5 Tell-Tale Signs that Your Water Bag Broke

If you’re entering the third trimester of pregnancy, congratulations. All that nausea and uncertainty are a thing of the past. Now, you have a whole new set of challenges to deal with. Your baby would have grown substantially by now, which could put pressure on your kidneys, bladder and stomach. Some women might find it difficult to take deep breaths due to the increasing pressure from the growing uterus and fetus. If you too are facing similar issues, make sure to look for the “best gynaecologist near me,” like those in Delhi.

But, all these challenges are signs that you are getting ready to bring a new life into this world. And, the first step of delivering your baby is the water bag breaking. It is a good idea to understand the signs of water breaking because it can be confused with urination at times, say the best maternity hospitals in Delhi. In fact, labour usually begins within 24 hours of water breaking, if not earlier. If contractions do not begin within 24 hours, the best gynaecologists in Delhi recommend inducing labour to prevent any harm to the baby. So, here’s what you should know about the signs of water breaking.

1. Uncontrolled Leaking

When the water breaks, you will feel either a trickle or a huge gush of fluid leaking out of the vagina. This is because the amniotic sac ruptures and the fluid that is present between the uterine lining and the sac begins to be eliminated. Regardless of how heavy this flow is, it cannot be stopped or controlled. It is best to wear a sanitary pad or sit on a clean towel. Using a tampon is not advisable at this time.

2. The Liquid is Odourless and Clear

There is a reason it is called “water” breaking. The amniotic fluid that leaks out at this time is usually clear and does not smell. However, some women have reported a sweetish smell, similar to chlorine or semen. In addition, it could at times contains streaks of blood, making the colour slightly pinkish.

3. It Isn’t Thick or Sticky

Don’t confuse vaginal discharge with water breaking. Vaginal discharge can be odourless too, but it is usually thick, sticky and looks similar to milky white or clear mucus. Amniotic fluid is thin, like water, even if it is leaking out very slowly, similar to vaginal discharge. In fact, right in the beginning of pregnancy, search for “best gynaecologist near me,” like those in Delhi, and find out all you can about the different stages of both pregnancy and labour, to avoid any confusion. This is because when labour actually starts, the mucus plug is also eliminated via the vagina. This is a yellowish liquid, although it comes out in larger, gelatinous chunks. It could contain some blood too.

4. Don’t Confuse it With Urine Either

Urinary incontinence is commonly experienced during the third trimester of pregnancy. Women sometimes complain that they went to the bathroom but the urine kept on leaking and wouldn’t stop, explain the best maternity hospitals in Delhi. However, remember that the colour of urine is usually yellowish and it has an ammonia-like odour. Amniotic fluid is odourless. If you are still unsure, you can sit down for a short while and stand up again. If you find that the liquid is continuing to leak, it is possibly because your water bag has broken.

5. You Might Feel a Popping Sensation or Painless Pressure

Some women report feeling pressure when the water breaks. Some also state that they hear a popping sound, followed by the liquid beginning to leak. The experience is not painful. However, soon after the water breaks, the intensity and frequency of contractions might increase.

If you still feel unsure whether your water has broken, the best course of action is to immediately contact your doctor. They will be able to guide you with the next steps.