I think this is a big fear for many pregnant ladies, but as someone who has seen MANY ladies whose water has broken in various places — I’m here to reassure you of what to do. There are a few things you really you need to do and then some things you can do to be prepared in advance.
And how do I know so much about it? Hi, I’m Hilary – The Pregnancy Nurse®. I have been a nurse since 1997 and have 20 years of bedside Labor & Delivery nursing experience. I’ve been teaching people how to manage their pregnancies and hospital births since 2014, and I’m glad you’re here — because I don’t want this to take another worry cell in your brain! No need!
The facts
The reality is this only about 15% of people’s water breaks while they are out of hospital.
Most people’s water breaks because they’re in labor — so they’ll have some advance notice that their water might break (see my post on signs your water might break).
I would say that most breaks people’s water:
So, it is NOT public.
While it CAN happen in public that your water breaks, the reality is that it does happen very few people. So that should make it easier for you – it’s not like in the movies where everyone’s water seems to break at the most inopportune moment.
And while we’re here, there is so much for the birth unlike the movies. Don’t let the media (or frankly, even social media) prepare you for what to expect and how to make choices during birth. I highly recommend this.
And, if you’re wondering if you’re going to flood the entire grocery store if it breaks, I’m here to say this most people — especially if they’re standing, don’t flood a whole ton. I have a whole post on How Much Water Comes Out When Your Water Breaks? that you may find useful!
A lot of people feel a shit and then head to the toilet and then more come out there as they relieve themselves on the toilet. So as you can see the possibility of being very, public is very low!!!!
How to prepare
Okay, but just in case you’re one of those who does to happen — how you prepare. Honestly, these are smart moves to use these last few weeks:
Wear a pad
In the last few weeks you are likely to see some changes in the discharge. Most people wear a pad just for this. Honestly, all of this makes it kind of hard to know if your water has broken – because it’s just coming out “more” than usual.
Flawless, I know — but I’m here to spread the truth, not just what makes you feel good.
Have some towels
I think it’s smart to have some towels (or puppies/Chux like these) in those last few weeks.
I would keep a few:
- Your car (if you have one)
- at work
In fact, I have a whole post about what to do if the baby comes quickly that goes into more about why towels are useful — but I think it’s smart.
I know you’re thinking those Chuks it’s an added expense, but honestly they’ve saved me so many times as a parent. Great when you have a sick child or a sick child. I was honestly going to put them on my registry and I knew I was getting something SO USEFUL!
I’m not talking about a whole stack of them — maybe just one or two old towels just in case.
I think it creates calmness. Kind of like getting a good lesson. 🙂
Looking for more information on water breaking — be sure to check out these posts:
You have a plan!
I really do this many questions from the teachers. Which makes perfect sense. You are there, alone with many children – what do you do if your water breaks?
I think you should have a good discussion with your leadership at work about what to do if something happens. This way you are prepared and feel confident about the steps you will take to keep the kids and yourself safe if something happens!
And yes, I have a post too when should you go on maternity leave.
And while we’re talking plans here — have you made your birth plan yet? I would love to help you with my free series here:
Honestly, that’s smart in any career. As a nurse, I knew what to do if something happened while I was in a room and while we couldn’t have a plan for each situation most of the time people around us are willing to help us in such an important moment!
What to DO if it breaks?
Okay, finally we get to what you should actually do if it breaks.
Here are the steps you need to take
1- Did anything else come up?
There is a chance that something else will come out when your water breaks. It’s extremely rare and you’ll feel it — but if you feel a hand or the string you need to lift your bum into the air — consider supporting your bum in the air with your head on the ground and call 911. This is an emergency. It’s rare but I want you to know.
Ok, now that we’ve gotten past the original question:
2. TACO?
No, it’s not lunch time — we need to know some basics about it….
The COAT moniker also works, but you want to know:
- Time (just note the approximate time)
- Amount (was it a lot or a little?)
- doodor (this can range from clear, bloody or brown)
- THEdor (smell?)
** If the fluid is very bloody, I would go to labor and delivery, and if it is a lot of blood, call 911 or get to the hospital the fastest way!
3. Call your provider
While not everyone needs to go to the hospital right away, I think it’s important to touch base with them. They will want that information you gathered with the TACO/COAT questions above.
They will then take this together with your history and current prenatal status to make a plan for when you should go to the hospital.
Most providers have someone available 24/7 for such a phone call towards the end of your pregnancy. I would ask your provider how to get them in an important situation like this at your next appointment.
I know everyone seems to have some “magic formula” for when you should go to the hospital — but the reality is that it really varies and individual circumstances require individual information. But taking a good birth class will definitely make those hours at home safer versus scary.
4- Beware of fever
The arch nemesis of a broken water bag is fever. Now that your uterus and baby are open to the “air,” there’s a chance bacteria can thrive in that warm, moist environment. You’ll want to check for a fever every hour or so. Your doctor or midwife should give specific instructions when you call them — but this is important to know (and have a thermometer at home so you can check — you’ll want one for the baby anyway). You don’t need anything fancy, I think one like this is perfect!
Now, finally, we will answer….
Don’t I go straight to the Hospital?
This is not the case if you have each questions you can always go straight to the hospital (or call your provider). Remember L&D is open every day all day! This is always a relief to me!
However, just because your water has broken, if you are not having severe contractions, your best bet may be to stay home for a while.
The best place for early labor is actually at home. It can feel scary and confusing — that’s why I recommend the chapter on what to do in early labor here.
But no—your water breaking doesn’t mean you have to go into labor and delivery right away. You should also consider:
- Any other labor symptoms
- Baby still moving? — if not, you must go as soon as possible
- How far is your hospital?
- If your fluid is bloody, has an odor, or is dark in color
Again — great questions for your provider to answer so you know what’s best you let’s do!
For most People will go into labor within 24-48 hours and as long as things are stable and safe, being at home is a wonderful, comforting and safe environment to encourage labor to begin!
You may also enjoy this post: What to Do in Preterm Labor (Before Going to the Hospital)
The “Bottom” Line
Here are 3 things to remember:
- While most people worry about it, it is not likely. This is not worth worrying about
- Brand sure nothing else has come out when your water breaks (a hand or a cord) — that’s an important question to ask yourself!
- Most people you don’t have to enter right away when your water breaks, but you’ll need to touch base with your provider
The other thing to know, for many people it’s not really cut and dry.
Yes, some people get a giant gasp of liquid that is very obvious, but some people a trickle. It depends on where in the sac the water breaks and whether it’s just a tear or a large opening.
It’s hard, unfortunately – like many pregnancies.
But, I’m glad you’re here to learn. What did he do? you learn in this post? Tell us in the comments!
And please consider joining me in the Online Prenatal Course for Couples Where We Get both of you prepared for this difficult time!
