How pregnant women’s water breaks before childbirth: find out how long it takes to give birth

Breaking of water before childbirth: how this process occurs

Throughout pregnancy, amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid) performs not only a nutritional, but also a protective function. Through it, the baby receives the necessary nutrients, it serves as a barrier to infection. The discharge of amniotic fluid indicates the onset of labor. How does this process go, and what should a woman do in this case?

How to detect water leakage

Speaking about the discharge of amniotic fluid during pregnancy, one cannot fail to mention the situation when amniotic fluid leaks. Why does this happen and is this phenomenon dangerous for a woman and her baby?

Leakage most often begins when the amniotic sac ruptures due to thinning of its walls. If the gap is minor, the pregnant woman most likely will not even know what is happening. Amniotic fluid will flow out drop by drop, which can be mistaken for natural vaginal discharge, which with the onset of pregnancy becomes more abundant than before.

How can you suspect something is wrong? It is usually worthwhile to more carefully evaluate the nature of the discharge: if the underwear constantly becomes wet, and the vaginal secretion has become more liquid and watery, this is already a good reason for examination. Moreover, amniotic fluid is easily distinguished from urine by its lack of color and odor.

Natural discharge during pregnancy is stable, and water leaks mainly when the abdominal muscles tense during exercise. To see the difference between the first phenomenon and the second, it is enough to carry out a simple test at home. To do this, you need to take off your underwear and sit quietly for half an hour on a diaper folded in several layers, then check whether it has become wet. Then, having put on clean underwear, you need to do some active activity: for example, perform several exercises from a gymnastics complex for pregnant women or laugh heartily at the characters of your favorite comedy. After half an hour - an hour, the underwear is also checked for moisture level. If the diaper remains dry, but the underwear becomes damp or wet, this most likely indicates a water leak.

To finally confirm your guesses, you need to buy a special test at the pharmacy - it looks like a paper strip treated with a special reagent. The test is soaked in a liquid, which every now and then causes discomfort, and then compared with the results indicated in the instructions.

Amniotic fluid: role and tasks

Amniotic fluid is the optimal environment for the habitat and development of the fetus. They are presented in the form of a biologically active medium, the volume of which increases as the child grows. Thanks to it, the fetus can move freely in the uterus; in addition, amniotic fluid provides optimal temperature conditions (no more than 370 C).

Normally it is colorless or has a slightly pinkish tint. Just before birth, it contains particles of the baby's epidermis, hairs, etc., so it becomes a little cloudy. Changes in the amniotic fluid to a green color indicate the penetration of meconium into it, in which case the baby suffers from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Red color indicates the development of internal bleeding; this condition requires emergency medical attention.

Amniotic fluid contains a huge amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other nutrients. By swallowing it, the baby does not feel hungry, and his body is enriched with the necessary elements.

The concept of norm

The liquid membrane of the fruit comes from several sources. It is partially produced by the epithelial cells of the amniotic membrane. In the 1st trimester, maternal blood plasma takes part in the formation of fluid, which is soaked into the amnion cavity. In the 2nd trimester, they are produced by the fetus itself; they are based on urine and alveolar fluid, which is formed in the lungs.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the waters are yellow, then they gradually lighten, and by the end of the period they become a little cloudy due to vellus hair, epithelial particles and cheese-like lubricant. Amniotic fluid is characterized by a certain composition:

pH 6.98-7.23;
amount of protein 0.8-1.2%
urea 23 mg%;
glucose 22 mg%.

During pregnancy, amniotic fluid is constantly renewed. A 1959 study with labeled isotopes proved that a complete change occurs in 3 hours, and sodium is replaced by new one in 14 hours. But the fluid does not flow out; its renewal occurs due to ingestion by the fetus and outflow through the chorionic and amniotic membranes into the mother’s bloodstream.

The unborn child secretes 300-400 ml of lung fluid and 400-1200 ml of urine per day, and swallows 200 ml at 18 weeks, and up to 500 ml at 40 weeks. The remaining milliliters go through the placenta. Normally, amniotic fluid does not leak out during pregnancy. Leakage of clear fluid indicates a crack in the amniotic sac and requires medical attention.

When does your water break during pregnancy?

The process of water breaking is absolutely individual and occurs at different times for each woman. Normally, it is believed that amniotic fluid is released when the cervix is dilated by 4 cm or more. It is worth noting that labor contractions should already be observed at this time.

