labor basics
Water Breaking - What to Expect
Understanding when and how water breaks, what it means, and what to do when it happens.
Overview
Your "water breaking" means the amniotic sac ruptures, releasing the fluid surrounding your baby. It can be a gush or slow trickle. Only 15% of labors begin with water breaking - for most, contractions start first.
When water breaks, note the time, amount (gush or trickle), color (should be clear), and smell. Call your provider immediately as risk of infection increases after rupture.
After water breaks, labor usually begins within 24 hours. If not, induction may be recommended to reduce infection risk.
💡 Key Points
- •Only 15% of labors start with water breaking
- •Can be gush or trickle
- •Should be clear and odorless
- •Call provider immediately when water breaks
- •Labor usually starts within 24 hours
- •Risk of infection increases after rupture
📖 What to Know
- →May not be dramatic gush - can trickle
- →Different from discharge or urine
- →Cannot be stopped once it starts
- →Should be clear or pale yellow
- →Green/brown color may indicate meconium
- →May feel relief of pressure when it breaks
- →Contractions may intensify after rupture
✓ How to Prepare
- →Keep waterproof pad in bed after 36 weeks
- →Use maxi pad if trickling to see amount
- →Note time, color, and amount
- →Call provider immediately
- →Head to hospital even if no contractions yet
- →Don't have sex or use tampons after water breaks
- →Know that induction may be recommended if labor doesn't start