The time of delivery is approaching, doubts about breaking waters appear. The more information on this subject we have, the more calm we will be for that long-awaited moment. Your baby is about to arrive!
On many occasions what we know as breaking waters is what we see in the movies. Myths and clichés get mixed up and we no longer know what is real or not. Let's see the doubts that usually appear about break waters.
What is breaking waters?
It is called breaking waters to the rupture of the sac with amniotic fluid in which the baby floats, which protects it from bumps and infections and keeps it at a comfortable temperature.
It is transparent in color and is constantly renewed during pregnancy. When the amniotic sac breaks, the amniotic fluid comes out of the vagina and is what is known to break water. It can come out suddenly or little by little.
Why does it break?
In the 90% of the cases breaks when the delivery is already in process and some dilation has been reached. A contraction breaks the bag of water. In 10% of cases it can be broken without any type of contraction.
The break does not hurt, only the fluid leakage is noticeable. And a puddle does not usually come out as they usually show in the movies.
How is it different from urine?
Amniotic fluid is more transparent (or light yellow) and dense than urine, colorless, and has a different odor. If we see that the liquid is greenish, yellowish or brown you have to rush to the hospitalas it may indicate that the baby has pooped. This can cause you to lack of oxygen. If it is bloody it is normal, it indicates that the mucous plug has been expelled.
It usually comes out more when lying down, since when standing up the baby blocks the exit of the liquid. It also usually comes out more when coughing or with movements.
Is it necessary to break waters for the birthing process to begin?
Not necessarily. There are women who break it before feeling contractions, others during dilation and others when they are about to give birth. It is not something that always happens before the birthing process.
Is it bad for the baby?
For it to be bad, it would have to run out of liquid and that would require many hours to pass. It would be bad if it is dark in color as we indicated above, then there could be loss of fetal well-being.
At what point in the pregnancy does it occur?
It usually happens around 37 weeks of gestation. On other occasions, it can occur earlier due to injury to the uterus, infection, genetic causes, multiple pregnancies, amniocentesis, or unknown causes.
If the baby is still premature, doctors will try to prolong the pregnancy.
Do you have to go to the hospital?
As it is usually an indicator that labor has begun, you have to go to the hospital to check what moment it is and the baby's condition (there is a risk of infection since it is not protected by the amniotic fluid). If it is transparent, you have to go to the hospital but without being overwhelmed. Once the waters break, the birth must occur within 48 hours.
You will still have time to finish your suitcase and if you want to take a hot shower to relax (never a bath). You can put on a few compresses in case liquid continues to come out. If you have not yet felt contractions until that moment, it is normal that you notice them a few hours later. You can eat and drink something light to recharge for the delivery.
Once in the hospital
Labor will run its course and the doctors will monitor you. If the contractions do not arrive within 24 hours after the rupture of the amniotic sac, labor will be induced with oxytocin since there is a risk of infection. Stay calm, you are in a controlled place and everything will be fine.
Why remember ... the desired moment has arrived but do not be overwhelmed. Enjoy the process and the arrival of your baby.