The water breaking — is it like in the movies?

It’s time to reveal a little secret: water breaking (like many other things related to pregnancy and childbirth?) almost never happens like in the movies!

We’ll explain everything!

What is water breaking during pregnancy?

Let’s start from the beginning, shall we? Before it “breaks,” the “water” (meaning the amniotic fluid in which the fetus floats throughout development in the womb) is contained in what is called the amniotic sac.
The amniotic sac is like a super natural protective barrier: it keeps the baby warm and safe in the amniotic fluid. This fluid has many benefits:

• It helps organ development.
• It protects from possible jolts or shocks.
• It aids communication with the outside world (the baby feels what’s happening, like in a swimming pool).
• It allows the baby to make their first movements to develop their skeleton, muscles, and joints.

Water breaking is the moment when this sac ruptures (or leaks, depending on the case), releasing amniotic fluid through the vagina in varying amounts.
Water breaking signals the start of labor, but the labor phase doesn’t necessarily begin immediately after the sac ruptures—things can still take time!

How to recognize water breaking during pregnancy?

Not always easy, we agree: not only is water breaking painless, but it can also be hard to detect if it’s just a leak and not a full rupture.
To recognize a ruptured sac, focus on these four main indicators:

Appearance: the fluid is clear and watery like regular water.

Smell: amniotic fluid has no odor.

Frequency: though not necessarily continuous, the leak cannot be held back and won’t stop until the baby is born. It may be a slow trickle or more abundant, and it may increase when you or the baby moves—leading to a continuous feeling of wetness.

Timing: normally, water breaking happens only at the end of pregnancy.

Wearing dark underwear can help you tell the difference between amniotic fluid and normal vaginal discharge by looking at the stain.

If you’re unsure, go to the emergency room at your maternity hospital, where a test can confirm whether it’s amniotic fluid or not.

❗Any amniotic fluid loss requires a visit to the emergency room. We’ll explain when to go based on your situation further down.

How to tell the difference between water breaking and other vaginal discharge?

Usually, water breaking doesn’t look the same as other types of vaginal discharge, so you’ll need to observe closely. Remember, amniotic fluid is clear, odorless, and flows continuously. Other discharges have distinct characteristics:
White discharge

It’s white and thicker than amniotic fluid, occurs occasionally, and can appear at any time.

Urine leaks

These are more or less yellow depending on your hydration. They smell like urine, occur occasionally and in small amounts. They can be triggered by effort (sneezing, coughing, movement…) or a full bladder.

Mucus plug

It has a slimy or gelatinous texture. It can be beige, brownish, or pink and has no smell. The mucus plug is expelled all at once or in parts and can come out at any time near the end of pregnancy (without necessarily meaning labor is starting!).

These are all normal discharges that do not require a trip to the emergency room.

However, be alert if you notice:

• White, clumpy discharge.
• Grey discharge with a fishy odor.
• Green and foul-smelling discharge.
• Blood traces (if you’re not on hormonal birth control or in early pregnancy).
• Yellow discharge with pelvic pain.
• Heavy discharge that is yellowish or off-white.

❗If you notice unusual discharge, consult a midwife or doctor.

What to do if your water breaks?

If you think your water is breaking: don’t panic! No need to race to the hospital like in the movies — in most cases, you have a little time before going to your maternity unit.
There are generally two types of water breaking:

Full rupture

This is the dramatic kind you see in shows or movies: you’re going about your day and suddenly, a warm gush of fluid flows down your legs. You can’t control the flow!

Leakage

Less dramatic than a full rupture, leakage is a common form of water breaking. The fluid drips in very small amounts, like a leaky faucet. Don’t worry: now that you know it exists, you won’t miss it. The fluid comes out intermittently depending on your movements and the baby’s.
Whether it’s a full rupture or a leak:

• If the fluid is clear like water: you have 1 to 2 hours to go to the hospital unless advised otherwise. Enough time to eat, shower, pack your bags, etc.
• If the fluid is colored (from urine yellow to guacamole green): head to the hospital quickly to check that the baby is doing well.
• If you already had intense, regular contractions: don’t delay! Water breaking may speed up labor.

What medical follow-up happens after water breaks?

Most of the time, water breaks during the last month of pregnancy, and labor starts within hours.
However, in rare cases, the sac may rupture well before term.

In such cases, both mother and baby are closely monitored. Antibiotics may be given to help keep the baby inside as long as possible and speed up lung development.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

What are the possible complications after the membranes rupture?

As we saw earlier: the amniotic sac holds the fluid and protects the baby.
An early rupture may be a sign of preterm labor, as labor often follows soon after the sac breaks.

More generally, once the sac is ruptured, there’s an increased risk of infection, since it no longer protects the baby from outside bacteria.

Can water break gradually?

Yes — as we’ve seen, water breaking doesn’t always mean a big Hollywood-style “splash.”
If the sac is leaking, the fluid will come out slowly over time, and remember: it won’t stop until the baby is born.

Is water breaking painful?

Good news: the rupture of the amniotic sac is absolutely painless, for you and your baby!
It can feel a bit overwhelming in case of a full rupture, but it doesn’t hurt.

Are there natural ways to trigger water breaking?

The sac may rupture on its own, or a midwife may break it during labor to help speed things up. Some women’s water breaks before labor even starts, while others give birth “en caul,” meaning the sac stays intact until the moment of birth.
While the timing and way water breaks varies for every woman, here are a few natural methods that might help start labor (note: they aren’t guaranteed to work but could help):

Membrane sweep: you can ask for this at your due date check-up if your cervix is favorable. It helps release prostaglandins, which cause the cervix to dilate. It may be uncomfortable.

Sexual activity: pleasure releases oxytocin, and semen contains prostaglandins that help soften the cervix.

Nipple stimulation: this also helps release oxytocin. Bonus: it prepares your breasts if you’re planning to breastfeed.

Walking or physical activity: helps the baby descend into the pelvis and puts pressure on the cervix, which in turn encourages prostaglandin release.

Acupuncture and homeopathy: no proven effectiveness, but worth trying if you want.

Dates: eating 6 dates a day may help. Dates have a biochemical makeup similar to oxytocin, and consuming them may boost your body’s natural oxytocin production on the big day.

Keep in mind that no serious studies confirm the effect of dates on labor time or avoiding false labor. Most importantly, don’t eat dates if you have gestational diabetes as they are high in sugar.

Raspberry leaf tea: talk to your midwife to make sure you’re drinking the right kind and amount (no more than 2–3 cups per day).

As we’ve seen, water breaking isn’t what you see in the movies—but the good news is, your baby’s arrival is getting close, and that’s better than any film.

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Photo: nrradmin