What should you know about early water break?

The fluid may come as a sudden gush or a persistent trickle that you cannot control. It can be difficult to distinguish from urine or ordinary discharge. An early rupture may happen before contractions and may occur before the pregnancy is full term. The clinical team will confirm whether the membranes have ruptured, check your temperature and other signs of infection, assess the baby and consider how far along the pregnancy is. Management depends on these findings, labour, infection risk and fetal wellbeing.

Call your maternity unit promptly and follow its instructions. Note when the fluid started, its colour and smell, and whether contractions or reduced fetal movement are present. Use a clean maternity pad, not a tampon, so the fluid can be observed. Avoid putting anything into the vagina, including sex, until assessed. Take your pregnancy records and medicines list with you. Do not wait for contractions to begin before contacting the team.

Seek immediate maternity help for green or foul-smelling fluid, fever or chills, vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, regular contractions, feeling very unwell, or reduced fetal movement. Also seek urgent advice if you are unsure whether fluid is leaking. These signs may change the timing or type of care and should be reported without delay.

Ask how the membranes were confirmed, how infection and the baby will be monitored, whether you need hospital observation, and how decisions about waiting or birth will be made.