Labour after your waters break

The waters are the fluid-filled membranes around the baby. When they rupture, fluid may gush or leak slowly, and contractions may begin before or after the leak. Urine and vaginal discharge can look similar, so your maternity team may need to confirm what is happening. They will consider your stage of pregnancy, your baby's movements, your temperature and the fluid's appearance when advising you.

If the membranes rupture before labour, the plan may involve observation, monitoring and discussion of how to support labour. Waters breaking before the expected time for birth can be a sign of preterm labour and needs prompt assessment.

Call the maternity unit and tell them when the leakage started, whether it was a gush or a trickle, and what colour or smell you noticed. Use a maternity pad rather than a tampon, and avoid putting anything into the vagina until you have received advice. Keep noting contractions and your baby's usual movements. Take your maternity records with you if you are asked to attend assessment.

Seek urgent maternity advice for green, brown, bloody or foul-smelling fluid, fever, worsening abdominal pain, reduced baby movements or regular contractions. Go for immediate assessment if you feel very unwell, have heavy bleeding or see something protruding from the vagina. Do not wait for contractions before calling, especially when the pregnancy is not yet near its expected due date.

Ask how the rupture was confirmed, how your baby will be monitored, what signs of infection to watch for and when to return. Ask what the plan is if contractions do not begin and whether any medicines or tests are recommended.