WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Water Breaking and Labor: The Connection

Water Breaking and Labor: The Connection
The breaking of water, a common term for the rupture of the amniotic sac, is a significant event in the childbirth process.
Understanding its connection to labor is crucial for expectant mothers as they prepare for delivery.
The Role of Amniotic Fluid
  • Amniotic Sac Function: The amniotic sac, filled with fluid, cushions and protects the baby during pregnancy.
  • Significance of Water Breaking: The rupture of this sac, often referred to as water breaking, can be an indication that labor is either imminent or has already begun.
Timing and Onset of Labor
  • Spontaneous Rupture: In some cases, water breaks naturally at the onset of labor.
  • Pre-labor Rupture: Sometimes, the water breaks before labor begins, a condition known as PROM (prelabor rupture of membranes).
Medical Intervention if Labor Doesn't Start
  • Induction of Labor: If labor doesn’t start naturally within 24 hours after water breaking, medical induction may be necessary to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Monitoring for Infection: Healthcare providers will closely monitor for signs of infection, which becomes a concern after prolonged rupture of membranes.
Water Breaking Without Contractions
  • Waiting for Labor: In many cases, labor will start on its own within hours of the water breaking.
  • Medical Advice: Consult with your healthcare provider for the best course of action if contractions do not begin soon after your water breaks.
Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM)
  • AROM in Labor Progression: In some labors, healthcare providers may choose to artificially rupture the membranes to accelerate or strengthen labor.
  • Considerations for AROM: This procedure is typically considered when the cervix is partially dilated and effaced, and the baby is in the correct position, to accelerate the labor.
Q&As
  1. Does water breaking always mean I am in labor? Not necessarily. Labor usually follows water breaking, but in some cases, it may need to be induced.
  2. How long after my water breaks should I go to the hospital? It is recommended to go to the hospital or birthing center immediately after your water breaks for evaluation.
  3. Can my water break without me realizing it? Yes, especially if it's a slow leak. If you suspect your water has broken, it's important to get checked by a healthcare provider.
  4. What is the risk if my water breaks and labor doesn’t start? The primary concern is the risk of infection, so medical professionals generally recommend inducing labor if it doesn’t start naturally within 24 hours.
  5. What should I do if my water breaks but I don’t feel any contractions? Contact your healthcare provider. They may advise you to wait at home for a period or come in for assessment.
Understanding the connection between water breaking and labor helps expecting mothers to better prepare for the different scenarios that may arise during childbirth.
All I Need to Know
R
Ramona
29 Dec 2023

Anybody else tried this! A doc came up with it and his patient water broke lol Birth ball water breaking

6 comments
A
Ashley
Im getting nervous hoping they don’t kick your stomach 🫢🫢🫢
27 Mar 2024

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Kyle
Yeaaa…that’s a pass for me…my mental health can’t handle this
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mickey
24 Dec 2023

lol 😂 everyone keep telling me ima be in the hospital on Christmas 😭😭LOL WE gone see I’m patiently waiting to go into active labor or either my water breaking

8 comments
J
Jasmine
girl me and you both i’m trying to be in labor tomorrow tonight something i was spotting when i wipe yesterday it had slime on it ima be walking tomorrow
27 Mar 2024

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JENNIFER 💜💋
Probably tonight🥰
27 Mar 2024

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A
Anita
30 Aug 2023

Been having loose stools for the last weeks now, strong Braxton hicks no mucus plug or water breaking but I am 1cm dilated and 70% effaced idk how close am I til labor actually becomes active I’m so ready Lordy

2 comments
S
Sonia
I just started lose stools today with very bad cramping and it’s been almost all day 😫 it’s so uncomfortable 😣
27 Mar 2024

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Anita
You’re about ready !!!
27 Mar 2024

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V
Victoria
5 Aug 2023

I'm having cramps that come and go maybe like minutes apart I was going to go to the hospital but I don't want them to end up sending me home, how did you ladies realize you were in labor ? With out your water breaking?

4 comments
L
Latoya
Lower back pains and pressure in your butt that makes you feel like you have to poop but dont.
27 Mar 2024

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Gema
When I was in labor I never felt the poop sensation. Not even when I was pushing lol it just felt like really bad period cramps , like horrendous. From your back to the pelvis.
27 Mar 2024

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C
Crystal
29 Jul 2023

What are the tell tale signs for labor that I should look out for besides the obvious, contractions that are 5min apart and my water breaking? I’ve been getting this stabbing-like pain in my vagina and everything that I’ve read says lightning crotch but I just wanna see what everyone else’s experiences have been.

3 comments
S
Shantell
That’s Labor sound like cause I’m in hospital right now same symptoms
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shantell
32 weeks dilated 5 cm high cervix
27 Mar 2024

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D
D
9 Jul 2023

Any ladies Who have gone into labor naturally? Did your baby get really active? Prior your water breaking? Or before contractions?

2 comments
C
Chantal
They didn't get more active the movements felt different though. Like they were trying to get comfortable or in the right position
27 Mar 2024

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D
D
thank you!
27 Mar 2024

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K
Karrissa
16 Oct 2022

How would I know if I was going into preterm labor without my water breaking? I am 35 weeks, Last time we checked both the babes were breeched and one dr said my water won’t break when they are breeched and a different dr said no it can still break… I have almost every other sign but my contractions aren’t as regular as they should be for going into labor. Also this is my first time being pregnant.

9 comments
M
Melissa
My daughter was breech...did they schedule u a c-section?
27 Mar 2024

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Rebekah
If your cervix is at 5 cm or greater and your contractions are regular for more than an hour
27 Mar 2024

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s
stephh
31 Aug 2022

After 21 hours of labor & 1 allergic reaction & my water breaking on her own & pushing her out in 3 pushes under 10 mins .. I love her soo much already

24 comments
ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕖𝕟𝔹❤️🤰🏽🥰
Congratulations she’s so adorable 🥰
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashley
Awe congratulations!!! She’s beautiful
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cornelia
27 May 2022

31 weeks and 4 days and I woke up to my water breaking , just got to the hospital to labor and delivery please Ifyou pray, pray for my baby boy and send all good vibes my way . This is my first pregnancy and I am terrified but trusting the lord that all will be ok💙

7 comments
U
Umut Alí
🙏prayers for you and your baby
27 Mar 2024

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Anna.C
Wow good vibes sent 📤
27 Mar 2024

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S
Summer-Rain
6 May 2022

What did yall do to labor naturally? I don't mind getting induced but I really wanna go thru the water breaking or laboring at home first

3 comments
T
Toni
I walked a lot my entire pregnancy. I was actually at a friends baby shower when my contractions started and I still walked home lol. My water didn't break on its own eventually they had to break it for my labor to progress. With my daughter I was induced bc of complications but it was still a natural delivery
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kiara
It’s kind of rare for water to break. So many women don’t experience this moment with multiple kids. I’ve never experienced it
27 Mar 2024

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