by R.L Hanlon

Created on: July 29, 2008

When your waters break it is usually a sign that labor is imminent and soon you will finally meet your baby. More often than not, your membranes can rupture at any time of the day or night without prior warning.

When it does happen, many women find it takes them by surprise and for a first time pregnancy; it can be quite frightening if you don't know what to expect.

Some may find that when their waters break it flows quickly and others find it is only a dribble.

Following is the things you should do if your waters break.

WHAT IS THE FLUID?

When your waters break you will find a fluid that flows from your vagina. This fluid is amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby while in the womb. Although the medical world still does not know exactly what amniotic fluid does, they do know that it protects the baby throughout pregnancy.

WHY DO WOMEN'S MEMBRANES RUPTURE?

Your baby lies in the womb for the entire nine months gestation of the pregnancy. The baby is prohibited from leaving this safe environment by the cervix, which is closed but is also protected by a thick plug that keeps everything in its place.

When your baby is ready for delivery, the head will put pressure on the cervix opening and push this plug out. Once this happens, the cervix is open and prepares for the birth of the baby.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

All women experience their waters breaking differently. Some may feel a "pop" prior to it happening and it may gush, but for others it may only trickle.

When it is a steady stream that may continue to trickle over a period of time, this is when you know that your membranes have ruptured. The amniotic fluid also has a very sweet scent that is easily distinguished from urine.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR WATERS BREAK?

Your waters may break at any time and anywhere. I suggest that towards the end of your pregnancy you begin to start carrying some maternity pads around with you and a spare pair of underwear.

Put the pads on when it happens and clean up any mess you may have made.

Your hospital may request you keep the pads and bring them in with you when you come into hospital.

Regardless of your gestation, whether it is full term or not, immediately contact your hospital where you are booked in for delivery and ask for the birthing ward. Speak to one of the midwives in attendance and tell them what has occurred.

They will then advise you on what to do next and will enquire as to whether you have begun to feel contractions or not.

When your membranes rupture it is usually a sign that labor and birth is imminent. Always contact your hospital as soon as it happens and ask them as to what you should do next.

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