What comes first contractions or water breaking

Early signs of going into labor

Time to give birth or a false alarm? Learn the early signs of labor, how to tell if it's true labor or false labor, and what happens when labor starts for real.

In late pregnancy, it's easy to wonder if every symptom you're having is an early signs of labor. Are you having Braxton Hicks or "real" contractions? Is that your mucus plug or normal vaginal discharge?

While every woman's experience is different, learning the typical signs of labor can help you feel more prepared when it does happen. While in the movies women have two contractions and deliver a baby, in the real world labor is typically a longer and unmistakable process.

What is labor?

Labor is the process of delivering your baby – and the placenta – from your uterus through your vagina and into the world. Your body will go through different stages of labor during childbirth, and you'll experience a number of telltale signs of each stage. Within those stages are phases, too.

There are three stages of labor. In the first stage, contractions thin (efface) and open (dilate) your cervix. This stage has two phases, the latent phase, when your cervix is slowly dilating from 0 to 6 cm, and the active phase, when stronger contractions dilate the cervix more rapidly from 6 cm to full dilation at 10 cm.

Once you're fully dilated, the second stage starts as your baby descends into the vaginal canal and is birthed. (You'll be pushing during this stage.)  The third stage starts with your baby's birth and ends with the delivery of the placenta.

Read more about the stages of labor and delivery.

Early signs that indicate labor is near

In the final days or weeks before your due date, you may notice one or more signs that labor is near. Not all women experience all of these signs – again, this is very individual – but if you do feel like your baby has dropped lower, for example, or you have some mucousy discharge or more Braxton Hicks contractions than usual, you may be close to labor day!

Before you get excited about labor starting, remember that many of these signs and symptoms can precede labor by weeks. Rather than predicting that labor is imminent, these can just be symptoms of being pregnant near your due date.

Still, here are some of the early signs that labor may be near:

Baby has dropped

If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as lightening a few weeks before labor starts. Lightening means your baby has "dropped" and now rests lower in your pelvis.

When your baby drops, you might feel less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath. If you experienced heartburn during pregnancy, it might now improve. (On the downside, you may need to pee more often because your baby's pressing on your bladder.)

If this isn't your first baby, however, lightening may not happen until labor begins.

Loss of the mucus plug

If your cervix begins to efface or dilate significantly as you get close to labor, you may pass your mucus plug – the small amount of thickened mucus that has collected within your cervical canal during your pregnancy. If you see mucus, it's likely a sign that you're dilating – but it can still be some time before labor begins.

The mucus plug may come out in a lump all at once or as an increased amount of vaginal discharge over the course of several days – or even weeks. Without the other signs of labor noted below, you don't need to call your doctor or midwife if you pass your mucus plug.

You have some "bloody show"

You may have noticed more vaginal discharge during pregnancy, thanks to your body's increased estrogen. Normal, healthy discharge is usually creamy white or clear, but it may also be tinged brown, pink, or red. Other colors – such as yellow, green, or gray – may signal an infection or other problem.

When your cervix starts to soften, you may notice pink discharge or bright red blood. This is called "bloody show." Sometimes this happens as you lose your mucus plug (the mucus may be tinged with blood) but it can also happen independently.

Having sex or a vaginal exam can also disturb your mucus plug and result in some blood-tinged discharge or bleeding, even when labor isn't necessarily starting any time soon.

Call your provider if you have bleeding heavier than a period, consistent red bleeding that's not slowing or turning brown, or bleeding in combination with abdominal pain.

Cervix has started to efface and dilate

In the days and weeks before delivery, changes in the connective tissue of your cervix make it soften and lead to dilation and effacement (when your cervix thins and opens).

If you've given birth before, your cervix is more likely to dilate a centimeter or more before labor starts. Still, that's no guarantee that labor is imminent.

When you're at or near your due date, your doctor or midwife may do a vaginal exam during a prenatal visit to see whether your cervix has started the process of effacement and dilation. Whether you have this exam is up to you. Cervical exams can be uncomfortable, and they can't predict future labor timing. But exams can be helpful for planning an upcoming induction or for estimating how much time you'll have to get to the hospital if you have a history of fast labors.

