

Premature rupture of membranes is when your waters break before the 37th week of pregnancy. What happens if my waters break early in pregnancy?

You might choose to wear a maternity pad when you go out during your last weeks of pregnancy, just in case your waters break. Because babies’ heads are often in the downward (vertex) position during the last weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s head tends to slow down the flow of fluid to a trickle, especially while you are walking around. What if I’m out in public when my waters break?ĭespite what you may see in movies, it’s rare for waters to break with a dramatic gush in a public place. For about 1 in every 12 pregnancies, the waters will break before labour has begun. For most women, waters will break during the first stage of labour. When will my waters break?Įvery pregnancy is different, and it’s difficult to predict when your waters will break. If the fluid is green this may mean that there is a problem, and you should urgently speak with your doctor, midwife or birthing centre. The fluid that comes from your waters breaking is usually clear but can be yellow or straw coloured. You are unlikely to feel any pain when your waters break, and you may not feel anything at all. One difference to look for is that the fluid will not smell like urine. If it is a slow trickle, it may be difficult to distinguish from urine, so it may feel like you have wet yourself. When your waters break the fluid will either come out as a gush, or as a slow trickle. What can it feel like and what will it look like when my waters break? This is the term your doctor or midwife may use when referring to your waters breaking. This is a normal and healthy part of the later stages of pregnancy, and means that it’s almost time for your baby to be born.Īnother term for waters breaking is ‘rupturing of membranes’. The liquid that comes out is the fluid that has been surrounding and protecting your baby during your pregnancy. 'Waters breaking' refers to when the amniotic sac that holds your baby breaks and amniotic fluid leaks out of your vagina. Related information on Australian websites.Are there any warning signs I should look out for that something is wrong?.How will the midwives or doctors know that my waters have broken?.How soon after my waters break will I give birth?.What happens if my waters break early in pregnancy?.What if I’m out in public when my waters break?.What can it feel like and what will it look like when my waters break?.
