Leaking
Your doctor or a member of your health care team will give you a physical exam to determine if you're leaking amniotic fluid. In some cases, an ultrasound might be done to check your amniotic fluid volume. You and your baby will be evaluated to determine the next steps.
Main symptoms and signs of amniotic fluid leakage include: Wet underwear, but the fluid is odourless, colourless; Wet underwear more than once a day; Decreased movement of the baby in the uterus, when there has already been a major loss of fluid.
You may not notice the actual breaking. In that case, the only sign that your waters have broken will be the trickle of fluid. Or you might feel some dampness or wetness in your knickers.
Usually, when your amniotic sack ruptures (your water breaks), it's a sign that labor will soon begin. If labor doesn't start within 6 to 12 hours, the risk of infection increases. If you have PROM or PPROM, you'll need to stay in the hospital until your baby is born.
Yes, the fetus can survive if your water breaks too soon. It depends on factors like the age of the pregnancy and how much amniotic fluid is left. Your pregnancy care provider will watch for signs of fetal distress and infection to determine when they should deliver your baby.
Here are some signs that your water broke and not something else: You hear a pop and feel pressure, then relief when the sac breaks. The fluid is clear and odorless, unlike urine. The fluid is thin and watery, unlike vaginal discharge.
During the late third trimester, this plug might move into the vagina. As a result, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge that's clear, pink or slightly bloody. This may happen several days before labor begins or at the start of labor.
Pregnant women may also notice changes in the color of their urine. Generally, urine can range from light yellow to dark amber, and factors like hydration and diet will influence this. However, pregnancy brings about additional considerations: Hydration Levels: Staying hydrated is crucial during pregnancy.
If your baby is not born within the next 24 hours after your waters breaking, he/ she will need to stay in hospital for 12 hours after birth so they can be closely monitored for any signs of an infection. A small number of women will not go into labour within 48 hours and will be advised to have their labour induced.
Meconium forms when the fetus swallows amniotic fluid. As amniotic fluid passes through the fetus's intestines, the water part of the amniotic fluid is absorbed. A sticky, tar-like substance is left behind. This debris is meconium and it lines the fetus's large intestine.
Labour can start very quickly, but is often slow at the start (particularly if it's your first baby). Sometimes it can start without you realising it.
Baby dropping may feel like a sudden, noticeable movement for some people, while others may not feel it happening. Baby dropping, or lightening, may make it easier to breathe and increase appetite. This is because there is more space in the abdomen and less pressure on organs.
Signs That Your Water Has Broken
Clear and odorless — Amniotic fluid is clear or pale yellow, thin, and odorless. Gush or subtle leak — Unlike dramatic movie scenes, water breaking doesn't always result in a massive gush. Sometimes, it's a gentle leak or stream, like pricking a balloon with a pin.
Leaking amniotic fluid might feel like a gush of warm fluid or a slow trickle from the vagina. It will usually be clear and odorless but may sometimes contain traces of blood or mucus. If the liquid is amniotic fluid, it is unlikely to stop leaking.
If your cervix has opened up to at least 2-3 centimetres dilated and the baby's head is well engaged (low down in your pelvis), your waters will be broken (see below under Artifical Rupture of Membranes). If it is not possible to break your waters a second Propess pessary may be inserted if appropriate.
: childbirth characterized by premature escape of the amniotic fluid.
In the fetus, speed and amplitude of general movements were directly related to the reduction in amniotic fluid. A moderate reduction of amniotic fluid was associated with a decrease in amplitude, while a more severe reduction of amniotic fluid caused a decrease in speed as well.
Your baby should continue to move as normal once your waters have broken and when you are having contractions. You can eat and drink as normal. It is really important that you drink plenty to remain hydrated. You can have a bath or shower with plain water.