The moment of childbirth is getting closer and, suddenly, a doubt assails you: how to know if my waters have broken? Don’t worry, if that happens, you’ll find out. But it can also happen that you start having contractions and the bag is still intact.
In this article we will tell you how to know if your waters have broken, what is happening and how you can clearly identify that it is a loss of amniotic fluid. Because really what comes out is not water, but the fluid that surrounds the fetus and the umbilical cord, creating a sterile space. That is why it is important that you know how to distinguish between a ruptured bag and a loss of urine.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WATERS HAVE BROKEN?
Identify the smell and color
First of all, it is important that you know that the rupture of the amniotic sac (its scientific name is “amniorrhexis”) does not hurt at all. In addition, the liquid comes out hot, so you might think that you have leaked urine. One way to distinguish what it is is to soak a white cloth with the liquid. If it is urine, it will have a characteristic odor and a yellowish color. In contrast, amniotic fluid is usually colorless and smells different.
Try to contain the loss
If the liquid were urine, the leakage should stop if you squeeze the pelvic floor muscle, like when you’re urinating and hold on. On the other hand, if you see that the drip does not stop, it is most likely amniotic fluid.
empty the bladder
It can also clear up doubts if you pee. With the bladder already empty, place a clean towel in the underwear, as a compress. Take a walk and force your cough. Check the compress. If it is clean and dry, it is a false alarm. On the other hand, if you see that it has gotten wet, it is most likely amniotic fluid.
The key is in the amount
The amount of liquid that comes out is not always the same. There are cases in which just a trickle comes out, so it can be confused with urine. If that happens to you, you will get rid of doubts with the three previous tests. Other times, the liquid that comes out is very abundant, soaking the clothes and forming a puddle. That’s normal, don’t worry. It is a clear indication that you have broken the bag.
HOW TO KNOW IF MY WATERS HAVE BROKEN AND WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If after doing the previous tests you realize that you have really broken the bag, you should act according to the following situations:
- If it is before the 37th week, it may be a preterm labor , so go to the hospital quickly. There, doctors will decide what to do based on how mature the fetus is. If they consider it necessary to wait, they will check that the mother’s belly does not hurt and that there are no signs of infection or fever. The mother is then advised to rest and is kept under observation.
- If it is after week 37, the color is transparent or slightly whitish and the contractions have not started yet, you can calmly prepare yourself before going to the hospital. It can take as long as 24 hours before you go into labor. Don’t be afraid that the baby is going to run out of liquid or catch an infection, since all of this will be controlled in the hospital as soon as you are admitted.
- If it is after week 37 but there is blood, it is yellowish, brown or green, go quickly to the hospital in case there is a problem.