Before birth

Often women experience premature rupture of amniotic fluid. This process is not accompanied by labor pains and requires an early visit to the maternity hospital. Delaying the situation leads to irreversible consequences. Bladder rupture starting from the 32nd week of pregnancy is caused by:

injury or fall on the stomach;
increased physical activity;
internal pathologies;
severe stress.

In this case, amniotic fluid is released, but the cervix remains undilated. In such a situation, the woman undergoes an emergency birth.

The waterless period should not last more than 48 hours, otherwise it leads to the death of the child.

A few hours before contractions begin

Normally, the water should recede with the first labor contractions. The first part of the amniotic fluid is released several hours before labor begins. If a woman notices leakage of amniotic fluid, then she should immediately go to the maternity hospital.

Directly at birth

For many women, amniotic fluid comes out after labor begins. This process occurs at the peak of one of the contractions, the walls of the bladder stretch and burst.

The woman does not feel any discomfort, but a stream of amniotic fluid may simply pour out of her. After the amniotic fluid is released, contractions become stronger and the second stage of labor begins.

There is an opinion that it is easier for women to endure childbirth when the bubble bursts just after the start of the first contractions.

There are situations when labor is in full swing, but the bubble has not yet burst. Then a mechanical puncture is carried out with further outpouring of amniotic fluid.

What and how to do to make the water break?

In order for your waters to break during pregnancy, which is already past term, it is recommended to eat spicy foods in small quantities and take long walks in the fresh air.
You should not resort to radical measures; it is enough to consult a doctor who will advise a plan of action in such a situation. Perhaps specialists will independently stimulate labor, which will be the safest option. A procedure for puncturing the amniotic sac - amniotomy - is also used, but only for medical reasons to speed up the process of dilation of the cervix. The main thing is to always know that from the moment the amniotic fluid leaves until birth, the baby can live for a maximum of 12 hours.
In the future, emergency assistance from obstetricians and gynecologists will be needed.

Signs of amniotic fluid leakage

In the third trimester of pregnancy, a woman’s volume of discharge increases; during this period it is very important to distinguish amniotic fluid.
The main cause of leakage of amniotic fluid is considered to be a small hole in the amniotic sac. It is through this that it can be released in small portions or drops. In this case, it is very important not to confuse them with the usual discharge of pregnant women. The main signs of leakage of amniotic fluid include:

severe wetness of underwear or panty liners;
leakage of liquid when changing position;
increased discharge at night.

Only a doctor can determine for sure whether these symptoms are related to leakage of amniotic fluid after examining the patient. Today at the pharmacy you can purchase a rapid test to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid.

What to do when your water breaks?

So your water has broken. What to do first? Calm down your anxiety, pull yourself together and try your best to remain calm. And then follow this simple algorithm:

Call an ambulance.
If the color of the water is brown or red, lie quietly until the doctors arrive, without doing anything. Otherwise, proceed according to the instructions.
Change soiled laundry. Hygienic procedures should not be carried out so as not to disturb the baby - most likely, your cervix is already dilated.
Dress according to the weather.
Collect the documents and things you need at the hospital.
If contractions begin, devote yourself to breathing exercises before the doctors arrive.

It is important for the expectant mother to know how to determine the moment when the waters break - this is a sure sign of impending labor. The most important thing for her in this situation is to contact qualified doctors as soon as possible and not to give in to anxiety.

Complete rupture of water: signs

The most important sign of water breaking is the release of a large amount of fluid from the perineum.
Some women clearly feel cotton inside the abdomen, which is accompanied by further leakage of water. In rare cases, there may be a nagging, paroxysmal pain in the lower abdomen. First, the so-called “anterior” fluid is discharged, thanks to which the baby begins to move along the birth canal. For some women, the bladder ruptures while taking a shower. After the amniotic fluid is released, the contractions intensify and the woman enters the second stage of labor.

Why is a change in quantity dangerous?

How much water is released? Normally this is 500-1000 ml. But sometimes there is a deviation up or down. With a small amount (oligohydramnios), they put less pressure on the lower segment of the uterus and cervix and are not able to carry parts of the fetus with them.

