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Written by

Roxanne Albert, BSN, RNC-OB

Rupture of Membranes: So, Your Water Broke??

  • Birth, Birth Options, Induction, Medical

Please note that this blog post is for educational purpose only and does not constitute as medical advice. Please seek advice from your medical provider about your individual situation and concerns.

What does rupture of membranes even mean?? It is the official way of saying “your water is broken!”

There are three ways this can happen:

  1. SROM – Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes – actively contracting and then water breaks. This can happen at any time during pregnancy, but preferably sometime after 37 weeks. This will usually cause labor to intensify and be more uncomfortable. Usually, the very next contraction will be super intense very suddenly! So, if you are having fairly adequate contractions, then your water breaks, prepare for it to be more intense very quickly!

  2. PROM – Pre-labor Rupture of Membranes – NOT contracting and water breaks. Can happen after 37 weeks and happens in 8-10% of pregnancies. If this occurs, you may find that your contractions will begin in about 24 hours, but if not, it may be a good idea to call your provider and request guidance. As the longer your water is broken, the higher risk of infection.

  3. PPROM – Premature Pre-labor Rupture of Membranes – NOT contracting and water breaks and you are before 37 weeks along. This happens in 30% of preterm labors. You will want to call your provider and ask for guidance immediately if you suspect your water has broken before 37 weeks! Some will have you come to the clinic to verify it was your water, and some will have you head straight to the hospital/birthing center.

If you suspect your water has broken

If you suspect your water has broken, put on a pad and monitor how quickly you fill the pads, and then call you provider with the following information:

You can use the acronym TACO if you water has broken to help you remember what information to gather!

  • Time – What time did this occur?

  • Amount – How much fluid? Large amount, or slow leak?

  • Color – Was it clear, pink tinged, bloody, green?

  • Odor – Was it odorless or have a foul odor? (Amniotic fluid almost has a sweet smell to it, but it is distinctly different than urine)

It is recommended to come into the hospital to be evaluated by your provider if you think your water has broken so they can evaluate you and baby’s status. Especially if your water is not clear and odorless. If you choose not to come in and be evaluated, it is highly recommended to come in if you start developing any signs of infection like a fever.

Childbirth Education Review
Loved your course and wish I would have had something like this before the birth of my daughter 4 years ago. I love the videos that recap at the end, it definitely helps take in all the information better. The printable PDFs are awesome! Having the personal perspectives from both a doula and nurse is also helpful at navigating the differences and options available in ones own chosen care facility.
Childbirth Education Review
This course was so thorough! I wish I would've taken it earlier in my pregnancy to utilize more of the information earlier on to prepare. I do feel much more prepared and able to advocate for myself during labor. This is especially important this year as my husband will be the only one with me due to COVID and this is our first baby. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to play a more active role in their childbirth experience. It went so far above and beyond the course available at our hospital. Thank you so much!
Childbirth Education Review
I loved knowing the A&P portion of labor and birth it helped me connect what was going on while I was delivering and for me that helps me feel more calm. I also am thankful I learned the breathing techniques they came in really handy. Lastly, This is my first child and I’m really glad you emphasize advocating for yourself and having your partner do so to you there’s a lot of things that the provider kind of wanted to push me into that I wasn’t comfortable with and I felt more comfortable asking them to explain things and saying that I would like to stick to my birth plan.
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Do you need a c-section if your water has been broken for 24 hours???

In the past they use to believe that in order to reduce harm to baby and decrease risk of infection and harm to baby that they needed moms to be delivered within 24 hours after the water has broken. Research has shown that as long as mom and baby are doing well there is no need to expedite delivery with a c-section after water has been broken for 24 hours. It is safe to continue if there are no signs of infection, mom is progressing in labor, and has a reassuring Fetal Heart Rate Pattern.

Learn more in our childbirth education courses, where we explain your birth options (both medical and holistic) to help you navigate your desired birth!  When we understand all our options, we can make more informed decisions throughout our birth and there is so much less fear!

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