WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Water Breaking: Signs and Symptoms

Water Breaking: Signs and Symptoms
One of the exciting signs that labor may be approaching is when your water breaks.
This occurs when the amniotic sac surrounding your baby ruptures, and the amniotic fluid starts to leak or gush out.
Recognizing the signs of your water breaking is essential so you can take appropriate action and prepare for the upcoming birth.
Let's explore how to recognize water breaking and what to do when it happens.
What Does Water Breaking Feel Like?
The experience of water breaking can vary from woman to woman.
For some, it may feel like a sudden gush of fluid, while for others, it may be a slow trickle.
It's essential to distinguish water breaking from other types of vaginal discharge or urinary leakage.
Signs of Water Breaking
  • Gush or Trickle of Fluid: The most common sign is a sudden gush or steady trickle of fluid from the vagina. The fluid is typically clear and odorless, but it can also be slightly pink or tinged with blood.
  • Continuous Leakage: If the amniotic sac fully ruptures, the fluid may continue to leak as you move and change positions.
  • Contractions: Water breaking is often accompanied by contractions, which may start soon after or within a few hours.
What to Do if Your Water Breaks
  • Stay Calm: While it can be surprising, try to stay calm and remember that this is a normal part of the birthing process.
  • Take Note of the Time and Appearance: Pay attention to when your water breaks and the color and amount of fluid. Inform your healthcare provider about these details.
  • Use a Pad or Towel: Wear a pad or place a towel between your legs to absorb the fluid while you make your way to the hospital or birthing center.
  • Avoid Vaginal Exams: Once your water breaks, avoid inserting anything into your vagina, as it can increase the risk of infection.
  • Inform Your Healthcare Provider: Contact your healthcare provider immediately to let them know that your water has broken. They will provide guidance on what to do next based on your individual circumstances.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While water breaking is a natural part of labor, certain situations require immediate medical attention. Seek medical help right away if:
  • The Fluid is Green or Brown: This can indicate meconium in the amniotic fluid, which may be a sign of potential distress in the baby.
  • There's a Foul Odor: A strong, unpleasant odor can indicate an infection.
  • You Experience Severe Pain or Bleeding: Severe pain or bleeding may require urgent evaluation by a healthcare professional.
All I Need to Know
C
Claudia
5 Jan 2024

So for the last 30min I have been leaking fluid and I'm not sure if it's my water slowly breaking or amniotic fluid... no contractions yet.. 38wks and 5days...

7 comments
J
Jazmine
Did you go in?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

A
Ashlee
19 Dec 2023

3 days until my son's due date, what are some symptoms to keep an eye open for?? Other than the mucus plug, bloody show, water breaking, etc??

3 comments
🍹
🍹Jenni
Full on contractions!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Ashlee
already feeling the lightening crotch, my god so uncomfortable lol
27 Mar 2024

Answer


H
Haley
9 Nov 2023

Getting induced tomorrow, they most likely will start by just breaking my water since I’m already 4cm and 70% effaced. Does getting your water broken hurt? Comparable to a membrane sweep or worse?

2 comments
K
Keisha
No it doesn't hurt you just gonna feel like you peed on yourself😂😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Meagan Elizabeth
My first child they broke my water and it was pretty uncomfortable the second child I got pitocin to induce labor and it broke on its own and was alot better. So it just depends on how they do it.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Katie
5 Nov 2023

Okay mom's I have a question I go pee and I can't stop peeing I think I'm done peeing and then I have to go again and again does that mean my water breaking and my underwear is soaked too please help me

5 comments
M
Mickey
Hmm 🤔 when your water breaks you’ll know it’s it’s like constantly following and warm idk how to explain it but if you start getting contractions after then it definitely broke
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Katie
okay ty
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jasmine
6 Apr 2023

The fact that I got woken up to bad ass heartburn & random diarrhea and not contractions and my water breaking is truly beyond me 😂😂😭

2 comments
🫧
🫧✨🍼PrettyAssMamaof3🍼✨🫧
Saaaaaaaaame I even got excited cause I had a wet spot lol 😂 like god damn just a moist coochie lmao
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Mineka
Its sholl messing with me o cant do nun up here on firee
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Adrianna
7 Mar 2023

Soooo I’m 11 days away from my due date… what signs did y’all get before you went into labor ???? I’m working still n just want a heads up bc my biggest fear is my water breaking at work 😭😭😭

3 comments
R
Rakenya
I had no signs with my first I layed dwn all day an wen I got up to go to the kitchen I was leaking uncontrollably which was my water bag leaking I had no clue I was in labor since I wasn’t feeling my contractions . My second one I started feeling light contractions n went to get checked out and I had only dilated 1cm so they sent me home right when I made it home contractions got worser and on my way back to the Er my water bag bust 😩 I’m so ready for when I go in labor this time
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
✨📍Meek📍✨
For me the two signs I remember getting was a burst of energy the week before. My son came on a Sunday early morning and the Wednesday before that I had no energy and just wanted to sleep and get alot of rest. I also was starting to experience contractions two days prior. So I knew little man was coming.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


S
Sharayah
27 Dec 2022

37 weeks with my third baby. 2 cm dilated and am having pain when I’m standing and contracting every 30 min when I’m sitting. This morning I randomly had horrible abdominal pain like gas pockets. I also have a lot of pelvic pressure and had to poop at Walmart it was horrible. Please tell me it’s getting close because I’m over it ha. Google isn’t helping me. I fit all the signs of early labor except mucus plug and water breaking.

12 comments
D
Donna
I am 37 weeks. I am currently at the ER. With the same thing going on as you. I am in so much pain and they telling me that I'm dilated till 4:00 but because my cervix is still high and thick I can't deliver and they're sending me back home..
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
S
Sharayah
How much are you dilated? And they said your. It effaced enough yet?
27 Mar 2024

Answer


L
Leah Harty
31 Jul 2022

For the mamas that went into preterm labor what are some signs or symptoms you had? I’ve been having period like cramps all day, lower back pain and pelvic pain. I’ve been drinking water and resting but it hasn’t stopped.

1 comments

n
natalie
4 Jun 2022

Ok so now ik I'm having contractions cause they come and go but they are painful an uncomfortable af but no other signs or my water breaking or losing my mucus plug. Ugh I'm so uncomfortable rn and so far the cramping pains an tightening aren't too severe or painful enough to head to the hospital. Just ouch!

3 comments
N
Nanny
Keep track on how often so you can know when to head out. You got this!!! 🙏💪
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
k
kay
Good luck and blessings to you
27 Mar 2024

Answer


N
Nana
2 Jun 2022

Hey mamas hope we all doing well. I have been having severe pain in my back, side, and my abdomen sine 2 am. I called Labor and delivery and I was told that I should wait until my water broke before I head to to hospital. Am in pain since then but no signs of water breaking. I pee a lot but my water has not broke yet. What do I do to make my water broke. Am so tired and am in pain.

6 comments
K
Kirsten
Be careful I heard your water can break while your peeing also
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Kirsten
It might just be Braxton hicks though??? How far along are you?
27 Mar 2024

Answer