A baby stays and grows in a fluid-filled sac called amniotic fluid in a mother’s womb. Water breaking or the rupture of the membranes occurs when you are about to go into labor or are already in labor. In simplest terms, your water breaking means your little one is ready to be born.
Ideally, the sac should break after 37 weeks of gestation. If it breaks before that, it’s called preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes (PPROM). You may need to visit the best gynecologist in Thane to prevent complications from PPROM and ensure a smooth labor and delivery experience.
What Causes Water to Break?
PPROM can occur because of placental insufficiency, an infection, or a weak cervix. Here is what commonly causes PPROM:
Infection: The most common cause of early water breaking in pregnancy is an infection. Bacterial Vaginosis or STIs can be the culprit. These infections make your membranes, which surround and protect the baby, weaker and prone to early rupture.
Weak Cervix: A weak cervix might dilate in early pregnancy or before 37 weeks of gestation due to the pressure of the growing fetus. This can rupture your membranes earlier than 37 weeks. You may need to get cervical cerclage (a procedure that uses stitches to close the cervix) if your reports show cervical insufficiency.
Multiple Pregnancies: Women carrying multiples (twins or triplets) are at an increased risk of PPROM. Multiple babies may put extra pressure on your amniotic sac, making the membranes thinner and more likely to rupture early.
Physical Trauma: A severe fall or an accident that puts immense pressure on your abdomen can cause premature rupture of the amniotic sac, although minor bumps don’t usually cause this complication.
Who’s at an Increased Risk
Your risk of having the water bag rupture before labor or early in pregnancy is higher if you:Your risk of having the water bag rupture before labor or early in pregnancy is higher if you:
- Smoke
- Opt for amniocentesis
- Have a history of preterm birth
- Have too much amniotic fluid
- Are underweight
- Have vaginal bleeding in the first or second trimester
Signs Your Water Has Broken
You might notice a sudden gush of watery, pale fluid leaking from your vagina. It may feel like you’ve urinated, but it’s not urine. Some women notice constant leaking of fluid in small volumes. Your underwear might feel wet.
The biggest difference between urine and amniotic sac leakage is that urine stops, but your waters don’t. Besides, the fluid doesn’t have the smell of urine. Colorwise, it can be white or pale yellow. It’s quite watery with a thin consistency, unlike a mucus plug or other forms of vaginal discharge.
What to Do After Your Water Breaks
If you notice the above signs, your waters may have broken. Put on your comfy PJs, pack your hospital bag, and visit your gynecologist as soon as possible. Remember, ruptured membranes can cause complications, especially if they have broken early in pregnancy (before 24 weeks).
Cord prolapse, placental abruption, and pulmonary hypoplasia are some common complications of premature rupture of the membranes. Your doctor may keep you in the hospital for regular monitoring. They may take your pulse, conduct blood tests, and monitor your vital signs regularly. They may also check the baby’s heartbeat frequently.