Braxton Hicks contractions

You may have experienced Braxton Hicks contractions throughout your pregnancy. If you're having a Braxton Hicks contraction, you'll feel a tightening or squeezing of your uterus, lower abdominal area, or groin. Then it will relax. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and usually not painful. 

More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal that real contractions are coming soon – but not always.

Signs of labor

Labor usually occurs sometime between 38 and 41 weeks. While early signs that labor may be approaching aren't at all clear or dependable, these are reliable signs that you're in real labor:

Contractions

When your uterus contracts, your abdomen feels tight or hard, and you have a sensation of cramping. When the uterus relaxes between contractions, the sensation dissipates. Labor contractions will grow stronger, longer, and more frequent as they cause your cervix to dilate. True labor contractions are too painful to talk through, and they may bring tears to your eyes. Find out more about what contractions feel like according to moms.

You'll want to start timing your contractions – how far apart they are and how long they last. (Time contractions starting from the beginning of one until the beginning of the next.) Your doctor or midwife probably gave you directions about when to come in based on the timing of the contractions. If not, give them a call and ask. These videos explain more about how contractions feel and how to time contractions.

Back pain

If you're having lower back pain along with contractions, it may be a signal that you're having back labor. The pain from back labor continues between contractions, though it may get stronger during contractions.

Back pain usually means that your baby's head is pressing against your lower back, though one theory suggests that the pain may be "referred" from your uterus to your lower back.

Your water breaks

When the fluid-filled amniotic sac surrounding your baby ruptures, fluid leaks from your vagina. It may come out in a large gush or a small trickle, or anything in between. If you're not sure whether your water broke, call your doctor or midwife to discuss your symptoms.

Labor usually follows soon after your water breaks – regular contractions often start before this, but in some cases, the water breaks first.

If your water breaks when you're full term but you're not in labor (not having contractions), it's called premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

If you don't start having contractions on your own within six to 24 hours of your water breaking, your provider will most likely recommend that labor be induced. That's because your baby is more likely to get an infection without the amniotic sac's protection against germs. Most providers will offer you an immediate induction but give you the option to postpone if you want to give labor a chance to start on its own.

If you're leaking amniotic fluid before 37 weeks, it's called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and it may mean your baby will be delivered prematurely due to the increased risk of infection.

Whenever your water breaks, call your doctor or midwife. (Call them even if you think your water broke but aren't sure.)

Regardless of contractions, if you're group B strep positive you'll need to start on antibiotics as soon as your water breaks to prevent an infection in your baby.

What is preterm labor?

Labor usually starts between week 37 and week 42 of pregnancy. If you start having regular contractions that cause your cervix to begin to open before you reach 37 weeks of pregnancy, you're in preterm labor. (It's also known as premature labor.)

It can be difficult to tell whether you're having preterm labor or not, because some of the symptoms (like Braxton Hicks and low back pain) may be things you've experienced throughout your pregnancy.

Still, call your doctor or midwife right away if you're having any of the following symptoms before 37 weeks:

• More vaginal discharge than usual
• A change in the type of discharge – if you're leaking watery fluid or your discharge becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody (even if it's pink or just tinged with blood)
• Any vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Abdominal pain, menstrual-like cramping, or six or more contractions in one hour (even if they don't hurt)
• More pressure in the pelvic area (a feeling that your baby is pushing down)
• Low back pain, especially if it's dull or rhythmic, or you didn't previously have back pain
• Your water breaks, either in a gush or a trickle

If you are – or might be – in preterm labor, your doctor or midwife may give you medications to help your baby's lungs mature, and to protect their brain. You may also receive medicine to stop or slow early contractions. Getting these medications early can improve outcomes for your baby, so be sure to call if you think you may be in preterm labor.

Am I in labor?

It can be hard to tell at first. But the frequency, length, intensity, and location of your contractions can help you figure out whether you're in true labor or are having Braxton Hicks contractions. How changing positions, walking, and rest affect your contractions provide more clues. Additionally, if you notice any bloody show with your contractions, they're probably true labor contractions.

This chart outlines differences between true and false labor contractions.

No matter how well informed you are about the signs of labor, it's normal to have a false alarm. Don't be embarrassed about calling your doctor – or showing up at the hospital – because you think you're in labor when you're not.

