Can your water break without contractions? Yes, you can, and although it may seem like something that has already been seen countless times, it is a fact that can cause some controversy. In this type of case there is usually a protocol to offer the best benefits. Therefore, we will analyze how to act if the woman's water breaks without contractions, and if it is an indication that the baby is already on the way.
Rupture of the amniotic sac It is a natural, painless consequence and can occur due to various circumstances. The pregnant woman feels how the liquid comes out little by little or continuously without being able to remedy such situation. In some cases, contractions accompany this rupture, in other cases, it does not usually occur. What should be done in such a situation?
What does "water break" mean?
“Break waters” is the rupture of the amniotic sac and where amniotic fluid is released. Generally, its rupture is a sign that labor is beginning, but if it happens without contractions and at an unforeseen moment, it is necessary to take into account what to do in such a situation.
Some women feel a little crunch when it breaksothers feel how the water fades little by little. The way the water comes out will depend on the position and head position that the baby exerts on the cervix. If the rupture is accompanied by contractions, then the leakage will be much greater.
Breaking water without contractions
When your water breaks, the sensation is the same as "as if you leak urine"since the liquid is hot. Unlike urine, it is odorless and colorless, also, you cannot control its output, it will come out little by little and not quickly (it is not like the movies). Breaking water without contractions, it is exactly as described, The amniotic fluid will be expelled without feeling pain or contractions.
Evaluate what the liquid is like and other characteristics
- Observe that the liquid is totally transparent or pale yellow and odorless since it is synonymous with being clean. If there are no contractions, you can prepare your toiletry bag and go to the hospital without rushing.
- if the liquid has a green, gray, strong yellow color or has a bad odor, it is necessary to go immediately to the hospital to make an early assessment.
- you have to evaluate What week are you in? If it is before week 37, you must go to the hospital immediately, as premature birth may be occurring.
What happens after your water breaks without contractions?
Breaking your water without contractions is an event that happens, but it happens without an explanation. In fact, 15% of pregnant women can break their water without contractions, but with the indication that labor is going to start in the next 24 hours.
When the water breaks a protocol must be followed since you have to go to the hospital for an early evaluation. The rupture of the membranes must be monitored, as there may be a risk of have a clinical infection (chorioamnionitis or endometritis), a risk that can be dangerous for the mother and fetus.
When going to the hospital you must follow a series of protocols and questions to analyze how labor will begin. Above all, you will wonder what the consistency of the liquid was and how far into the pregnancy you are.
Hospital protocol
As we have already described in the previous lines, labor will begin in the next 24 hours. You must wait for labor to start naturally, if not, doctors will evaluate how to provoke it pharmacologically.
Induce labor within 24 hours of ruptured membranes is synonymous with not increasing the risk of infection, but neither does it mean that it increases the chances that it will happen a cesarean section or instrumental delivery.
Producing labor is introduce a series of medications to activate it. The midwife or gynecologist will assess the state of the cervix, since if it is not favorable (it has not shortened or dilated) will have to mature with prostaglandins. Later, when the cervix is already mature and there is dilation, the oxytocin synthetic to trigger contractions.
All data provided only They are recommendations attached to professional terms, since the final assessment will be carried out professionally by a doctor. It is necessary to assess whether labor can already be induced or whether said rupture has occurred before 37 weeks. If the 37th week has not been reached, antibiotics can be administered to prevent infections until the baby is better developed.