How much fluid you lose depends on a variety of factors including the amount of fluid you have surrounding your baby (everybody is different), where the hole in the sac occurs, and how deeply your baby’s head is engaged in the pelvis. The amount of fluid that leaks out can range from a tablespoon that leaves your underwear damp – thus the question: Did I just Pee? - to cups of fluid that gush out, running down your legs and leaving no question as to what is going on. When your water breaks or membranes rupture, it means that a hole has been made in the bag of fluid (AKA "amniotic sac") that surrounds your baby while she is growing in your womb. So the good news is that you don’t have to feel trapped in your house and avoid public places for fear of your membranes rupturing! The probability is low it will happen in the grocery store! What really happens when your water breaks?
This means your chances of experiencing this potentially awkward situation without any other signs of labour is around 10-14%. Women who got pregnant less than 6 months after their last labor or are carrying more than one baby have a higher risk of PROM.Setting the facts straight: Is your water breaking or are you just peeing?Ĭontrary to what we see in the movies and on television, most women's "water" does not spontaneously break (AKA "ruptured membranes") until they are in well-established labour – it actually most commonly happens between 7 and 10 cms dilated. If the amniotic sac breaks before the 37th week of pregnancy, doctors refer to it as preterm PROM. Sometimes, the amniotic sac breaks or leaks before labor starts. For most women, it is more likely to feel like a constant trickle. People often refer to this as the water breaking.Īccording to the American Pregnancy Association, just one in 10 women will experience a “dramatic gush” of amniotic fluid. The amniotic sac ruptures when a woman goes into labor. If the dye shows up on the pad, this can indicate leaking amniotic fluid. They may also perform a dye test, which involves introducing blue dye into the amniotic sac and asking the woman to wear a sanitary pad. An ultrasound can help doctors check how much fluid is surrounding the baby. These tests could include a vaginal exam to see if the cervix is dilating and the woman is in labor. They may also carry out tests to determine the cause of the leak. While waiting for medical attention, a woman should not use tampons, have sex, or do anything else that might introduce bacteria into the vagina.Ī doctor may take a sample of the fluid to determine whether it is amniotic fluid. a decrease or lack of increase in weight.foul-smelling, brown or green discharge from the vagina.
Women who also experience the following symptoms should seek medical attention too: If the fluid does not appear to be urine or discharge, it is best to speak to a doctor. Share on Pinterest A person should consult a doctor if they suspect that they are leaking amniotic fluid.