If you're assessed at the hospital and sent home because you're not in labor yet, your care team will give you specific instructions about changes to look for in the next few days or weeks and when to call or come back.

When to go to the hospital for labor

Toward the end of your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will most likely give you clear guidelines about when to let them know that you're having contractions, and when you should grab your hospital bag and head to the hospital or birth center.

Your instructions will depend on your individual situation – such as whether you have a high-risk pregnancy or other complications, if this is your first baby, if you're planning a cesarean delivery, and how far you live from the hospital or birth center.

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, they'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, occur every five minutes for about an hour, and are very uncomfortable.

If you're unsure whether it's time, go ahead and call. Doctors and midwives are used to getting calls from women for guidance about whether they're in labor.

When you call, your doctor or midwife will get some clues about your condition from the sound of your voice. They'll want to know:

• How close together your contractions are
• How long each one lasts
• How strong they are (like whether you can continue talking through a contraction)
• If you think your water has broken
• If you're having vaginal bleeding
• If you're feeling the baby move normally

Your provider will also take your obstetric history into account. What number baby is this for you? Did you have fast labors in the past? Have you had a c-section and are you planning to have one this pregnancy? Are you group B strep positive or negative?

• You have signs of labor and have been having pregnancy complications
• You have early signs of labor before 37 weeks
• Your water breaks and you notice meconium in your amniotic fluid (it looks greenish or is streaked with green, brown, or yellow). This may be a sign that your baby is under stress.
• You notice that your baby is less active.
• You have vaginal bleeding, constant and severe abdominal pain, or a fever. These may be signs of a  problem with the placenta, such as placental abruption, or an intrauterine infection.
• You have symptoms of preeclampsia (a very serious blood pressure disorder) such as abnormal swelling, severe or persistent headaches, vision changes, intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or difficulty breathing.

If your water breaks, call your provider. They may have you wait at home until you also have regular contractions or a certain amount of time has passed, or they may want you to head to the hospital. (If you tested positive for group B streptococcus, for example, your provider will want you to go to the hospital as soon as your water breaks so you can start taking antibiotics.)

Learn more:

• Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore
• Labor positions

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Signs that labour has begun

Know the signs

There are several signs that labour might be starting, including:

• contractions or tightenings
• a "show", when the plug of mucus from your cervix (entrance to your womb, or uterus) comes away
• backache
• an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby's head pressing on your bowel
• your waters breaking

The early (latent) stage of labour can take some time.

Urgent advice: Call your midwife or maternity unit if:

• your waters break
• you have vaginal bleeding
• your baby is moving less than usual
• you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you might be in labour

These signs mean you need to see a midwife or doctor.

Latent phase of labour

The start of labour is called the latent phase. This is when your cervix becomes soft and thin, and starts opening for your baby to be born. This can take hours or sometimes days.

You'll probably be advised to stay at home during this time. If you go to the hospital or maternity unit, they may suggest you go back home.

Find out more about the stages of labour and what you can do at home during the latent phase.

Call your midwife if you're unsure or worried about anything.

What do contractions feel like

When you have a contraction, your womb tightens and then relaxes. For some people, contractions may feel like extreme period pains. 

You may have had contractions during your pregnancy, particularly towards the end. These tightenings are called Braxton Hicks contractions and are usually painless.

Your contractions tend to become longer, stronger and more frequent as your labour progresses. During a contraction, the muscles tighten and the pain increases. If you put your hand on your abdomen, you'll feel it getting harder; when the muscles relax, the pain fades and you will feel the hardness ease.

The contractions are pushing your baby down and opening the entrance to your womb (the cervix), ready for your baby to go through.

Your midwife will probably advise you to stay at home until your contractions become frequent. 

Call your midwife or maternity unit for guidance when your contractions are in a regular pattern and:

• last at least 60 seconds
• come every 5 minutes or
• you think you are in labour

Read more information on when to go to hospital

Backache often comes on in labour

You may get backache or a heavy, aching feeling.

A "show" can signal the start of labour

During pregnancy, there's a plug of mucus in your cervix. This mucus comes away just before labour starts, or when in early labour, and it may pass out of your vagina. This sticky, jelly-like pink mucus is called a show.

