Water Break In Pregnancy: What To Expect

Water Breaking Signs and Tips for Pregnant Women

When and where your water will break is anyone’s guess. Being as prepared as possible when experiencing a water break in pregnancy is ideal as it helps you be able to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. It eases the stress of the unknown by putting the power into your own hands by making you well-informed.

Learn what you need to know about your water breaking during pregnancy by reading this helpful guide.

What Does It Mean to Have Your Water Break?

Water breaking 101.

Water is liquid and therefore cannot be broken. The term refers to the amniotic sac holding water that ruptures prior to delivery.

This stage of pregnancy occurs around week 40 and can happen anywhere which is why it’s important to be aware of a water break in pregnancy

If your water breaks earlier than the 37^th week of pregnancy, you should contact your doctor right away.

Is the liquid green or brown? If it is, then it’s due to the bowel movement your baby had.

If the baby is breech, there is a chance that the umbilical cord will shift becoming prolapsed in the cervix or vagina, so be very aware of any changes that you’re feeling.

How Does It Feel to Have Your Water Break?

How pregnant women feel.

Movies and television shows have you believing that you’ll feel a whoosh of water come out of you when the amniotic sac breaks. That isn’t entirely true. It makes for good ratings, however, because it demonstrates how exciting the birthing process truly is!

You’re not going to feel a rush of water like a running faucet. Instead, a water break in pregnancy will be a slow and steady trickle.

Some women report that the fluid has a sweet smell which is unlike the pungent smell of urine.

Am I Confusing Discharge with Water?

Discharge vs Water.

Discharge and water have distinct differences. The first way they differ is in color. Amniotic fluid is pale and straw-colored whereas discharge is milky-white.

The other differences between the two are consistency. Amniotic fluid is watery, and discharge is thicker. You may even notice that it is tinged with red or pink because it contains blood.

What to Do When Your Water Breaks

It's time to prepare for delivery.

If your water breaks, it’s important to do as your primary care physician advised. You may have been given a printed list of instructions to refer to. If you have, follow the steps to prepare for delivery.

1. Keep yourself dry by using pads or panty liners once your water has broken.
2. Change your clothing as much as necessary to keep yourself dry.
3. You’ll also want to make sure that you don’t wipe yourself with toilet paper incorrectly because it can cause a UTI.

It Always Helps to Be Prepared During Pregnancy

Preparation is key.

Preparing for a water break in pregnancy helps eliminate fears and gives you the confidence you need for delivering your baby.

Preparation means you’re equipped with the information needed to safely give birth to your baby. It also means you’re aware of any problems that may occur when your water does break, so you’re able to contact your doctor right away.

Wearing comfortable, stretchy, and breathable fabric near your due date will also help when your water breaks, since it doesn't allow moisture to remain and make you uncomfortable.

We know that preparing for the birth of your child is on the top of your priority list, but make sure you are preparing yourself for afterwards too. Make sure you are prepared for anything that might be thrown your way, including the postpartum recovery process.

Choose Bellefit products as your undergarments during pregnancy and after delivery -- like postpartum girdles, waist trainers, etc -- as they provide the ultimate comfort and support you need in your postpartum recovery!

Aside from the water breaking preparation tips found on this article, are there other tips you'd like to share to help other pregnant women like you?