Water Breaking Realities

Step into the world of childbirth realities with Tend and Befriend as we unpack the truthful nuances surrounding the event of water breaking. Many of us can recall memorable moments from beloved television shows where a woman's water dramatically breaks in a public setting, igniting chaos and urgency. However, this depiction is often far from the truth. In our latest episode, we strip away the theatrics to reveal what actually happens when one's water breaks, arming expecting parents with the knowledge they need to feel prepared and informed.

Join us as we discuss how only a minority of pregnant individuals experience water breaking as the first sign of labor, the signs to recognize when it genuinely occurs, and the steps to take following membrane rupture. We provide clarity on how fluid flow may differ from the cinematic version and why identifying amniotic fluid accurately is crucial. This episode also explores significant health considerations that warrant immediate medical attention, including meconium presence and umbilical cord prolapse situations.

Our aim is to demystify childbirth's complexities while providing practical advice to transition from the dramatization to every mother's reality. With expert insights and straightforward guidance, we help listeners navigate this essential part of the birthing process. Don't miss out on this vital information—tune in, prepare, and join the conversation today!

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Chapters

• 0:41 The Hollywood Version of Water Breaking
• 7:01 Identifying Amniotic Fluid Vs. Urine
• 18:01 Knowing When to Seek Medical Attention

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:13

Hey Mamas, you're listening to Tend and Befriend, a podcast about women's mental and physical health. This is Debra. I'm a mom of two, a labor and birth coach and birth advocate, a health professional, and today I'm your host. Let's dive into today's episode. Any information you hear or that is suggested or recommended on these episodes is not medical advice.

Speaker 2: 0:41

Today we will be tackling one of the biggest tropes in TV and movies the dramatic water breaking scene. You know the one with Rachel on Friends. Or a woman is out to dinner, she suddenly gasps, the camera pans down to a puddle on the floor and chaos ensues. But how accurate is that? Really it's not. In today's episode we'll talk about what actually happens when your water breaks, how to know it's time to head to the hospital or birthing center and when to be concerned.

Speaker 2: 1:09

Let's start with Hollywood's version of water breaking. In every movie or show it's this huge, dramatic moment the woman's water breaks in public and it's immediately followed by intense labor pains and a frantic dash to the hospital. But here's the reality Only about 10% of pregnant people experience their water breaking as the first sign of labor. For most, contractions come first and their membranes rupture sometime later. So unless you're part of that 10%, you probably won't get your big cinematic moment. So what does it actually feel like when your water breaks or membranes rupture? For some it's a noticeable gush of fluid, like you see in the movies, but for most it's more of a slow trickle. This can be confusing, because it's easy to mistake it for urine or increased discharge, both of which are common in late pregnancy. I tell my mommies that it's most likely amniotic fluid if it continues to leak over a period of time let's say 15 minutes instead of leaking at one time, instead of leaking at one time. The average amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus at full term is about 800 to 1000 milliliters, or four cups. So if your water does break in a gush, it might feel like a lot, but it's probably less than you'd imagine. And don't worry, your body keeps producing amniotic fluid until your baby is born, so you're not completely drying out. That terminology dry birth is so outdated. Your body also replenishes the fluid at a rate of one liter per hour. Now let's talk about when do we call our healthcare provider because our membranes have ruptured.

Speaker 2: 3:06

While water breaking is usually just a sign that labor is on its way, there are certain situations that need immediate attention. So your amniotic fluid should be clear or pale, yellow, milky white, but if it's green, brown or has a foul odor, it can mean that your baby has passed meconium, which is their first bowel movement, and this can increase the risk of complications and needs to be assessed immediately. The other thing that requires immediate attention is an umbilical cord prolapse. If your water breaks and you feel something in your vagina like the umbilical cord, it's a medical emergency. Cord prolapse happens when the cord slips into the birth canal and it can cut off the oxygen to your baby. In this case, what you want to do is dial 911, get on your hands and knees, get your butt up in the air, so butt to the ceiling, and this will help relieve the pressure on the cord while you wait for help. Once your membranes have ruptured, there is an increased risk of infection, especially if labor doesn't start within 24 hours. This is called prolonged rupture of membrane. Your care team may recommend induction to reduce the risk. In Canada and the US they are pretty strict with this, meaning if you do not deliver around the 24-hour mark, they are going to start talking about a cesarean birth.

Speaker 2: 4:27

If you think your water is broken, here's what you should do Take note of the time. Write down when it happened. This is important information for your provider. Observe the color and the smell. Check that the fluid is clear or if there are any concerning signs like meconium staining or a foul odor, you want to call your provider. Even if you're not sure, it's always better to call and get their advice. They might want you to come in right away or wait for labor to progress.

Speaker 2: 4:52

Naturally, stay calm unless you're experiencing heavy bleeding, severe pain or signs of cord prolapse. There, there's no need to rush. Gather your things, eat a light snack if you can, maybe even get a shower and get ready to meet your baby. Up to 90% of people go into labor within 24 hours after water breaks, but if you don't, your provider may discuss induction or augmentation to help things along. So the truth about membrane rupture or water breaking is a little less glamorous than what we've seen in the movies, but it's still an exciting and significant part of the birthing process, and by knowing what to look for and when to call your provider, you can feel a little more prepared and a little more confident if and when the time comes.

Speaker 2: 5:36

That's it on membrane ruptures. The opinions that I have expressed in this podcast they're my own and they're based on my education, my training, my research and my experience, but they may not be appropriate for you. I want to make sure that you understand that you need to consult your healthcare provider to determine what is best for your individual situation, and also I am an Amazon affiliate. I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, but this doesn't affect the price that you pay. These commissions help support this podcast and allow me to keep sharing free resources with you.

Speaker 1: 6:08

Talk to you soon. Okay, let's talk soon.