When Your Water Breaks
What to do when your membranes rupture before or during labor
What It Feels Like
Your water breaking (rupture of the amniotic membranes) can feel like a trickle, a slow leak, or a sudden gush. About one in ten people experience it before labor starts. For most, membranes don't break until well into active labor. There is no pain — the membranes have no nerve endings.
What to Do First
What Happens Next
If you are at term (37+ weeks), about 80 percent of people go into labor within 24 hours after their water breaks. Your provider will give instructions based on whether baby's head is engaged, the color of the fluid, and how strong your contractions are. If baby's head is well down, they may advise staying home until contractions become regular and strong. If baby has not yet dropped into the pelvis, they may advise coming in sooner due to a small risk of cord prolapse.