Many women think that their labor will begin with their water breaking and then the contractions. Contrary to popular belief, this is not always the case. Only 15% of pregnant women have the experience of their water breaking unexpectantly. Most women begin with contractions and then their water breaks (fast gush or slow trickle) or the doctor may break it for them.
Even if you are not having contractions and your water breaks (gush or trickle), call your doctor.
How Do Doctors break your water?
The doctors use an instrument that looks sort of like a long crochet needle (with a hook). They insert the needle (not like a metal needle that you get a shot with) very skillfully and break the amniotic bag with the needle. Most of the time the water will gush out and feel very warm. It does not feel like you have urinated. It feels more like someone taking a bucket of very warm water and pouring it in that general area. You may feel like your abdomen is heavier due to the fetus not being supported anymore by the amniotic fluid.
What if my water breaks and I do not have contractions?
If your water breaks and you are not experiencing any contractions, call your doctor. After the membranes have ruptured, contractions are generally felt within 12 and 24 hours later. If you have not experienced signs of labor, other than your water breaking, between 6 and 24 hours, the doctor will induce labor.
Meconium in the amniotic fluid
Sometimes when the water breaks or the doctor ruptures the membranes, it is stained a brownish or yellowish color. This is meconium in the amniotic fluid. In other words, the fetus has had a bowel movement. This most often occurs if the woman is past due or because of fetal distress.
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