Once your water breaks, how long before delivery?

The waters are the fluid-filled membranes around the baby. Rupture can feel like a gush or a continuing trickle, and it can happen before contractions. The timing of birth varies with how far along the pregnancy is, contractions, the baby's position and wellbeing, and signs of infection. A fluid leak is not always amniotic fluid, so assessment helps confirm what is happening.

If the membranes rupture before labour and before the expected stage of birth, this is sometimes called prelabour rupture of membranes. When it happens early, it may be associated with preterm labour and needs specialist guidance.

Call your maternity unit immediately and follow its instructions. Note the time, fluid colour and smell, and whether it continues. Wear a clean maternity pad, not a tampon, and avoid sex or putting anything in the vagina until assessed. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, have severe pain or are advised to attend urgently. Take your maternity records and medicines list if you go in.

Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, faintness, fever, feeling very unwell, green or unpleasant-smelling fluid, reduced baby movements, or anything protruding from the vagina. A cord or part of the baby may require immediate attention. If you are less than full term, treat a suspected leak as urgent and contact the maternity service without waiting for contractions.

Ask whether the fluid is amniotic fluid, how the baby's wellbeing will be checked, what signs of infection to watch for, and when to return. Clarify plans for monitoring, contractions, antibiotics or birth timing in your specific situation.