So your waters have broken but labour hasn't started yet

So your waters have broken but labour hasn't started yet. What do you do? The first thing to do is remain calm, it's likely that contractions will start soon. When your waters break, you generally have a choice on how you’d like to proceed. You can either have your labour induced as soon as it can be arranged or wait to see if you go into labour without induction.

The likelihood is that your contractions will start within 24 hours to 48 hours of your waters breaking. At least 60% of women go into labour within 24 hours and most of the rest go into labour within 48 hours. So waiting for around 24 hours before starting an induction is what your midwife will probably recommend. . If you are 37 weeks and over and your waters have broken and been confirmed by your care provider, you will likely be asked to go home and await events. During this time, keep an eye on your temperature. If it goes over 37.5 celcius or 99.5 Fahrenheit, call in as it could be sign of an infection. Avoid sexual intercourse to acoid infection and keep an eye on the colour of the water. If it turns green or brown or you experience any bleeding you will need to call in right away. . If you are below 37 weeks and your waters break before labour this is called pprom (preterm pre labour rupture of membranes) Depending on your gestation, you may either be induced or left to allow baby to spend more time in the womb. Each case is individual and will be discussed with your obstetrician . . . #labour #preterm #waters #rupture #membranes #pregmancyeducation #midwifemarley