The rupture of membrane is the most obvious sign that your baby is ready to be born. For most women the rupture will occur during labour while for others it will break prior to the onset of labour. Here are some pointers on how you can identify if you have ruptured your membrane and what it means:
| No. |
Signs |
Indications |
| 1. |
There are 2 different ways which indicate that you have ruptured your membrane:
- Trickle
When the break occurs higher up the baby’s sac also known as “high leak” causing only little trickles of amniotic fluid or wetness in the perineal area.
- Gush
One or several big gushes of fluid that will cause your baby’s head to move to the cervix.
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- The rupture of amniotic fluid releases oxytocin that induces contractions for labour.
- Leaking might not produce enough stimulation for your body to release oxytocin. Still you need to take it as a sign that your labour is near.
- In some cases, the membrane might not rupture and the baby is born inside the sac known as “in the caul”. Do not worry as the doctor can break the sac for you.
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| 2. |
Contrary to popular beliefs most women begin with contractions followed by water break (rupture of membrane) and not the other way around. |
Whichever comes first, it is a sign that your baby is ready to be delivered. |
| 3. |
Amniotic fluid from ruptured membrane:
- DOES NOT smell like urine
- Is odourless
- Is clear or light tea in colour
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If the amniotic fluid is greenish or muddy in colour, it means your baby has emptied his bowel, which is a sign of distress. The baby needs to be born quickly. Seek Medical Attention!
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| 4. |
Labour usually begins 24 hours from the time of water breaking.
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If labour doesn’t begin spontaneously, you and your baby are at greater risk of infection and your doctor might have to induce labour. |
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