The breaking of your water means that your amniotic sac has ruptured and you are ready for labor. Every pregnant woman is curious about her water breaking. What will happen next, how it feels like and what to do once water breaks? These are all questions that plague every pregnant woman’s mind.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU WATER BREAKS?
The baby is surrounded by a fluid-filled membranous sac called the amniotic sac. When the water breaks, this membrane ruptures. If this membrane ruptures before the beginning of labor then it is called premature rupturing of the membrane. When the water breaks, you may experience wetness inside your vagina and there will be constant leaking of small amounts of watery fluid from the vaginal area. Unlike peeing – you will not have any control over this fluid. The color is usually clear or pale yellow.
HOW TO BE SURE THAT WATER HAS BROKEN?
It is not always easy to identify the breaking of water. It is slightly difficult to differentiate between amniotic fluid and urine during pregnancy. If the leaking is due to amniotic fluid, then it usually is colourless and odourless. Amniotic fluid doesn’t smell like urine and has a sweetish smell, you will also notice bloody flecks and whitish flecks of mucus. A woman can pass 3 types of fluids from down under. These are:
1. AMNIOTIC FLUID
If you are wet even after passing urine, then it can be due to the leaking of water (amniotic fluid). It is generally due to the sealing of cervix because your foetus’s head is low in your pelvic area.
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2. URINE
Leaking of bladder is common during 2nd and 3rd trimester. It can be leaking of urine if it has below mentioned properties
1. The colour of liquid may be a yellow or dark shade of yellow.
2. Could contain odour of urine or ammonium in it.
3. VAGINAL DISCHARGE
It can have below-mentioned properties
1. Usually has yellow or white colour and does not smell like urine.
2. The consistency is thick as compared to the urine /amniotic fluid.
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WHAT TO DO WHEN WATER BREAKS
As soon you confirm that indeed your water has broken do the following:
- Note the time when your water breaks, it is crucial for the delivery.
- Make use of pads to absorb the fluid and its odour.
- Avoid inserting anything into your vagina, it can lead to infection.
- Call your doctor or visit the hospital.
When you visit the hospital, you will be examined via sterile vaginal exam to confirm the membranes rupture and then you will be prepped for labor.
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