It may come away in 1 blob or in several pieces. It's pink because it contains a small amount of blood.

If you're losing more blood, it may be a sign something is wrong, so phone your hospital or midwife straight away.

A show indicates that the cervix is starting to open. Labour may quickly follow or may take a few days. Sometimes there is no show.

What happens when my waters break

It's likely your waters will break during labour, but it can also happen before labour starts.

Your baby develops and grows inside a bag of fluid called the amniotic sac. When it's time for your baby to be born, the sac usually breaks and the amniotic fluid drains out through your vagina. This is your waters breaking. Sometimes when you're in labour, a midwife or doctor may offer to break your waters.

If your waters break naturally, you may feel a slow trickle or a sudden gush of water you cannot control. To prepare for this, you could keep a sanitary towel (but not a tampon) handy if you're going out, and put a protective sheet on your bed.

Amniotic fluid is clear and pale. Sometimes it's difficult to tell amniotic fluid from urine. When your waters break, the water may be a little bloodstained to begin with.

Tell your midwife immediately if:

• the waters are smelly or coloured
• you're losing blood

This could mean you and your baby need urgent attention.

If your waters break before labour starts, call your midwife. Use a sanitary pad (not a tampon) so your midwife can check the colour of the waters.

If labour does not start after your waters break

It's usual to go into labour within 24 hours of the waters breaking. You'll be offered an induction if you do not because, without amniotic fluid, there's an increased risk of infection for your baby.

Until your induction, or if you choose to wait for labour to start naturally, tell your midwife immediately if:

• your baby moves less than usual
• there's any change in the colour or smell of any fluid coming from your vagina

You should take your temperature every 4 hours when you're awake, and tell your midwife if it's raised. A raised temperature is usually above 37.5C, but you may need to call before this – check with your midwife.

There's no evidence that having a bath or shower after your waters have broken increases your risk of infection, but having sex might.

How to cope when labour begins

At the beginning of labour, you can:

• walk or move about, if you feel like it
• drink fluids – you may find sports (isotonic) drinks help keep your energy levels up
• have a snack, if you feel like it
• try any relaxation and breathing exercises you've learned to deal with contractions as they get stronger and more painful – your birth partner can help by doing these with you
• have your birth partner rub your back – this can help relieve pain
• take paracetamol according to the instructions on the packet – paracetamol is safe to take in labour
• have a warm bath

Find out what happens during labour and birth, and what you can do for pain relief in the early stages of labour.

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Video: How will I know I am in labour?

In this video, a midwife describes the signs that mean labour may be starting.

Media last reviewed: 1 November 2019
Media review due: 1 November 2022

How does the water break in pregnant women before childbirth: sensations, signs, quantity

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Contents:

1. What waters are leaving?
   • Why does the water break in pregnant women?
   • How much water is released?
   • What color is the water in pregnant women?
   • How much water do pregnant women leave?
   • When does the water break - before contractions or after they start?
   • What does it mean if the water broke, and the pregnant woman has no contractions, is this normal?

Everyone knows: if a woman's waters break, then the nine-month pregnancy marathon has reached the finish line and very soon a newly-made mother will be able to press the baby to her breast for the first time. However, this process raises many questions even among multiparous, and especially among primiparous. Let's figure it all out.

Is everything in your house ready for the baby to arrive? Take this simple and short quiz to find out.

This question can be answered briefly: amniotic. In more detail, from the second week of intrauterine development, a fetal bladder forms around the embryo, which eventually occupies the entire volume of the uterus. It is filled with amniotic fluid, which is often called amniotic fluid. Thus, almost from the very moment of conception, the baby swims in an airtight bubble, which serves as an insurmountable barrier to most of the harmful substances and microorganisms that have entered the mother's blood.

When the time of birth comes, the membranes rupture, freeing the baby the way to the big world. This is what the phrase “water breaks” means: in pregnant women, the fetal bladder bursts, and the amniotic fluid flows out of it. At the same time, the woman does not experience any special sensations.

How to understand that labor is starting? Read here.

Why do pregnant women break water?