Diagnosed polyhydramnios is dangerous due to the risk of prolapse of umbilical cord loops or parts of the fetal body. When the membranes rupture, the umbilical cord may appear along with the flow from the vagina. If a woman notices such a symptom, she needs to get to the maternity hospital as soon as possible. Otherwise, the fetal head will press the umbilical cord to the pelvic bones and disrupt the blood flow in it. The consequences of this will be acute hypoxia and intrauterine death.

If your water breaks but there are no contractions

In this case, it is necessary to trace the nature of the leaked water. If they have a normal shade, there is no unpleasant odor or other unpleasant signs, then there is no need to worry. Normally, after rupture of the membranes, labor pains occur within 10-12 hours. Therefore, the woman has enough time to calmly get ready and come to the maternity hospital. In the case of multiparous women, this time can be significantly reduced.

After the water breaks, you need to remember that the protective barrier for the child has disappeared and the risk of infection increases. Therefore, it is forbidden to have intimate relations, take a bath, etc. at this time.

If the released amniotic fluid has a greenish or red tint, then you should go to the doctor immediately. This condition indicates the development of a serious pathology.

There are cases when the water breaks, and contractions do not occur for a long time, that is, the woman’s labor is completely absent. Such patients are given artificial stimulation by administering drugs that increase the contraction of the uterine muscles. In severe cases, a caesarean section is performed.

If amniotic fluid leaks at 32-34 weeks of pregnancy, the woman is placed in storage and maintenance therapy is prescribed. This is carried out with the aim of premature birth, since a child born at this stage cannot yet breathe on his own, the risk of death is very high. The patient is prescribed injections of antibacterial drugs that prevent unwanted infection due to premature rupture of amniotic fluid.

What happens after your water breaks?

After the water breaks, the woman’s first contractions appear or those that began before intensify. The intensity of uterine contractions increases noticeably after about a couple of hours. It is very important to monitor the duration of the water-free period, which begins with the breaking of water and ends with the birth of the baby. This time should not exceed 12:00, otherwise it will negatively affect the condition of the fetus. In multiparous women, the anhydrous period lasts less, and intense contractions begin faster.

When to go to the maternity hospital

After the passage of amniotic fluid, the woman has at least 6 hours to get to the maternity hospital. This is all provided that the amniotic fluid is normal. Indications for an emergency visit to the maternity hospital are:

uncharacteristic color and odor of the liquid;
severe pain;
frequent contractions;
earlier rupture of amniotic fluid;
presence of bleeding.

If a woman observes periodic leakage of amniotic fluid, then it is imperative to notify the doctor about this. It is important to remember that without this environment it is very difficult for a child, so prolonging the situation leads to the development of serious complications.

Amniotic fluid is a very important environment for fetal development. They perform a nutritional and protective function. Rupture of the membranes is considered one of the precursors of the onset of labor. Normally, amniotic fluid is colorless or has a slightly pinkish tint. Most often they go away with the onset of the first labor contractions. If the amniotic sac cannot burst on its own, this is done by mechanically puncturing it.

Reasons for the absence of contractions

It also happens that the water breaks, but for some reason there are no contractions. This option is called prenatal rupture of amniotic fluid. After the water breaks before childbirth, the main task of doctors is to establish regular labor.

Prenatal leakage of amniotic fluid

The choice of doctors’ tactics is determined by the degree of maturity of the cervix:

if she is mature, it is necessary to wait for the spontaneous onset of labor in the near future;
if it is immature, it is necessary to accelerate its maturation by special means; as a rule, prostaglandin preparations are used for this purpose;
the water may break early even if the opening of the cervix reaches 3-4 centimeters, this situation is called early discharge of amniotic fluid.

There is no relationship between when the water breaks and how long after labor begins. Everything is determined by the readiness of the woman’s body for labor. That is why it is important to assess the degree of readiness of the cervix when water breaks.

