Rupture of the Membranes

How will I know if my water has actually broken?

Rupture Of The Membranes
A fluid-filled bag surrounds and protects the growing baby during pregnancy. This is called the amniotic sac and it is filled with amniotic fluid. When the amniotic bag breaks, it is known as rupture of the membranes. The rupture of the membranes is also called �breaking of the waters. Sometimes your membranes will break on their own. Often times, doctors have to artificially bag of waters in order to start or speed up labor. This is known as artificial rupture of the membranes. If your membranes rupture on thier own, it is known as spontaneous rupture of the membranes. Sometimes your membranes will rupture before labor has begin, but generally, the membranes will rupture once labor has already started. A large gush of fluid usually follows the rupture of the membranes. Amniotic fluid is poduced unti the baby is born, so you may notice some leaking if you laugh, sneeze, have a contraction or stand up to walk. Once your membranes have ruptured, most doctors like to deliver the baby as soon as possible. Usually, doctors will not allow a woman to go any longer than 24 hours once the membranes have ruptured. Doing so would increase your chances of getting an infection.

Spontaneous Rupture Of The Membranes
It can be hard to tell if your membranes have ruptured. You may feel a wet sensation and think your water has broken. Because your uterus puts pressure on your bladder during preganncy, urine leakage is often mistaken for rupturing membranes. Braxton Hicks contractions, laughing or sneezing can cause some leakage of urine. If your membranes do break and you are laying down, you will most likely experience a gush of liquid. However, if you rupture when you are standing it will probably be more of a trickle because the baby's head gets pushed down against the cervix and acts like a cork when you stand up.

If your membranes have ruptured (or you think they have), you need to call your doctor immediately. Your doctor will want to evaluate you. If you are unable to contact your doctor, go to the nearest hospital so they can evaluate your situation and test the leaking fluid. Do not let anything enter your vagina. The risk of infection is higher once the amniotic sac has broken. Do not have sex or take a bath.

Amniotic fluid is normally a cloudy-white to an amber-straw color. If the fluid is dark or greenish, your baby may have had their first bowel movement-known as meconium-in utero. This can be very dangerous to the baby. When you call your doctor to tell him that your water has broken, tell him the color and smell of the fluid. If it is foul smelling, there may be an infection in the uterus. You should also report any present blood, as this could indicate a problem with the placenta.

Artificial Rupture Of The Membranes To Induce Labor

Sometimes health professional may need to rupture your membranes in order to start or speed up labor. Rupturing the membranes artificially is called an amniotomy. An amniotomy should only be performed if you are near your due date, your cervix has begun to dialte and efface and the baby's head has dropped into your pelvis. There is a risk of cord prolapse if the amniotomy is done to early. This would cause the baby's umbilical cord to slip down around or below the baby's head. The cord can get squeezed between the baby's head and the pelvis bones and the blood supply to the baby may be decreased or stopped.

If your doctor decides to rupture your membranes, he will do it by inserting a sterile plastic hook into your vagina. It may resemble a crochet hook, or it may be a small hook attached to the finger of a glove. The doctor will use the hook to pull gently on the amniotic sac until it breaks. Usually, the procedure does not hurt. It may be uncomfortable if you have a contraction during the process. When the sac breaks, you will probably notice a large gush of fluid. Because the uterus continues to produce amniotic fluid until the baby is born, you may continue to feel some leaking, especially right after a hard contraction.

Premature Rupture Of The Membranes

If your water breaks before the 37th week of pregnancy it is called premature rupture of the membranes. This is also referred to as PROM. Fortunately, PROM is not very commom. About 1 to 3% of pregnant women will experience their membranes rupturing early. Your membranes could rupture weeks or months before your due date. Smoking increases the risk of early rupture, so it is best to quit as early as possible. You should get early, regular prenatal care to minizimize your changes of developing certain complications that increase the risk of PROM. Women carrying multiples are at increased risk of their membranes rupturing early. If your water has broken, or you think you are leaking fluid you need to call your doctor at once. Your doctor probably will tell you to go to the hospital so that she can examine you and do tests to confirm that your membranes have ruptured. Most women that experience premature rupture of the membranes, go into labor within a few hours. However, some women who have PROM near their due date don't go into labor. If you do not go into labor on your own after your membranes have ruptured, your doctor will most likely induce your labor. Once the membranes have ruptured, the risk of infection rises. If you suffer from preterm rupture of the membranes, you'll probably need to stay in the hospital where you and your growing baby can be monitored for signs of infection or labor. Because babies born to early can suffer serious complications, your doctor will try to prevent preterm delivery. You will receive antibiotics to keep infections from developing. You will probably go through a series of tests to see if your baby is ready for delivery. Babies born before 37 weeks have immature lungs, and you may need a steroid shot to help their lungs mature faster.

Comments: Rupture of the Membranes

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happyhayley - 1620 days ago.
what causes your water to break if it breaks naturally?