Because the membranes and amniotic fluid are no longer needed. They protected the baby throughout the pregnancy, but now their work is done. The fetal bladder is subject to natural aging, and its "lifetime" is adjusted so that its tissues become thinner and disperse just before childbirth.

How much water is released?

By the time of planned delivery, the baby occupies almost the entire space of the uterus, and there is little room for amniotic fluid. The total volume of amniotic fluid in the later stages is the same for primiparous and multiparous and usually ranges from half a liter to a liter. This is the maximum, but most likely, the amount of water that has broken will be less. Labor has already begun, which means that soon the cork will block the cervix - the baby's head will rest against it. Fully amniotic fluid will be able to flow out only when the doctors remove the baby into the world.

It also happens that the fetal bladder is not completely destroyed or does not break at all. In the first case, the baby is born with a part of the bladder (and amniotic fluid in it) put on the head and, sometimes, capturing the shoulders, upper body. In the second, doctors take a child from the mother in an "aquarium", inside which all the amniotic fluid is splashing to the last drop.

This amazing situation is described in books on obstetrics under the Latin name Caputgaleatum (translated into Russian - "head in a helmet") and occurs in one birth in 80 thousand, and birth in "full armor" is more often noted in premature births. In the Middle Ages, this was considered a good sign, a sign that the child would be lucky all his life, and traces of these signs are still preserved in many languages. For example, to designate a lucky person, the Poles have the idiom "born in a cap", while the Italians and Russians - "born in a shirt. " And these popular expressions did not appear out of nowhere.

What color is the water of pregnant women?

Amniotic fluid is synthesized from maternal blood plasma and consists of water with a small amount of dissolved electrolytes, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Like any bathing area, it also contains some baby skin, hair, and urine. However, the amniotic fluid is still quite clean - it is updated every three hours.

Here is the answer to the question of what the departed water looks like in pregnant women: it is a clear liquid "without any special signs" - normally it has no aroma and color, except perhaps a very slight yellowish tint. If the waters are tinted red, brown or green, if you smell a distinct unpleasant odor from them, be sure to tell your doctor!

How much water do pregnant women have?

In the movie, the membranes burst at the speed of a water balloon hidden in the clothes of an actress playing a pregnant woman. As a result, in feature films, amniotic fluid is poured out profusely and almost instantly. In life, this also happens, but it happens in a different way.

Sometimes the waters drain slowly, in a very small trickle or even in drops, and the process can proceed (in every sense of the word) for quite a long time and without any sensations. How to find out that in this case the waters of the pregnant woman have already broken? How long do you have to wait until they run out completely? Don't even ask such questions. If you observe that a clear liquid has begun to flow, and this does not stop, urgently call the doctor, then grab your "mom's suitcase" and go to the hospital.

How to overcome the fear of the first birth - read here.

When does the water break - before contractions or after they start?

Both options are possible. In both primiparous and recurrent births, any of these events is considered a sign of the onset of labor, and sometimes they occur at the same time. As soon as the amniotic fluid of the pregnant woman leaves, you need to urgently go to the hospital, even if there are no contractions yet. And vice versa: if contractions have begun, you should not wait for the water to break!

What, then, if the waters broke, and the pregnant woman has no contractions, is this normal?

In most cases, yes. This is just a feature of pregnancy, which occurs in both primiparous and multiparous, and contractions will not keep you waiting. However, in about 8% of births at term and in 30% of births before the 37th week, premature destruction of the membranes occurs, after which contractions do not begin even after a few hours. This is a rather risky situation for the baby, and it cannot be ignored. Starting from the 34th week, doctors usually decide to induce labor - now it is more dangerous for the child to stay in the mother's stomach than to be outside. At earlier terms, observation of the pregnant woman in the hospital and some procedures that reduce the risk of complications for the fetus are recommended.

Premature discharge can be profuse or slow, and often almost imperceptible, when the amniotic fluid leaks a little from a tiny hole in the fetal bladder, but even in the latter case it remains dangerous. How to understand that the waters of pregnant women break in such a situation? If a rupture of the membranes is suspected, if a woman notices leakage of fluid from the vagina, doctors perform diagnostics, in particular with the use of nitrazine. This substance is a pH indicator with a special sensitivity range: it does not react to the usual acidic vaginal secretions, but turns blue when reacting with neutral amniotic fluid.

