Water breaks how long

The main way this happens is through bacterial infection that goes up the vaginal canal and reaches the uterus. Logically, the longer it takes to deliver your baby, the more opportunities there are for possible infection. Interestingly, a review of studies on PROM did not suggest a huge difference in stillbirth risk between those women who were induced after their water broke versus those who followed expectant management.

Related: Understanding and recovering from stillbirth. In reality, PROM really is a dance of sorts. Your healthcare provider must balance the benefits and risks. For this reason, you may want to discuss the course of events with your doctor to know what to expect if your water breaks before your contractions begin.

And while GBS-positive women may follow expectant management, many caregivers and women choose to augment labor without waiting. While less common and more present in literature outside the United States , your caregiver may give you up to 96 hours after your water breaks to begin labor on your own. Related: How to prepare for labor induction. The risk of infection can be for either mom or baby.

Fortunately, doctors and nurses know what to look for and will watch you carefully and act accordingly. If you choose to labor at home with guidance from your caregiver , you may want to familiarize yourself with signs of infection so you can get prompt medical care when needed.

Chorioamnionitis , for example, is an infection of the uterus. While in the hospital, your doctor can monitor your temperature, heart rate, and other vital signs. Your baby will also be monitored using an external or internal fetal monitor during this time to look for signs of distress, like:. These may be signs of infection or that your baby has had a bowel movement meconium , which may cause issues with breathing after birth.

Related: Natural ways to induce labor. The course of action here is a different balancing act than with PROM, because doctors must weigh the benefits versus risks of delivering a baby early versus exposing them to infection and other complications. Your amniotic fluid is continually regenerating, so being hydrated and staying in bed may buy you some time.

In a few cases, the break in the sac may seal back up on its own. In others, you may need to deliver your baby sooner than you may have expected. The good news is that you may be able to cook baby a bit longer while being hospitalized and monitored.

If everything is stable, you may deliver at around 34 weeks. If you have complications, your doctor may choose to deliver you before this milestone. Related: Second trimester pregnancy complications.

However, some research shows a link with smoking, so kicking that habit is a good idea. Some moms may only experience a slow trickle of water, and for many moms, there is still a while to go before the baby is born. Read on to find out more about what it can feel like when your water breaks and what comes next. No need to panic — your healthcare provider will let you know what to do next. During pregnancy, your baby is surrounded by the amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac, which cushions and protects your baby.

At the start of labor, later on during labor, or, in some cases, before labor starts, the membranes of the sac rupture. For each mom-to-be, her water breaking is a unique experience. The signs of water breaking include feeling a slow leak or a sudden gush of water. Some women feel a slight pop, while others might feel fluid coming out in bursts as they change positions. The color of the fluid when your water breaks is usually clear or pale yellow, and the fluid has no smell.

The fluid level reaches its peak by about week 36 of pregnancy, when there are about 4 cups of fluid, but from then on the amount of fluid slowly decreases.

Check out this short video on what happens when your water breaks, with insights provided by a labor and delivery nurse. How do you know when your water breaks? It can sometimes be difficult to tell when your water has broken, particularly if you only experience an occasional trickle, or if you only find dampness in your underwear. You can always confirm it via a physical exam or ultrasound. If you suspect your water has broken, make a note of the time.

Some women experience contractions and move into active labour without their water breaking and they too will require this procedure. You may also want to put a plastic cover on your bed to protect your mattress, in case it happens overnight.

The amniotic sac begins to form about 12 days after conception. Not only does it cushion and protect your baby and the umbilical cord, it also regulates her temperature. As the baby breathes in and ingests the fluid, it develops her lungs and digestive system. Read more: 8 signs of labour to watch out for Giving birth: The four stages of labour What happens when your cervix dilates. Pregnancy What to expect when your water breaks Nobody wants to be the pregnant lady who leaves a puddle in the produce aisle.

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