You are nearing completion of your pregnancy and you have actually started to wonder what causes your water to break. This is a completely normal curiosity. When your amniotic membranes rupture, a light yellowish-brown liquid begins to leak. The liquid, which is amniotic fluid, rather resembles urine, both aesthetically and odor-wise. When your “water” starts coming out, it normally implies your labor has begun and your baby will be arriving quickly.
What Causes Your Water to Break
When you are pregnant, your amniotic fluid safeguards your baby by offering a cushion versus concussion and pressure. For instance, numerous pregnant women have actually fallen down eventually during their pregnancy from the imbalance created by their pregnant stubborn bellies. The baby is secured from the shock of falling by this fluid.
So how does your water break? Biologically, your body knows when it is time for your water to break. It triggers a series of occasions that causes the amniotic membranes to burst, hence launching the fluid and starting active labor. Nevertheless, there are times your water can break early or too soon because of other things happening with your body.
Spontaneous Rupture at Term (SROM)
Usually when your labor begins, your baby will naturally move to the birth canal and the pressure from this motion is what makes your water break. When this happens, you will feel a rush of warm liquid, which is the amniotic fluid being pressed out by the pressure of your baby.
If your labor is induced, your doctor will probably tear your amniotic membrane which is what makes your water break if this is the case. A hook made from thin plastic is placed and used to rip a hole in your sac. While it might be a little uncomfortable, the procedure does not injure and assists labor development.
Also read: Leaking Amniotic Fluid
Premature Rupture at Term (PROM)
Sometimes, a female might experience premature rupture of membranes but the opportunities of this taking place is only around 10%. If it does take place, it generally occurs around 24 hours prior to your normal labor starts, which is around weeks 37 to 42. However what causes your water to break? There are several reasons your water may break early. They include:
- Stress brought on by bring a large baby
- Early activation of membrane enzymes
- Pre-labor Braxton Hicks contractions
- Numerous baby pregnancy
- Infections of the kidney, bladder, cervix, vagina or uterus
- A condition called polyhydramnios, which implies there is excessive fluid in your amniotic sac
Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)
When your water breaks before 37 weeks, it is considered a preterm premature rupture of your membranes. About a 4th of all premature births are caused by this because when your amniotic sac breaks, it is best birth occurs as soon as it is safe. Your baby no longer has a protective barrier from infection and has to come out as quickly as possible. Factors that can cause your sac to break early consist of:
- Early activation of membrane enzymes
- Inflammation or infection of the amniotic membranes
- Having more than one baby in an amniotic sac
- Kidney, bladder, uterine, cervical or vaginal infections
- A hurt or weak cervix
- History of premature births
- Low level of collagen in amniotic tissues
- Incidents of vaginal bleeding during more than one trimester
- Excess fluid in the amniotic sac
- A procedure called cerclage performed in early pregnancy to avoid a premature birth
- A baby in a breeched position
- Amniocentesis done early in a pregnancy
- A cone biopsy done previously due to an unusual Pap smear
- Engaging in sexual intercourse
- Working out too much or in a manner that puts excessive stress on your body
- Cigarette smoking or substance abuse
- Poor diet and nutrition
- Copper, vitamin C or zinc shortages
Also read: Body Pain Before Labor
What Happens When Your Water Breaks?
When considering what causes your water to break, it is necessary to remember it is a natural part of giving birth that generally takes place right before or early in the procedure of labor. Surprising to some, the chances of your water breaking while you are sleeping in bed is extremely high. Some women even think they may have damp the bed.
A little popping noise or sensation occurs with some women when their water breaks. The amniotic flow varies from one lady to the next, with some feeling simply a little damp and others experiencing a big gush of water from their vagina. Soon after your water breaks, you will begin to have contractions if you have not currently. If you do not go into active labor within 24 hours, you might be experiencing premature labor.
While amniotic can be a light yellowish-brown color with a slight odor looking like urine, it is can also be clear and odorless. If you are uncertain if your water has broken, you must call your doctor who can perform tests to see if your amniotic membranes are leaking.
It is very important to focus on the color and odor of the fluid since if it is brown or green you should call your doctor right away. Sometimes children have a bowel movement while still in your uterus and this can cause major conditions. Likewise, when your water breaks you are at a higher risk of exposing yourself and your baby to infections. It is essential to use a pad, not a tampon, to catch the fluids. You must not soak in a bath, but you may shower. It is likewise best to prevent sexual relations when your amniotic membrane has actually burst.
Also read: Lower Abdominal Pain in Women
What If Your Water Breaks Early?
When and how your water breaks can impact your labor and the birth process. If it happens around 37 weeks, your doctor will typically wait to see how things progress prior to initiating any special treatments. About 30 percent of the time, a female’s water breaks prior to active labor starts.
If your water breaks and your pregnancy remains in week 33 to 36, it will be thought about slightly preterm labor. If you do not begin your contractions within the next 48 hours, your doctor may induce your labor. However, if your pregnancy is less than 32 weeks, it will be considered exceptionally preterm. Because case, your doctor will more than likely shot and hold-up labor in order to allow your baby more time to grow in the womb.
Naturally, all these decisions depend on the condition of you and your baby. If either of you are not well, there is big amounts of vaginal bleeding or there are any signs of infection, your doctor may choose to go on and provide your baby no matter how premature.
There are several treatment choices if your water breaks early. They include:
- A course of antibiotics to avoid infection and assist in lengthening your pregnancy as long as it is safe for you and your baby.
- Injection of steroids in order to reduce the chances of your baby having breathing problems, likewise called breathing distress syndrome. Your doctor might give you these if your water breaks prior to 34 weeks.
- Administering contraction suppressants if your labor is incredibly premature and there are no health complications that would warrant not doing so. It is given in tablet form or through an IV.
