Rupture of Membranes

A. What it means

Rupture of the membranes is most commonly described as “the water breaks.” When the membranes break, the fluid within the membranes around your little one (amniotic fluid) flows out from the vagina. The flow varies from a trickle to a gush. This can also happen naturally during labor, or artificially by your health care provider, to help your labor along, or to progress.

B. How to know if your water has broken

Signs that your water has broken can include:

• a gush or trickle of fluid

• a popping sensation

• contractions that can become stronger.

However, it can be difficult to tell the difference between urine and amniotic fluid, especially if you only notice a small amount of fluid. The biggest way to tell is to see if you can "control the flow" like you can when you urinate.

C. Important factors to remember

• baby will be delivered within the next 24-48 hours

• if labor doesn't/hasn't started, your health practitioner will likely induce your labor

• STI's or vaginosis may cause your membranes to rupture

Other conditions that may weaken the membranes include:

• Short cervical length

• Polyhydramnios

• Uterine overdistension

• Connective tissue disorders

• Congenital uterine anomalies

• Nutritional deficiencies

• the force of contractions may cause them to rupture

• they weaken naturally near the end of your pregnancy

i. C.O.A.T - Color, Odor, Amount, Time

Color- The fluid is typically clear, but might be pink, dark or green( these colors will tell you so much about the condition of your uterus and what is going on for eg, pink could be just from the loss of your mucus plug, dark or green could mean your little one has had a bowel movement inside during your contractions

Odor- Note the smell of the fluid, if any so you can let your medical team know

Amount- Make a note of how much fluid is leaking, was it a big gush, or a constant trickle

Time- Make a note of when it happened as it starts a clock sort ta speak on how long you have to welcome your little one into the world

D. When to contact your provider

Have your membranes ruptured? then please call your medical team right away, making note of the above following. Some other reasons to call your medical provider would be :

• For a fever, if your water is dark, green, smelly or bloody

• If you have signs of an infection like chills, rapid pulse, or a foul smelling discharge

• Signs of pre term labor like cramps( menstrual like) lower back ache, vaginal bleeding or any pelvic pressure