What to do when your water breaks before it is time...

Don't panic, reach out for help and breathe easy.

You know that your baby is safe, secure and comfortable in your womb floating in amniotic fluid referred to as water. When the membranes of the amniotic sac breaks, the water gushes out and this is called breaking of the water bag in layman s words. This usually happens moments before labour or can trigger labour. In some women water breaks only after the first stage of labour that is when the contractions have already set it. Here are six signs that say you are labour ready.

However, if your water bag breaks before the time it is a matter of concern; this is termed as premature rupture of membranes or PROM. Here are five things that make labour pain worse.

Here are few things that you should know about breaking of the water bag.

If it breaks just before labour: This is also called as spontaneous rupture of membranes. This indicates that your labour is likely to start and contractions will set in soon. In case, your contractions don't start naturally your doctor might ask you to induce labour and get going with the labour process. Here are few things you need to know if you choose to induce labour.

If it breaks after 37 weeks but before your due date: When this happens don t panic. Be calm and call your doctor. Your doctor might want to see you and check the status of your baby, the heart rate, movements, fetal position, etc. Well, in this case, you can wait for some time for labour to start and refuse to induce for the first couple of hours. However, remember it is the sterile water that you are losing and this could increase chances of infection in the baby. So if your labour pains don t start naturally, discuss your next step with the doctor. You can wait till 24 hours to see if your contractions begin, beyond that it could be fatal for the baby. Theoretically, once the water breaks (within 34 to 37 weeks of your pregnancy) labour can start at any time within 24 to 48 hours, but if it doesn t, it may be best to induce labour. Sometimes a C-section might also become necessary. Here are 12 causes for a c-section that you need to know.

If it breaks after the 23rd week: This is an unfortunate event that indicates premature labour. In such a case, one should be taken to the hospital immediately. Depending on the condition of the mother and the baby either a C-section is done or other preventive measures are taken.

What you should do if you are alone

Remember, the water can break at any time whether you are in the office, at a mall or at home. If you are alone, here are few things you need to do:

• Breathe and calm down. Get hold of some sanitary napkins or maternity pads to help yourself. Else a clean towel will also do.
• Call friends or family whoever can come and attend you. If possible dial for the hospital s ambulance service too.
• Keep your maternity notes and bag ready so you can leave just as help arrives.
• Drink water or other juices to keep yourself hydrated. If you go into labour in the next few hours, you will need the energy to sustain yourself.
• Chant mantras and hymns that you learnt from your garbhasanskar or antenatal classes. Else talk to your baby and connect with her at this moment. Remember fetal heartbeat can be affected in such a scenario and your voice can help your baby stay calm in the womb.
• Head to the hospital and be confident about the decision you take. If everything doesn t happen as written on your birth plan, don t worry your little one is on her way soon.

Image Source: Shutterstock

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