Among the things you feel and hear during pregnancy, you may be a little curious, perhaps even nervous, about this 'water breaking'. After seeing scenes like in the movies where the water suddenly breaks and you get worried, do you also think that this will happen? Actually, it doesn't happen to everyone. Sometimes it can even be a little wet. So don't be afraid, let's find out exactly about this.
Simply put, what does 'water breaking' mean?
Throughout your pregnancy, your baby is safely encased in a water-filled sac inside your uterus. This is what we medically call the amniotic sac. The water-like liquid inside this sac is called amniotic fluid. This fluid protects the baby from being shaken around and from germs.
So, 'the bag of waters breaking' means that the protective sac surrounding the baby is slowly torn, and the fluid inside it gradually or suddenly comes out through the vagina. This is a major sign that the baby is about to be born. This can happen before labor begins, during labor, or even right before the baby is due. Sometimes, the doctor himself breaks the bag of waters. This is called an ``Amniotomy''.
How do you know for sure if your water bag has broken?
Sometimes it can be hard to tell if this is just a little urine or some other discharge. If you feel something like this, pay attention to it.
- A sudden 'tock' sound comes from the vagina, followed by a small discharge of fluid.
- The feeling of liquid flowing down your underwear or clothing. It can be a lot or a little.
- This liquid is often odorless and clear or light yellow in color.
- The uncontrollable leakage of fluid, such as urine.
- This fluid is not thick like normal vaginal discharge, but rather thin and watery.
- As soon as the fluid comes out , the pain starts to get worse than before.
If you suspect that you are leaking fluid, don't panic. Wear clean underwear and use a sanitary pad. Never use a tampon. Lie down for 15-30 minutes and then stand up straight. If fluid still comes out, it is likely amniotic fluid.
Is this amniotic fluid? Or is it urine? How do you tell?
It is normal to leak some urine during the last part of pregnancy as the uterus presses on the bladder. Therefore, there is a lot of room for confusion between the two. Here is a table that will help you understand the difference between the two.
| Characteristic | Amniotic fluid (water in the bag of waters) | Urine |
|---|---|---|
| Smell | Most of the time there is no smell. Sometimes there may be a slightly sweet smell. | It has a characteristic ammonia-like odor. |
| Color | Clear or light yellow like water (may be pink or brownish) | It is usually dark yellow. |
| Control | The outflow cannot be controlled or stopped. It continues to leak out little by little. | Often, you can stop it by tightening your muscles. |
| Size | The amount may increase as it continues to leak. More may come out with the discharge. | Once it comes out, it stops. It doesn't come out again until the bladder is full. |
However, if you have any doubts about this, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. He or she can test you and confirm what exactly this is.
Can the water bag break early?
Yes, it can happen. When the water breaks before 37 weeks of pregnancy, we call it ``Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM)``. This can happen in about 8 to 10 out of 100 pregnancies. There are several factors that increase the risk of this.
- If you smoke
- If you had vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester of pregnancy
- If you have an infection in your body or vagina
- If this has happened in a previous pregnancy
- If you have a short cervix
At a time like this, the doctor will decide what to do based on your weeks.
- If more than 34 weeks: Delivering the baby is often the safest option.
- If it's less than 34 weeks: The doctor will try to keep the baby inside the womb for a few more days. For that,
- The baby is given antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Steroid injections are given to help the baby's lungs mature faster.
- Magnesium sulfate is given to help the baby's brain develop.
All of this is done in the hospital, under very close observation.
When should I call the doctor if my water breaks?
If you think your water has broken, call your doctor or the hospital right away. Don't put it off.
Amniotic fluid is a protective covering for the baby. When it is lost, the baby is more likely to develop infections. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical advice immediately.
When you talk, the doctor may ask questions like these:
- How much liquid came out?
- What color is it? (If it's green, let me know immediately.)
- Was there a smell?
- Do you have a fever now?
- Have you been tested for the bacteria `(Group B Streptococcus - GBS)`?
- How many weeks pregnant are you now?
Be prepared to answer these questions. It is also very important to stay calm and not panic.
Take-Home Message
- 'Breaking your water' is a sign that you're about to have a baby. This is nothing to be afraid of.
- It's not always a big river like in the movies. It can also be one that gets wet little by little.
- Try to distinguish whether the discharge is amniotic fluid or urine.
- If you suspect that your water bag has broken or you have a urinary tract infection, call your doctor or hospital immediately.
- Before speaking, pay attention to the color, odor, and amount of discharge, and whether you have any symptoms.
- It is very important to stay calm. Your doctor will give you the necessary guidance.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is 'water breaking' / PROM during pregnancy?
The baby in the womb is in an 'Amniotic Sac'! This is filled with our own safe water. 'Water Breaking' is when the baby is ready to be born (at 9 months), that bag bursts and a liter of hot water (a liquid) suddenly flows out of the vagina (uncontrollably) (Rupture of membranes). This is not passing urine, this means that the baby is about to come out soon!
💬 What is premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)? How dangerous is it?
This usually happens after 37 weeks (9 months). However, for some people, the bag of water suddenly bursts 'before 37 weeks' (before the baby is even born) (Preterm PROM)! This is an extremely fatal condition! The reason for this is that severe germs/bacteria (Infections/UTI) in the vagina cause the bag to rot and rupture. If this happens, a premature baby can be born, and there is a high chance that the baby will die in the womb from severe germs.
💬 What are the essential things to do and 'fatal dangers' when a pregnant mother's water breaks?
It doesn't matter if your water broke at 9 months or not, as soon as you feel the water leaking even a little (with a pad on) you should immediately go to the hospital/labor room within an hour! The biggest and most deadly danger is 'umbilical cord prolapse', where the baby's umbilical cord comes out of the vagina with the water and gets stuck! If that happens, the baby will die inside within seconds, as the oxygen supply will stop, and the doctors will have to perform an immediate cesarean section (C-Section).
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