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First signs

To prevent negative consequences during pregnancy, it is advisable that the waters break on time. From a physiological point of view, the process of separation begins after the baby’s head pushes through the anterior wall of the amniotic sac. At the same time, it ruptures and the outpouring of amniotic fluid begins. This process can be recognized by the following features:

The volume of water should be approximately 200 ml, but depending on some characteristics of the woman’s body, it may differ up or down.
It is quite difficult to confuse this process with any other process. According to statistics, this most often happens at night. At the same time, the expectant mother does not feel any additional symptoms; she simply wakes up with wet underwear.
The day before the process of effusion, a woman may feel a slight heaviness in the lower abdomen. Some pregnant women say that they feel like something is bursting inside. But this doesn't always happen.
There are cases when the amniotic sac ruptures at the top. In this case, the amniotic fluid begins to flow out of the vagina in small portions. That is why some mothers have a question about how to know that her water has broken. This process of leakage, from a medical point of view, is considered quite dangerous, due to the fact that it can greatly harm the child. Therefore, if such a symptom is detected, a woman is recommended to immediately seek more help.
The color of the liquid is important for diagnosing the condition of the fetus. If it is transparent and without visible impurities, this indicates the normal condition of the child. With a dark or greenish tint, we can say that the baby does not have enough oxygen.
If there is blood in the water, the woman requires urgent hospitalization, as this condition indicates that placental abruption has occurred.

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Every woman carrying a baby should clearly know how the amniotic fluid is discharged and what to do in such a situation.

Even if there is a slight leakage of water, you need to quickly go to the maternity hospital. This will help prevent various health complications of the fetus.

What should be the amount and color of waste water:

Fluid leakage is the main symptom of water loss. The expectant mother will feel a stream of liquid gushing out of her, which is not similar to urination, since the outpouring begins and ends quite quickly. During this period, a woman may feel that there is a lot of fluid, but often not all comes out at once:

Most of the water immediately in front of the fetus is immediately poured out. Thanks to this, the baby manages to get closer to the exit of the uterus. It will not be possible to indicate a specific amount of liquid, because everything depends on individual characteristics, including the weight of the child and the expectant mother, as well as the characteristics of the body. On average, 800-1000 ml comes out;

secondary outflow of fluid occurs already during childbirth. At this moment, relatively little fluid comes out, about 200 ml, but the woman does not feel this because she experiences stress during childbirth.

At this moment, the girl will feel strong phlegm in the perineal area. In some particularly rare cases, the water breaks slowly, which can cause quite a lot of problems for further labor.

- leaks

Some time before the approximate date of birth or during the onset of contractions, every expectant mother may experience a strange kind of leakage. In rare cases, a situation such as this may occur when the water does not recede in large quantities immediately, but gradually. This often happens when, for some reason, a hole has formed in the amniotic sac, which contains fluid.

The main problem is that often such leaks can be easily confused with incontinence or light discharge. Only a laboratory specialist can accurately determine the true cause.

- color

Amniotic fluid in its normal state should be transparent, without any inclusions or other shades. If green colors are detected, this may indicate that the baby is post-term and there is a risk of a lack of oxygen in the fetal body (hypoxia), which is why, in most cases, a decision is made to perform a caesarean section.

Consequences for the baby

The effect of untimely rupture of amniotic fluid on the baby is ambiguous; much depends on the duration of pregnancy, concomitant pathologies and diseases in the mother and fetus. The risks of negative consequences during full-term pregnancy are significantly lower than in similar situations up to 37 weeks. Increasing the number of hours a baby stays without water in the womb increases the likelihood of the following complications for him:

infections - hence the development of pneumonia, conjunctivitis;
hypoxia - this entails changes in brain structures and hemorrhages in them.

Correct behavior of a woman

Women often panic if they notice leakage of amniotic fluid, especially in premature pregnancies. This only aggravates the situation and increases the period of time before seeking medical help. If a leak is suspected or obvious, do the following:

if there is little discharge, observe for an hour or two (perhaps it is leucorrhoea, which often happens after placing suppositories or against the background of a pessary);
if there is a lot of discharge, go to the maternity hospital as soon as possible.

During transportation, it is better to lie on your left side, and when contractions begin at the same time, breathe correctly.

Towards the end of pregnancy, a woman begins to look forward to the end of the pregnancy period and she will be able to meet her little blood. Even those for whom pregnancy was easy, become tired in the last weeks, suffer from heaviness, active movements of the fetus, and suffer. Therefore, childbirth is expected as a release from all these troubles. But how do you understand that the time of birth of the child is close? This is unmistakably indicated by such a phenomenon as the breaking of water before childbirth.

Contractions without water breaking

What sensations does a woman in labor experience when amniotic fluid breaks?

