Rupture of Membranes

Rupture of membranes does not happen until just before labor, when labor begins or during labor itself. But in some women, about 10% of them, the waters break before labor begins. Often labor follows on its own within 12 hours but some women end up waiting 24 hours before going into proper labor. You may fear that the bag of waters may rupture in public but water breaking usually occurs at home and labor does not follow immediately.

When the water breaks..

• It can be a gush of fluid or a slow trickle. Either way there is a rupture to the membranes. If it is a dribble it is probably only the hind waters that are leaking and the membranes often reseal by themselves.
• Whether it is a gush or a leakage of small amounts of fluid, it is often described as a constant wetness, especially when you stand. This continuous leakage of fluid is a good clue that your bag of waters has broken.
• If it is a gush, check if the fluid is stained or clear. Clear waters indicate your baby is engaged in the pelvis. If it is stained brown or green it could mean baby has emptied meconium (a sign that baby could be in distress) or there is uterine infection.

Must Know

• Many women confuse water breaking with urine leak or copious vaginal discharge, which becomes a tendency during the final trimester. Your doctor will be able to confirm it.
• Once membranes rupture the contractions usually start or become more intense.
• Rupture of membranes at term is more likely if you have had vaginal examinations in the last weeks of pregnancy.
• Water breaking is not indicative of a difficult labor ahead since fresh amniotic fluid is being replenished every 3 hours to keep baby, its cord and the surrounding tissues moist.
• It is essential to be aware of your baby's position at the end of pregnancy because if the membranes rupture it is important to know the position your baby is lying.
• If baby is in breech position or the head is high up, make preparations to go to hospital at the soonest
• If labor is slow taking more than 24 hours from the rupture then risk of infection increases
• Take your temperature to check for infection. A fever is indicative of an infection. Your caregiver should be informed.
  
• Do not place anything into the vagina once the membranes have ruptured, and this includes vaginal examinations – a very good reason to decline such checks so that infections can be prevented.
• Put on a sanitary pad and change it frequently.
• Practice hygiene when visiting the washroom i.e. don't forget to wipe from front to back, away from the vagina.
• Don't starve yourself during the waiting time. Eat carb-rich foods like pasta or baked potatoes for energy. You may not have the urge to eat once labor begins.
• Drink plenty of fluids to replace the amniotic fluid, to keep your energy levels up.