Rupture of membranes or the so-called “water breaking”: How it happens and what to do

One of the most anticipated moments during pregnancy is the water breaking. For many moms, this event marks the beginning of labour and the approaching moment when you will finally meet your baby.

Many moms often ask me if the water breaking means that labour is near. But how does the water actually break, and what should you do when it happens? In this article I will answer these questions to help you prepare for it.

What is water breaking?

During pregnancy, your baby is surrounded and protected inside the amniotic sac, a bag of fluid formed by two membranes, the amnion and chorion. This fluid has several functions: it protects the baby from impacts, infections, and allows it to grow in a safe and protected environment. As labour approaches, these membranes may rupture, releasing the amniotic fluid: this is what is commonly referred to as “water breaking.”

How do the waters break?

Rupture of the waters, or rupture of the amniotic sac, can occur suddenly with an evident leakage of fluid. When your waters break you can feel like a mild pop, followed by a gush of colourless and odourless fluid, or it may happen more gradually, with a trickle of fluid. Every woman can experience it differently. 

You may not notice the actual breaking. In that case, the only sign that your waters have broken will be the trickle of fluid. Or you might feel some dampness or wetness in your knickers. 

This is how sometimes different people explain the experience to me:

“It felt like I might have wet myself, and it definitely wasn’t a gush like it is when it happens in films. In fact, I wasn’t even sure my waters had broken”

Sometimes, the water breaks without any warning, while other times it may be accompanied by contractions that have already started.

There are two main types of water breaking:

1. Spontaneous rupture of membranes: This occurs naturally, usually during labour, but it can also happen before the onset of contractions.
2. Artificial rupture of membranes: In some cases, if labour is not progressing as expected, the midwife or obstetrician may decide to artificially break the amniotic sac to stimulate labour.

Sometimes, the rupture isn’t as obvious: you might notice only a few drops and not be sure whether it is amniotic fluid, a little urine (common in the last weeks of pregnancy), or increased vaginal discharge, which is also common. In this case, it’s referred to as a “high rupture of membranes”. If you have a private midwife to refer to, you can call her and she will come to check, otherwise, you can go to the hospital of your choice so that they can check and confirm if the rupture has occurred. (If you still haven’t chosen a hospital read the guide to choosing the right hospital for you)

What to do when the water breaks?

If you feel or notice that your water has broken, it’s important to stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Assess the colour of the fluid: The amniotic fluid should be clear. If you notice that it’s greenish or brown, it could be a sign that the baby has passed meconium (the first stool) and requires a hospital check-up as soon as possible. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an emergency, but it does require closer monitoring. Sometimes, there might be traces of blood due to changes in the cervix. The presence of bright red blood during pregnancy is always a symptom that requires attention.
2. Take note of the time: Knowing what time the rupture occurred is important, as the risk of infection increases if too many hours pass without labour starting. Many moms often ask, “will my baby be left without water?” No, in physiological conditions, the amniotic fluid is abundant and usually continues to leak until delivery.
3. Monitor contractions: If they have not started yet, they will likely begin within a few hours after the water breaks. Prepare your hospital bag if you haven’t already, and stay in touch with your midwife or obstetrician to monitor how things are progressing. If you can’t reach them, it’s usually recommended to go to the hospital for a general check-up, but there’s no need to rush if you don’t notice any warning signs (keep reading). You can take a shower, get ready, and head to the hospital calmly.

Don’t panic: Water breaking doesn’t necessarily mean that labour will start immediately. It may take hours before contractions intensify and become regular.

When should you go to the hospital?

There are some situations when you should go to the hospital as soon as possible:

• If the fluid is dark or greenish.
• If the baby is not moving as before.
• If the water breaks before 37 weeks (this is called premature rupture of membranes).
• If you notice a heavy blood flow.
• If you have fever.

What happens if the waters don’t break?

Not all women experience water breaking before labour. In most cases, the amniotic sac remains intact until labour has progressed, and in other cases, it may break only during the pushing phase. This is perfectly normal and even provides extra protection for the baby. In other rare cases, the membranes remain intact even after birth, and these babies are called “born with a silver spoon in his mouth,” which is considered a sign of good luck due to the rarity of this event.

The journey to meeting your baby

Water breaking is a special moment during pregnancy and often marks the beginning of the big event: childbirth. Being informed and knowing what to do when it happens can help you stay calm and experience this moment with serenity. Every pregnancy is unique, so it’s always important to follow the advice of your midwife or doctor.

Remember this key point: Water breaking doesn’t necessarily mean that labour has started, especially if it happens before the onset of contractions.

If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for support: feeling safe and supported is essential during this wonderful journey!