisture, it is necessary to look for the following:

• Color is an indicator that there may be a problem. Amniotic fluid is colorless.
• Odor can be a sign of trouble. The fluid should be odorless
• Pain including cramping or contractions may be an indicator that something is wrong or that labor has begun.
• Pressure or feeling the baby descend is an emergency.

The challenge is recognizing the rupture when there is no gush of fluid. You may notice dampness, leaking, or gushing. This is a broad spectrum of symptoms.

The course of action depends on the stage of pregnancy the woman is in when it happens. A woman is full term at 37 weeks, so if the water breaks any time before week 37, it is imperative to contact your physician immediately. If the water breaks too early, it increases the risk of complications including preterm labor and infection.

Women experiencing leaking of amniotic fluid in the first or second trimester need to discuss the problem with their healthcare provider. The pregnancy should be treated as a high risk pregnancy.

The first step is to act according to the stage of pregnancy you are in when you think the amniotic sac has ruptured. Early stages require emergency attention as determined by your health care provider.

If you notice dampness, leaking, or gushing of fluid, do the following:

1. Check the time. Know what time the symptoms of water breaking occur.
2. Take note of how much fluid is lost. Different amounts of fluid require different attention.
3. Note any color or odors.
4. Determine if labor pains have begun, noting the time they began.
5. Call your physician. Your doctor can do a simple test to see if the leak is amniotic fluid.

Emergencies require special attention. It is necessary to call 911 if you experience any of the following:

• Loss of fluid before or during week 36 of the pregnancy
• Bloody discharge
• Feels as if the baby's head is descending
• Pressure similar to needing to have a bowel movement

It is also important to get immediate attention if your water breaks at a time that the baby is still in a "heads-up" position.

Keep in mind that roughly 90 percent women experience water breaking while they are in active labor. While knowing what to do when water breaks is important, it should not be a source of stress throughout your pregnancy.

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