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Waters Breaking
At some stage during labour, or before labour starts, the amniotic fluid surrounding your baby will be released. It may either trickle out or flow out in a rush. This is described as the ‘waters breaking’, and although it generally happens naturally, it is quite frequently artificially done to ‘speed up labour’ if there is any delay in progress.
While the amniotic sac is intact, the waters and the baby are usually protected from infection. If, however, as can sometimes happen, the amniotic sac breaks prematurely, then most women will go into labour within 24 hours. However, some women can continue with the pregnancy for weeks as the amniotic fluid that is being lost is constantly being replaced. During this situation, it is important to monitor for infection.
Your waters breaking may also be referred to as ‘rupture of the membranes’.
