It’s time! And so whenever you visit the toilet, you think “How do I know if my water broke?” Here’s how to recognize the signs that baby is on the way.
It’s flowing! But what is it?
Towards the end of your pregnancy, it’s normal to experience some involuntary loss of urine, especially when you strain. That’s why it isn’t always easy to tell the difference between your water breaking and a little leak. The rupture of membranes (the clinical name for what is happening) is the release of clear, odourless amniotic fluid; urine, on the other hand, is yellowish and has an odour. However, it may happen that the amniotic fluid is brownish in colour if it contains some of the baby’s stools (meconium). That brownish liquid could be the sign of fetal distress and requires a trip to the hospital emergency.
What to do?
When you are close to your due date and see even a small amount of clear liquid, the question you should be asking is not “How do I know if my water broke?” but rather “What should I do?” Get in touch with your medical clinic or the health professional who is monitoring your pregnancy. It could be the beginning of labour, and they will tell you how to proceed.
Obvious signs
To help you answer the question “How do I know if my water broke?” look for these possible signs of the rupture of membranes:
- a stream of liquid followed by an uncontrollable and regular trickle
- a popping sound followed by liquid
- a drop-by-drop trickle
- a sensation of wetness around the perineum
Towards the end of pregnancy, the total volume of the amniotic fluid is between a litre and a litre and a half. If the entire quantity should flow, you’ll know about it! Do keep in mind that far less than a quarter of pregnant women have their water break before they arrive at the hospital in labour.
The next stage
Here’s what to do if you think your water broke.
- Take note of the time, colour, and appearance of the liquid.
- Wear a sanitary napkin in your underwear. If necessary, a pH paper test can be done directly on the sanitary napkin to ensure that it really is amniotic fluid.
- Go to the hospital or birthing centre, even if you are not experiencing contractions, because the baby is no longer protected from infections. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, you could be delivering your baby within 24 hours.
Be prepared
Your water breaking can send a wave of panic through the house, so it’s important to prepare for the event. Your hospital suitcase should hold a place of honour next to the front door; that way, you can just grab it on your way out whenever baby decides it’s time. Make sure to include all the essentials for mother and baby, such as extra clothing and accessories for your stay and to wear when you leave the hospital, hygiene products, and something for your leisure time. And don’t forget Dad!
Don’t worry
Above all, relax and think about the wonderful moments to come. You will soon be holding your beautiful little newborn in your arms. That famous end-of-pregnancy question “How do I know if my water broke?” will be far in the past and will no longer have any importance!
