Water Breaking Before Labor: What to Expect and When to Go to the Hospital

I’m sure you’ve seen Hollywood movies that show women’s water breaking before labour and the ensuing chaos that happens after. Often, they’ll show distressed partners rushing to the hospital and the woman panting like the baby is about to fall out!

There’s no need to speed through a red light if this happens to you! 🤪

The truth is, that it’s quite rare for this to happen so dramatically. Only about 10-15% of women experience their water breaking before contractions begin.

When it does happen, it doesn’t necessarily mean that labour will start right away. Some start contracting right away while others don’t feel much until 24-48 hours after the leaking happens.

If you’re pregnant, it’s important to understand what to expect and what you need to do in case your water breaks before labour. So keep reading and this L&D nurse will give you the deets!

What Happens When Your Water Breaks?

Your water breaking is the rupture of the amniotic sac, which holds the fluid that protects and cushions your baby during pregnancy. This fluid will begin to leak out through your cervix and vagina once the sac has broken.

If your water breaks, you might experience:

• A sudden gush of fluid. Some women even report hearing a loud “pop” beforehand.
• A slow, steady trickle that continues over time
• A damp feeling that makes you wonder if you just peed

The amount of fluid released can vary. Sometimes, the baby’s head acts as a plug and prevents a large gush, so you might only notice small amounts of leakage at first.

It’s important to take note of the following details when your water breaks:

• The time it happened – A longer time between your water breaking and the start of labour can increase the risk of infection. Most doctors recommend giving labour some time to start on its own but may discuss induction if labour doesn’t begin within 12-24 hours. (Read more about inductions right here!)
• The colour of the fluid – Normal amniotic fluid is clear or slightly pink. If the fluid appears brown, green, or yellow, it may contain meconium (your baby’s first bowel movement). This requires closer monitoring, as meconium-stained fluid can indicate fetal distress.
• The smell – Amniotic fluid should not have a strong or foul odour. A bad smell could indicate an infection and should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.
• The amount of fluid – Some women experience a large gush, while others notice just a trickle. Keeping track of how much fluid you are losing can help assess the situation.
• Whether there was any blood – A small amount of blood-tinged fluid (also known as “bloody show”) is normal, but heavy bleeding is not and requires immediate medical attention.

How Can You Tell If It’s Your Amniotic Fluid?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine whether your water has broken or if you’ve just experienced a bit of bladder leakage. This is especially common later in pregnancy when pressure on the bladder increases.

Here are a few ways to tell:

• Amniotic fluid is usually clear and odourless, while urine has a distinct smell and yellowish colour.
• Amniotic fluid continues to leak—unlike urine, which usually stops after emptying your bladder.
• You can try wearing a pad—if the fluid keeps leaking over time, it’s likely your water has broken.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call or go to the hospital, where tests can be done to confirm whether your water has broken.

What Should You Do If Your Water Breaks Before Labor?

1. Stay calm – In most cases, there is no need to rush to the hospital immediately unless you experience heavy bleeding, a foul odour, or fluid that is brown or green.
2. Take note of the details – Remember to track the time, colour, amount, and any unusual symptoms.
3. Call your healthcare provider – They will guide you on when to come in and what steps to take next. If you’ve been told that you’re Group B Strep positive they will probably want you to come in earlier rather than later.
4. Use a pad, not a tampon – Wearing a pad can help absorb the fluid while allowing you to monitor the amount and colour.
5. Avoid baths, swimming, or intercourse – Once your water breaks, your baby is more exposed to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
6. Be prepared for induction discussions – If labour doesn’t start naturally, your doctor may discuss options for induction to reduce infection risks. However, depending on your situation, they may allow some time for labour to begin on its own.

Slip ‘n Slide!

While Hollywood loves to dramatize water breaking as the start of labour, the reality is often much more manageable. Understanding what to expect can help you stay calm and take the right steps if it happens to you. Keep an eye on the time, fluid colour, smell, and amount, and reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns.

Have you experienced your water breaking before labour? Share your story in the comments!