How Fast Should You Get to Delivery Room When Your Water Breaks?

In some cases, you might not immediately get into labor after your water breaks

15 Mar, 2023

Kashish Sharma

Rupturing of membrane

The term water breaking in pregnancy means that the amniotic sac in the uterus has opened up, partially or fully.

Source: Thehealthsite

Just like other bodily fluids

There is usually not a gush of liquids released as shown in movies but it can be very subtle as other bodily fluids.

Source: Thehealthsite

Also, a bit different from them

Amniotic fluid does not smell like urine. It is usually odorless and is pale and straw colored. It also differs from vaginal discharge in texture and color.

Source: Thehealthsite

Contractions might or might not begin straight after

It usually is a sign that labor is about to begin but many times, contractions might not immediately occur after it.

Source: Thehealthsite

Get in touch with your doctor, immediately

If the contractions begin, are too subtle or don’t start at all, in all situations it is necessary for you to get in touch with your attending doctor right away.

Source: Thehealthsite

Sometimes you might need external help

Sometimes, this could be normal and your body might need some extra time to get into labor, at other times, it might require medical intervention.

Source: Thehealthsite

Less often it might take even a day

Many pregnant women get into labor within 12 hours of water breaking while some might even take a day.

Source: Thehealthsite

Too much gap is dangerous for you and your baby

As per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), too much gap between water breaking and delivery without medical intervention can lead to infections.

Source: Thehealthsite

Watchful waiting is common in safer cases

Sometimes, if you happen to reach the hospital in time, your doctor might try to engage in “watchful waiting” which means for the labor to start on its own.

Source: Thehealthsite

Yes, doctors can shorten the gap sometimes

It is also common for doctors to shorten this time gap between water breaking and delivery by inducing labor.

Source: Thehealthsite

Stick to your expert’s advice

Every case of pregnancy is different. It is advisable to follow the instructions of a doctor who knows all whereabouts of your gestational/ pregnancy journey.

Source: Thehealthsite

Thanks For Reading!

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