Shortly before the amniotic fluid is released, a woman may feel discomfort or a slight nagging pain in the lower abdomen. The release of water itself is not accompanied by painful sensations, since the amniotic sac does not have nerve endings. The only thing a woman may notice is that the perineal area, as well as underwear and clothing, become very wet. During a sharp rupture of the membranes, you can hear a soft pop or crack. This is also completely normal.

How much fluid should come out?

The amount of amniotic fluid increases throughout pregnancy. By the time of expected birth, their volume reaches 1-1.5 liters. When the membranes rupture, most often not all the water comes out, but only 150-200 ml of liquid. These are the so-called “anterior” waters, which are located between the cervix and the baby’s head. The remaining liquid may flow out gradually in a thin stream: with movements, coughing, bending, and directly during contractions. In some cases, all the water flows out at once. This resembles a strong flow of fluid that cannot be stopped by squeezing the pelvic floor muscles. After this, painful contractions usually begin.

It should be

Normally, water drains in accordance with the following criteria.

After 37 weeks. In principle, any variant of the discharge of amniotic fluid during a full-term pregnancy is considered a variant of the norm. After all, every woman’s body is individual, so variations are possible. If the integrity of the fetal bladder is broken before this period, this is clear evidence of some pathological process. Most often, such complications occur due to infection, uterine fibroids.
With or without contractions. If the waters pour out after 37 weeks, even in the absence of labor, this is considered a variant of the norm. As a rule, expectant management is carried out - the woman and the fetus are observed for six to eight hours, and CTG is performed (helps to assess the condition of the fetus). During this period, contractions begin in 90% of cases.
Light color. Normally, amniotic fluid should be clear, with a slight white tint. They may contain epithelial scales, which looks like a small suspension. Any deviations are a sign of some pathological processes. The presence of a mucus plug in the waters is allowed.
Without smell . Amniotic fluid is normally odorless, with a slight sour tint.
Moderate amount. At the end of pregnancy, the volume of amniotic fluid is approximately 500 ml. They are divided into two portions - front and rear. The first ones pour out immediately, and the second ones only after the birth of the baby.
They leak all the time. As soon as they appear at least a little in the discharge, they will leak all the time - this is the norm. Usually at first there are only a few of them, then there is a sharp increase (the main amount comes out), and then again a little bit. The exception is a high rupture (tear) of the bubble, when after the initial appearance there may no longer be water within a few days.

Characteristic signs

There are occasional cases when expectant mothers do not pay attention to vaginal discharge and miss the moment of discharge. But usually these changes are difficult to miss. The recommendations are as follows.

Place a lining. If there is any doubt about the nature of the discharge, you should put a rag pad made of white fabric instead of a pad. So both the quantity and color of the discharge will be more clearly visible.
Estimate volume. If amniotic fluid leaks, it’s “not a teaspoon,” but a glass or more.
Take a test. There are special test strips for the presence of amniotic fluid in the discharge; they can be freely purchased at pharmacies.

As can be seen from the table, when amniotic fluid is released, it is easy to distinguish it from standard vaginal discharge.

Table - Differences between amniotic fluid and leucorrhoea and mucus plug

Sign	Water	Beli	Mucus plug
When did they appear	Wasn't there before	Occurred periodically	Wasn't there before
Color	— Transparent with a slight white tint; - in pathology - green, yellow, cloudy	— White or mucous transparent; — viscous like chicken protein	- Transparent or grayish mucous membranes; - sticky; - non-stringent
Quantity	Usually “flows down the legs”	Minor	Minor
Smell	None or sour	Sourish	No
Impurities	Epithelium, vellus hair of the fetus	No	Possible isolated streaks of blood

There are special laboratory methods to determine whether the water has broken. But in most cases, a routine examination is enough for the doctor to understand this. And in addition, an ultrasound shows whether there is still fluid around the fetus.

What does amniotic fluid look like?

You can recognize amniotic fluid by its slightly sweet smell and liquid consistency. Amniotic fluid is transparent, sometimes it may contain all kinds of mucus impurities.

Color of amniotic fluid:

Yellow is considered normal and should not cause concern.
Red is a very alarming signal, indicating bleeding in a woman or baby. When red amniotic fluid is released, the woman is prohibited from moving. Take an upright position, call an ambulance and wait for its arrival.
Green is not normal and often indicates possible oxygen starvation of the fetus.
Brown - the darker the amniotic fluid, the greater the threat to the life of the fetus.