Pregnancy
Waters Breaking Before Contractions: What to Do Next
Waters breaking can feel like a sudden gush or a continuing trickle. It may be difficult to distinguish from urine, but possible fluid leakage in pregnancy deserves advice from the maternity team.
Waters breaking can feel like a sudden gush or a continuing trickle. It may be difficult to distinguish from urine, but possible fluid leakage in pregnancy deserves advice from the maternity team.
Contact the maternity unit promptly
Do not wait for contractions to become regular. Tell the team how many weeks pregnant you are, when the fluid started, its colour and smell, and whether the baby is moving normally.
Use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon. Coloured or unpleasant-smelling fluid, bleeding, reduced movements or feeling unwell requires urgent attention. Possible labour or fluid leakage before 37 weeks also needs urgent assessment.
Expect an individual plan
The next step depends on the stage of pregnancy, examination and any signs of infection or concern for the baby. If labour does not begin, the team may discuss induction or other management appropriate to your circumstances.
Do not use an online timetable as permission to wait without contacting your own maternity service.
Make the instructions clear
Ask whether you should come in immediately, what to bring and what symptoms require another call while travelling or waiting. If you are advised to remain at home temporarily, confirm the review time and the monitoring instructions.
Keep a note of when the leakage began and any changes, but do not delay assessment to complete a diary. The useful first step is communication with the team responsible for your pregnancy, even if you are unsure whether your waters have actually broken.
Further reading and care
For an individual assessment with Dr. Aishwarya Parulekar Pai, contact the clinic and confirm the appointment location before travelling.