What should you know about time from water break to delivery?

The waters may release as a gush or a continuous trickle, and it can be difficult to distinguish fluid from urine or vaginal discharge. Birth may follow soon after, or the team may monitor you while deciding whether labour should be supported or delivery recommended.

Gestational age changes the plan. Fluid loss before labour and before the expected birth period may signal preterm labour and needs hospital guidance. The team may check your temperature, the fluid, contractions, cervical changes and fetal heart rate.

Call your maternity unit promptly, note when the leaking started, and use a clean pad to observe the colour and smell. Do not put anything into the vagina or have sex until you have received advice. Bring your pregnancy records and tell the team about bleeding, reduced movements, pain or fever.

Follow instructions about monitoring, antibiotics, induction or admission. Keep track of your baby’s usual movements while waiting for care, and report a clear change immediately.

Seek urgent maternity care for green or foul-smelling fluid, fresh bleeding, fever, severe abdominal pain, regular contractions, reduced fetal movement, or anything protruding from the vagina. If the pregnancy is preterm, do not wait for contractions before calling.

How will you confirm whether my waters have broken? How far along is the pregnancy, what monitoring is needed, and what symptoms would change the plan for labour or delivery?