You can also conduct such a test on your own - pharmacies sell nitrazine test strips, as well as nitrazine-impregnated pads and tampons. If you see a positive result, call your doctor immediately!

Read us on Yandex Zen

Amniotic fluid - from A to Z

Everything in the body of a pregnant woman is arranged in order to safely bear and give birth to a child. For example, amniotic fluid is an amazing environment in which the baby lives all nine months of pregnancy and which helps him to be born softly and comfortably.

Water cycle

Where does amniotic fluid come from? Let's start with the fact that a child swims in the uterus for a reason: around him, like around an astronaut, there is a kind of spacesuit - special membranes, they are called: fetal membranes. Together with the placenta, they form the fetal bladder, which is filled with amniotic fluid. At the very beginning of pregnancy, it is the cells of the fetal bladder that produce amniotic fluid. In the later stages, amniotic fluid is additionally produced by the baby's kidneys. The baby first swallows water, they are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and then they leave the body with urine back into the fetal bladder. Approximately every three hours, the fluid in the sac is completely renewed. That is, "waste" waters come out, and new ones take their place - completely renewed. And this water cycle continues for 40 weeks.

Why water is needed

It would seem that man is a land creature, and he cannot breathe for a long time, and simply cannot be under water. So why is the baby in the water during pregnancy? It's very simple: for the development of a child at any stage of life, a harmonious environment is needed. And water is great for this. It softens the effect of the law of universal gravitation, too loud noises of our world do not reach through the water. And the amniotic fluid is always the same temperature, which means that the child will not overheat or become cold, even if the mother suffers from heat or, conversely, freezes from the cold. Together with the walls of the uterus and the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, water reliably protects the child from bumps, pushes or excessive pressure, which are always present in our everyday life. Naturally, this does not mean that during pregnancy you can fall off a bicycle or go skiing, no, it is still dangerous. But there is no need to be afraid that, once again bending or turning the body, the woman will pinch something there and pass it on to the child.

But what about breathing, the baby will not choke in the water? Of course. the child in the mother's stomach breathes, but not yet with lungs - oxygen is supplied to it through the placenta. And only after birth and the first cry, the lungs will straighten out and the baby will take their first real breath with them. In the meantime, he just periodically swallows amniotic fluid, but it cannot get into the lungs.

By the way, even in childbirth you can’t do without water - during contractions, the baby’s head presses on the cervix and helps it open up. But the waters located in the fetal bladder in front of the baby's head soften this pressure and the cervix opens more smoothly.

So everything is thought out in the body of a pregnant woman, and water is perfect for the life of a future baby.

Quantity and quality

With each ultrasound of the baby , the doctor also evaluates the amniotic fluid: their quantity, transparency, the presence of extraneous suspension.

Quantity. If there is less or more water than it should be within a certain period, then perhaps something is wrong in the woman's body. But fortunately, this is rare, but the conclusion "moderate oligohydramnios" after an ultrasound examination occurs all the time. The expectant mother always worries about this diagnosis, but it usually means that the amount of amniotic fluid has decreased slightly. If additional examinations (CTG, dopplerography) show that everything is in order with the baby, then there is nothing wrong with moderate oligohydramnios, perhaps this is such a feature of the course of pregnancy.

Quality. Normally, amniotic fluid is clear, like water. By the end of pregnancy, they sometimes become a little cloudy due to the fact that epidermal cells from the baby’s skin, particles of the original lubricant get into them - they give a small suspension in the waters, which can be seen on ultrasound. This is also a variation of the norm.

Final stage

All expectant mothers have heard about the fact that at some point in childbirth or right in front of them, amniotic fluid is poured out. And naturally, pregnant women have the same questions: how and when does this happen? what will i feel? what to do after the water breaks? Everything is simple here.

When the waters break. Ideally, the waters flow out during the first stage of labor, when the cervix is ​​fully or almost fully dilated. The fetal bladder becomes thinner and breaks during contraction. Immediately after this, the contractions intensify significantly, and the birth of a child is just around the corner. But the waters can break even before the start of contractions, so to speak, "out of the blue." This moment is called premature outpouring of waters. If there are contractions, but the cervix is ​​not yet ready, then such an outpouring of water is called early .

