When a pregnant person’s “water breaks,” it signifies the rupture of the amniotic sac, a protective membrane surrounding the developing baby. This event is a common indicator that labor may soon begin or is already underway. The amniotic sac provides a cushioned environment for the fetus, safeguarding it from external pressures and maintaining a stable temperature throughout pregnancy.
Understanding Membrane Rupture
The amniotic sac is a thin, transparent membrane containing amniotic fluid, which plays a role in fetal development by allowing movement and supporting lung and digestive system maturation. While often depicted as a dramatic gush, the rupture of membranes can also manifest as a slow trickle of fluid. Many people report feeling a “popping” sensation, followed by either a significant release or a continuous leak, which can feel like wetting oneself. The experience is not painful.
For 10% of full-term pregnancies, the water breaks before labor contractions start. The fluid is clear or pale yellow and may be odorless or have a slightly sweet scent. Distinguishing amniotic fluid from urine or vaginal discharge can be challenging, as urine has a distinct odor and a more yellowish color, while amniotic fluid leakage is uncontrollable.
What to Do When It Happens
If you suspect your water has broken, it is important to note the time of rupture, the amount of fluid, and its color and smell. The fluid should be clear or straw-colored. Any green, brown, or foul-smelling fluid should be reported immediately, as it could indicate the presence of meconium (the baby’s first stool) or an infection.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately after your water breaks, regardless of whether you are experiencing contractions. This allows them to assess the situation and provide guidance for the next steps. To minimize the risk of infection, avoid taking baths, using tampons, or engaging in sexual intercourse after the membranes have ruptured. The protective barrier of the amniotic sac is no longer intact, increasing the baby’s susceptibility to bacteria.
When Membranes Don’t Rupture Spontaneously
In many cases, the amniotic sac does not rupture on its own, even when labor is well underway. When this occurs, a healthcare provider may perform a procedure called artificial rupture of membranes (AROM), also known as an amniotomy. This procedure involves using a specialized tool, resembling a thin hook, to create a small opening in the amniotic sac.
A healthcare provider can perform an amniotomy to induce or augment labor, meaning to start labor or make existing contractions stronger. It can also be performed to allow for internal monitoring of the baby’s heart rate or to assess the color of the amniotic fluid. The decision to perform an amniotomy is made by a medical professional after evaluating the individual’s specific circumstances and the progress of labor.
Specific Scenarios and Considerations
While water breaking is a sign of impending labor, specific scenarios require particular attention. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor at or after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs when the water breaks before 37 weeks of gestation. PPROM is less common but significantly increases the risk of preterm birth.
Both PROM and PPROM increase the risk of infection for both the birthing person and the baby, as well as the risk of preterm birth. In rare instances, umbilical cord prolapse can occur after the water breaks, where the cord slips through the cervix before the baby. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to ensure the baby’s safety. Therefore, any instance of water breaking necessitates prompt communication with a healthcare provider.