Everyone pictures their water breaking an in-opportune time. Maybe you’re at work, teaching in front of a room full of students, or maybe at the grocery store. But, how much amniotic fluid should you expect to come out when your water has broken?
Before we get started, how do I know so much about water breaking? Hi, I’m Hilary — the curly head behind Pulling Curls, but many people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse too. I’ve been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of labor and delivery experience. Suffice it to say I’ve seen a LOT of water break, and I’ve also talked to lots of pregnant patients who’ve had their water break at home — so I’m a great expert on this one for you!
As always, no advice on Pulling Curls should be taken over your provider’s advice. If you think your water has broken you need to get in touch with them ASAP to see what they recommend based on your unique needs and circumstances.
How much water is released when waters break?
On average I’d guess it’s 1-2 cups of fluid during the initial gush, but it REALLY depends on:
- How much fluid is in your amniotic sac
- Where on the bag of waters it breaks
- The position you’re in when it breaks
So, let’s talk about why this all depends and also what to expect after that initial gush.
But, before we get into it, if you’re wondering about water breaking, what it will be and feel like, let me assure you that pregnancy, birth and postpartum has LOTS to think about beyond this subject, so come join me in The Online Prenatal Class for Couples where we prepare you for ALL of birth — in just a few hours. I’d love to have you join me in there!
What is water breaking?
Water breaking, also known as rupturing of membranes, refers to the breaking open of the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby in the uterus. This results in a release of amniotic fluid, which may feel like a trickle of fluid or a sudden gush of fluid through the vagina.
It is important to note that water breaking is not the same as urinating, as the amniotic fluid is clear and odorless, while urine has a distinct smell and color (although as a labor nurse I do think that amniotic fluid has a distinct smell, it’s just hard to explain and not that noticeable to the general population).
The membrane can either rupture spontaneously or artificially through a procedure called amniotomy (we’ll talk more about that).
If the rupture of the membrane occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy, it is referred to as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and it can lead to preterm labor. In contrast, PROM (premature rupture of membranes) refers to water breaking after 37 weeks of gestation but prior to the onset of labor.
When your water does break, it is important to seek medical attention to avoid potential complications and ensure a safe delivery.
What does it feel like when my waters break?
In general, the majority of patients say that they feel a “pop” and then fluid gushes through their cervix and out their vagina. Many of them think that they are peeing, but doing a Kegel doesn’t do anything to stop it.
But, this is the case when you get more of a gush vs a trickle. Some people will just notice a tiny stream of fluid leaking out making their panties damp. It makes it complicated, and even this small amount of water can have similar risks to a gush of fluid.
The other thing that most people are prepared for is that the water keeps coming out. Amniotic fluid, that late in pregnancy, is made up almost entirely of baby urine. So, as baby makes more urine (which they will because you are giving them blood through the placenta and their kidneys are filtering it like you were feeding them fluids) more comes out. It’s a constant supply. I have a whole post on what it feels like when your water breaks you might find interesting.
How do I know if my waters have broken?
It can be more confusing than you think.
I take a three-step approach to determining this:
- Note the dampness/wet panties/wet pad
- Put a clean pad/underwear on
- Does the fluid keep coming out? — do you notice any “gushes” when you go from sitting to standing.
If you just peed instead of your water breaking, most often it stops after step one. If fluid continues to come out and you notice that dampness continues it doesn’t always mean your water is broken, but you’ll want to get in touch with your provider and see what they recommend.
If you are reading this and not sure whether your water is broken or not, definitely do talk with your provider. They can help you know if you’re OK or if they’d recommend you get checked (they do have a test for this, and we’ll talk more about that coming up).
Will There Be a Gush of Water?
Most of this depends on where on the amniotic sac the water “breaks”:
Also, if you’re lying down you may not get as much as if you’re upright — due to gravity. Then, when you stand up you’ll get a gush.
I often have patients saying they felt a pop in bed, but then stood up and had a big gush of fluid.
And yes, this is why I love these, because pregnancy/labor/baby/children can be messy.
A lot of people wonder if there are signs to watch for before your water breaks << and I talk about that in that post.
Water breaking vs vaginal discharge:
It’s annoying that at the end of your pregnancy you may have a lot of discharge changes as WELL as a possible water break. I have a whole post on water breaking vs discharge, but here are three things that might help you tell the difference:
- Amniotic fluid is watery, not mucusy or thicker
- Most often it will keep coming out even after your initial amount
- While there may be a tinge, or streaks of blood it should not be bloody
- ANY questions ask your provider
We would MUCH rather know rather than question if your water has broken and you have an increased risk for infection (more on that coming up).
How do you tell if your water broke or you peed?
I actually have a whole post on if your water broke or your peed, but the best advice is if it keeps coming out it’s likely your water. If it stops after one gush, it could be pee — but keep an eye on it.
And of course, any questions, ask your doctor — have I said that enough?
Will my water breaking hurt what I’m sitting on?
