Water breaking refers to the onset of labor. It is one of the most important developments in the third trimester of your pregnancy. If you experience an excessive flow of fluid and watch out for your water breaking. Here’s more about the causes of water break and how to take care of yourself.

Water Breaking during Pregnancy

The fetus is surrounded by a membranous fluid-filled sac known as amniotic sac inside the womb. It protects your baby when you’re pregnant. As you approach your full term, this sac ruptures and leads to fluid exuding through the cervix and vagina. It is accompanied by the releases of hormones that start contractions that can be experienced after the water break.

 Causes of Water Break

Here’s why your water breaks during pregnancy:

1. As you approach full term, the amniotic sac spontaneously ruptures after which you enter labor. This causes a slow leak or gush of fluid through the vagina.
2. Sometimes, water may break before full-term, but after 37 weeks. This is known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM). It may happen due to infection to vagina, uterus, or the cervix; extensive stretching of the amniotic sac; or a history of PROM, among other things.
3. Most women who experience PROM go into labor within 24 hours of water break,
4. Sometimes, water may break before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This is known as preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM). This condition occurs in around 3% of pregnancies and is high in people who have a history of STDs; women who have had a previous preterm delivery; and smokers etc.

Once your water breaks, your baby is no longer protected by the amniotic fluid. However, your body continues to produce the fluid to facilitate delivery. Therefore, make sure you see your doctor and get medical help.

 What to do when Water Breaks

Here’s what you should do when your water breaks:

1. Call up your doctor and tell them about your water breaking. Follow their instructions.
2. Keep your vaginal area clean and take other precautions told by your doctor.
3. Wear a maternity pad if the flow is slow, or use a towel if it is gushing. This helps you keep your clothes clean, and collect the sample to show it to your doctor. Your flow may contain more than just amniotic fluid.
4. If the discharge is brownish or greenish in color, it may indicate the baby has passed meconium or its first bowel movement inside the womb.
5. Sometimes, the umbilical cord can get swept into the cervix or the vagina. If you notice a loop of the cord at the vaginal opening, see your doctor immediately.

Water breaking is a common procedure that leads to labor. But if the water is gushing out, you may not know what to do. Seek help from your partner or anyone who’s with you. Ask them to call your doctor and try to keep your calm. If you have any questions, be sure to ask our experts at KIMS Cuddles about them.

 *Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.