When Will My Water Break?

The amniotic sac, also known as the bag of waters, surrounds and protects your baby throughout pregnancy. When it comes to it rupturing, it’s not a question of if… It’s simply a matter of when.

So, let’s talk about when this might happen.

Before the Start of Labor

In some cases (roughly 10% of the time), the amniotic sac ruptures before the start of labor. This is called prelabor rupture of membranes or PROM. Labor contractions may or may not begin right away, but most people do go into labor spontaneously within 24 hours.

You can read more about the evidence on PROM at the link below:

🔗 Evidence on: Premature Rupture of Membranes | Evidence Based Birth

📝 Note: When your membranes rupture (also referred to as water breaking), your body continues to produce more amniotic fluid up until delivery.

Your care provider will want you to call if your water breaks, and they will ask you for some specific information. 🌮 TACO is an acronym to help you remember what information will be important to communicate.  

• Time: What time did your water break?
• Amount: How would you describe the amount of fluid? Is fluid trickling out? Or was it a big gush?
• Color: Is the color of the fluid clear or pale yellow? Or is it brown or green?
• Odor: Is the fluid odorless, or does it have a slightly sweet smell? Does the fluid have an unpleasant odor?

This information can help you and your care provider make decisions. The risk of infection will increase as time passes, and the birthing person should consult with their care provider to decide on how long to wait before inducing labor.

Regardless of how long you decide to wait, there are ways to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid having sex and make sure to talk to your care provider before taking a bath. Limiting the number of vaginal exams during labor can also help.

Your amniotic fluid can also provide clues that it’s best that labor begins right away instead of giving your body time to go into labor spontaneously. If the color of the fluid is brown or green, this means meconium is present. Meconium is a baby’s first poop, and it’s a thick, sticky substance. This first bowel movement usually happens after birth, but this isn’t always the case. The presence of meconium can be an indicator that the fetus is under some kind of stress. Also, if a baby inhales or swallows meconium, it can cause complications.

An unpleasant odor indicates a possible infection in the uterus.

There may be other factors to consider, as well, depending on your specific situation.

You should also continue feeling fetal movements. If you have concerns, lie down on your left side to focus on feeling these movements.

‼️ Important: If your water breaks prior to 37 weeks, this is called preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). Call your care provider right away, as this requires immediate medical attention.

‼️ Important: If your water breaks and you notice that the umbilical cord has slipped down into your vagina, call an ambulance immediately. This is called umbilical cord prolapse, and it’s a true medical emergency. Cord prolapse is very rare, but it’s good to know what to do should this ever happen. Get in a position with your face, chest, and knees on the floor. Elevating your pelvis above your shoulders can help alleviate pressure from the baby’s presenting part on the umbilical cord. Stay in this position until help arrives.

Spontaneously During Labor or Birth

Most of the time, membranes rupture on their own at some point during the first stage of labor. This can also happen while pushing/ during the second stage of labor.

When your water does break, don’t be surprised if contractions increase in intensity very suddenly (especially if your baby is engaged in your pelvis)! Depending on the specifics of the rupture, your baby’s head may be adding more pressure to the cervix than it was when the cushion provided by the amniotic sac was still there.

You may also notice a “pop” sensation, along with a feeling of wetness. Once your water is broken, you’ll continue feeling the fluid trickle or gush throughout labor.

Artificially Before or During Labor or Birth

Care providers will sometimes suggest breaking your water on purpose as a way to start (induce) or speed up (augment) labor. This is called artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) or amniotomy.

AROM is a medical intervention that requires a discussion with your care provider regarding the benefits, risks, and alternatives. You can learn more by clicking the link below:

🔗Amniotomy | Cleveland Clinic

After Birth

In very rare cases, a baby is born “en caul”. This means the bag of waters is still intact after the baby exits the birthing person’s body! This phenomenon is more common in preterm births but can also happen with full-term babies. Some cultures view en caul birth as a sign of good luck or as having some other type of significance. Witnessing an en caul birth offers a fascinating and unique glimpse into the environment where babies grow and develop, surrounded by amniotic fluid that cushions and protects them throughout pregnancy.