It’s a valid question. I always recommend that pregnant couples sleep on a waterproof mattress pad, and I love the idea of this to keep around in case something happens it can soak it all up. Great for the car! Plus, they’re super handy when you have kids (they were created to protect furniture from kids with a sour tummy).
Does it hurt when my waters break?
Beyond the “pop” no. The amniotic sac doesn’t have any neurons on it, so it is not painful.
However, you may have been having more mild contractions (or some prelabor symptoms) prior to your water breaking, which are more painful afterwards. That’s not unusual. Many people report that contractions feel more painful once their water breaks.
These contractions are sometimes also more productive as they are able to push baby more effectively into the birth canal.
My waters broke, what do I do now?
You’ll want to call your provider if you think your water has broken. Most of them will want you to go to the hospital at some future point in time.
I also recommend you consider TACO:
- T — TIME — What time did your water break?
- A — AMOUNT — Was it a lot, or a little?
- C — COLOR — Was it clear, or did it have color to it (yellow, or brown/green)
- O — ODOR — Did it smell like anything in particular (this can possibly show an infection)
All that information (especially the time) can help your providers make the plan for your next steps.
Oh, and get that hospital bag packed — you’re likely headed there soon:
How do midwives check if my waters have broken?
Doctors, midwives and the hospital check to see if your water has broken with a test called Amnisure.
Some may also check it with other tests called Nitrazine or Ferning, but Amnisure is the gold standard at this point.
It tests for a protein that is only found in amniotic fluid, so the chance of a false reading is very low. It is higher if you’ve had sex recently or have been bleeding.
How long can baby survive after water breaks?
As I said above baby continues to make fluid themselves through urine. The main issue is a chance of infection as bacteria can enter the uterine cavity and can infect either mom or baby. However, studies have shown you have quite a bit of time before that can become an issue, and most studies show that mom usually goes into labor before 48 hours.
You may have heard pioneers or ancestors having a “dry birth” but I think this more talks about the chance that baby could have an infection since the amniotic sac is open. Baby will still have moisture around them, but it does mean baby needs to come out soon.
It is important that you continue to do frequent kick counts and monitor baby’s movement after your water has broken as that is your best indicator of baby’s well being while you are still at home.
If there is ANY question as to if baby is moving you should head into the hospital asap.
How Does Your Water Break?
We don’t exactly know why waters break naturally (I have a whole post on what makes your water break). Most often it is from contractions, but sometimes it may be from a weakness in your bag, or something else.
Now if a provider breaks it, that’s called AROM (artificial rupture of membranes) and that’s different.
How are my waters broken artificially?
Most often, your provider takes something like a long crochet hook, snags the bag with it and pokes a hole in it rupturing it.
If it happens later on, sometimes they can just pinch it during a contraction and it breaks. There are also other tools they can use to break it, but the amnihook (the big crochet hook) is used most often.
Pro Tip: You may experience labor more painfully after they break your water (many patients like to get their epidural before getting their water broken).
Worried about the pain in labor? I simplify your choices in here.
How often does your water break at home?
Outside of the hospital, water only breaks about 15% of the time. Most often it breaks once you’re in active labor in the hospital (or the provider breaks it for you there). So, if you’re worried your water will break somewhere weird, it’s less likely.
What does it mean when your water breaks?
It means that baby will likely be born soon. Some people consider it a “sign of labor” but I think it’s more a sign that labor is beginning….
There are cases of premature rupture of membranes where we, with lots of precautions to mitigate your risk of infection — to help baby to stay inside longer. However, if you are close’ish to your due date they will prefer that baby will be born soon.
Some doctors are willing to wait 12, 24, sometimes even 48 hours before inducing your labor. So, talk with them about what they feel is safest for you, and when you should head into labor and delivery.
How Long After Your Water Breaks Will Baby Be Born?
Everyone is so different, it really depends.
If you’re already in active labor it may well speed things along — perhaps induce labor within 24 hours.
However, if you’re not having contractions at all when your water breaks, it may take some time to get things going.
The vague annoying answer would be “soon”.
This study showed that most people go into labor within 72 hours and have good outcomes even with waiting — so, talk with your provider about what is best for you.
Can your water break without being dilated?
Yes, as I said we don’t really know why water breaks a lot of the time, but even if you’re not dilated, the cervix wouldn’t be “water-tight” and the fluid will still come out.
So, what have we learned about how much water comes out when your water breaks? It depends. But, either way the water will keep coming out, and if you have any questions as to if your water is broken I recommend talking to your provider.
Most providers have someone on for them 24 hours/day that takes calls for just such a question. They don’t want you going around for hours/days with your water broken not being aware of what to watch for.
And as great as it is to know about this tiny part of labor, it’s time to get prepared for the whole thing in The Online Prenatal Class for Couples — THE online birth class created for couples that they actually enjoy!
Or, if you’re not quite ready for the full class (or want to see if we’re a good fit for each other, which I think is smart) check out my free prenatal class — It’s your first step towards being your own birth boss.
Be sure to check out my post on EVERYTHING you need to know about your water breaking for more on this important topic!
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