If your water breaks but you have no contractions

Rupture of the membranes and the start of contractions do not always happen together. Some people notice fluid first and contractions later; others discover a small ongoing leak rather than a gush. A clinician may need to confirm that the fluid is amniotic fluid and check your pregnancy stage, the baby's movements, and your wellbeing.

The advice can differ when the pregnancy is preterm, because early membrane rupture may be linked with preterm labour and infection concerns. Lack of contractions does not make the fluid unimportant.

Write down when leaking began and describe the fluid's color, smell, and amount. Use a clean sanitary pad to observe it; do not use tampons, douche, or put anything in the vagina. Call the maternity service and follow its instructions about examination, travel, eating, and monitoring your baby's movements. Keep your phone available in case the team asks for an update.

Go for urgent assessment if you have fever, feeling faint or very unwell, heavy bleeding, severe pain, reduced baby movements, or green or brown fluid. If you are not yet full term, contact maternity care immediately even when you feel well and have no contractions.

Ask how the rupture will be confirmed, how often you should check movements or temperature, whether you need to stay near the hospital, and which changes mean you should call back straight away.