How Will I Know When My Water Breaks? Water Breaking Signs and Symptoms

Amniotic fluid surrounds your baby during pregnancy. Towards the end of pregnancy, the amount of collagen decreases in the chorion, the outer layer of the bag of water. Collagen is a fibrous connective tissue. It can be found in cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Collagen helps to strengthen the chorion providing extra protection to the amniotic membrane. As the collagen decreases and other factors come into play, the bag of waters will break. For the majority of women, this will occur spontaneously during labor. However, in about 8 to 10 percent of women, the water will break prior to the onset of labor.

Signs of water breaking during pregnancy

Typically when your water breaks, you will feel a gush of water followed by a steady, uncontrollable leaking. Some women have noted a distinct popping feeling right before their water breaks. Even still, there are others who experience atypical symptoms such as a trickling of fluid or generalized wetness in the perineal area.

Vaginal fluid and discharge increase toward the end of pregnancy, this can sometimes be confused with amniotic fluid. Conversely, leaking amniotic fluid may be mistaken of urine or other vaginal fluid. It is imperative to have a health care provider evaluate any instances of possible leaks or ruptures in the bag of water

Leaking amniotic fluid

Any time there is a rupture or leak in the amniotic membrane this opens an entry way for germs and infection. In full term pregnancies, labor usually begins within 24 hours from the time of the water breaking. If labor does not begin spontaneously, your baby and you are at greater risk for infection. The longer your water has been broken the greater your chance of infection.

What if I think my water broke?

If you think your water has broken, make a mental note of the time, the color and appearance of the fluid and any other characteristics and call your doctor promptly.

If you think your water has broken, this is not the time to feel embarrassed. Be assured you will not be the first person to call unsure if her water has broken.

How will I know if my water has broken?

When your water breaks, amniotic fluid tends to pool in the vagina. Your doctor will perform a sterile speculum exam to look for any signs of pooling. She will also perform testing on the fluid. Amniotic fluid is alkaline in nature. By placing the fluid on nitrazine paper, your doctor can evaluate the ph of the fluid. Nitrazine paper is extremely accurate in detecting the presence of amniotic fluid.

Another method for checking for the the presence of amniotic fluid is placing the fluid under the microscope. Amniotic fluid has a ferning appearance under a microscopic lens.

What will happen if my water has broken?

If your doctor determines your water has broken, you will most likely be admitted to the hospital. If full term, your doctor may induce you if labor does not begin on its own within 24 hours. If preterm, you will most likely be under hospital care until delivery. For early gestations, your doctor will try to prolong delivery to allow time for lung maturity.