When a pregnant woman approach her last month of pregnancy, she becomes alert and ready for any sign that labor will commence soon. She watches for contractions, discharges, and every sign that might tell her that her baby will be born any time. When she experiences water breaking, this is a very good sign that delivery is at hand.
What is amniotic fluid?
The water that leaks or gushes out when a woman is nearing her due date comes from the amniotic sac. The water is also called as amniotic fluid or liquor amnii. This liquid helps in nourishing and protecting the developing baby in the mother’s womb. The fluid serves as a shield for the baby against foreign bacteria that may be harmful. The amniotic fluid starts filling the amniotic sac with water chiefly and this happens two weeks after fertilization.
What triggers the water to break?
If you are wondering what triggers the amniotic sac to cause water breaking, there is no definite answer. Experts say that it could be because of the brain signals coming from the fetus. However, it is not that relevant and you should focus on getting ready when your water breaks.
What are the kinds of water breaking?
There are two kinds of water breaking that a woman may encounter. One is the spontaneous rupture of membrane or SROM and the premature rupture of membrane or PROM. SROM happens during the labor at term while PROM occurs when labor is preceded by the rupture. Nevertheless, if a woman’s amniotic sac did not ruptured spontaneously; manual braking of the sac will be required. This is called as artificial rupture of membrane or ARM.
Gush or leak?
When the water breaks, amniotic fluid is discharged. A woman may experience a huge gush of water of a leak which can happen for some time. If you have a fear in having that huge gush, there is nothing to worry. This is very rare and only happens to one out of ten women.
How to know if it is really amniotic fluid?
There are times that urine is mistaken as amniotic fluid. However, if you smell that the fluid smells like ammonia, it is definitely urine. If you really are doubtful, you should consult your doctor or better yet, go to the delivery facility immediately.
How soon will labor begin after the water breaks?
Commonly, after your amniotic sac ruptures, labor will begin within 12 to 24 hours. Don’t worry if your water keeps leaking. Your baby will be fine since you will not run out of amniotic fluid for a while. Your body will continue producing the fluid until you have your delivery.
What should the amniotic fluid look like?
Once you experience water breaking, the amniotic fluid that comes out must be clear or perhaps it can have a tinge of pink in it. If ever you will observe that the fluid is green, brown, or any color you must be checked by your doctor or midwife.
What are the risks?
If you experience spontaneous rupture of membrane, there is a lesser chance that you will have an infection. It will be hard for the bacteria to swim up since it will be fighting against the flow. But, if ever you undergo artificial rupture of membrane, bacterial infection may be introduced. The doctor may tell you to have antibiotics right after ARM or within four hours depending on the obstetrician’s policy preference or the hospital. This is to avoid the infection. Water breaking is a natural occurrence to pregnant women who are in their last part of pregnancy. This is an imminent sign that your developing baby has reached his fullness and ready to greet the you and the world he’ll be living in. there are steps to follow when your amniotic sac ruptures and you should follow them to prevent untoward infections.