How the waters break. Amniotic fluid is poured out in different ways. They can, like in feature films - suddenly, in a public place, the expectant mother starts to have water flowing down her legs. Yes, this happens, but still, the drama of the situation in the cinema is somewhat exaggerated. Amniotic fluid does not always flow in a strong stream, very often not all waters come out, but only the so-called front , that is, those that are located in front of the baby's head, and they are usually 100-200 ml. The rest of the amniotic fluid - back water - is poured out after the birth of the child.

So usually the expectant mother feels that her underwear has suddenly become very wet. or she thinks she has had involuntary urination. But there may be such an option: the fetal bladder did not burst completely, but only torn somewhere and the water leaves in small portions. Then the woman will only feel that the discharge has become more abundant and watery than before. This is called amniotic fluid leakage.

What to do after the water breaks. It does not matter whether there are contractions or not, a lot of water has broken or just a little bit - all this is a reason for to immediately go to the maternity hospital . There is nothing to be afraid of here: today it is believed that the safe waterless period is no longer 6 hours as before, but much longer. But, nevertheless, if the waters have poured out, the mother needs to be under the constant supervision of doctors.

Pregnancy fears

Expectant mothers are often worried, and various horror stories from the Internet and stories of good friends only increase anxiety. What usually worries a woman when it comes to amniotic fluid?

The fetal bladder will burst (tear) ahead of time, but I won't notice it. Usually this fear appears at the end of pregnancy, when the amount of vaginal discharge increases under the influence of hormones. Often there are so many of them and they are so plentiful that it seems to a woman that her water is leaking. In fact, water and discharge can be distinguished: the discharge is mucous, denser or thicker, leaving a characteristic white color or a dried spot on the linen. The amniotic fluid is still water, it is not viscous, does not stretch like discharge, and dries on the linen without a characteristic trace. But if doubts remain, is it water or just liquid vaginal discharge, you should not sit at home and be afraid. It is better to go to the doctor for a consultation - he will certainly see what it is. If the situation repeats, then you can buy a special test at the pharmacy that shows whether there is water leakage or not (it can be in the form of a regular strip, similar to a pregnancy test, or even in the form of a special pad).

In childbirth, all women have their fetal bladder pierced, and what if they do it to me too?
The opening of the fetal bladder is very actively discussed and condemned on the Internet, and this is understandable: many women do not understand why they did it. Yes, this manipulation is indeed carried out often, but rumors that the fetal bladder is opened in maternity hospitals for everyone in a row are somewhat exaggerated. So why are they opening it anyway? Ideally, just to help mother and child.

- For example, if the contractions are weakened, then opening the amniotic sac can intensify them and then there is no need to prescribe stimulation with the help of oxytocin.

- Sometimes the fetal bladder does not have anterior waters, such a bladder is called flat. As a result, its membranes are stretched over the child's head, and the bubble not only does not help normal labor, but also delays it.

- Rarely, but it happens that the fetal membranes are so dense that even when the cervix is ​​fully opened, the bubble itself does not open. If it is not opened, then the straining period is delayed, since such a fetal bladder interferes with the advancement of the baby's head. Previously, if the bladder was not opened, the child could be born in fetal membranes in a state of asphyxia. They said about such children: "Born in a shirt, he will be happy!" And happiness here is in one thing - they managed to get him out of this "shirt" alive.

After birth, the child no longer needs the aquatic environment. Now he has a different type of breathing, circulation, digestion. And a new, amazing and interesting life on land begins.

Mom's Guide

1. Water can break during or without contractions ("out of the blue").
2. Amniotic fluid pours out in different ways: it can gush like a fountain, or it can leak imperceptibly.
3. It doesn’t matter if there are contractions or not, a lot of water has broken or just a little bit, you need to go to the maternity hospital in any case.
4. If you are afraid that water is leaking, go to the doctor, he will see exactly what it is. You can buy a special test for water leakage.
5. Are you offered to open the fetal bladder? Do not worry - this is a completely painless manipulation.

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