Rupture of Membrane
The rupture of membrane is the most obvious sign that your baby is ready to be born. For most women the rupture will occur during labour while for others it will break prior to the onset of labour. Here are some pointers on how you can identify if you have ruptured your membrane and what it means.
Signs and Indications
Sign
There are 2 different ways which indicate that you have ruptured your membrane:
1. Trickle
When the break occurs higher up the baby’s sac also known as “high leak” causing only little trickles of amniotic fluid or wetness in the perineal area.
2. Gush
One or several big gushes of fluid that will cause your baby’s head to move to the cervix.
Indication
The rupture of amniotic fluid releases oxytocin that induces contractions for labour.
Leaking might not produce enough stimulation for your body to release oxytocin. Still you need to take it as a sign that your labour is near.
In some cases, the membrane might not rupture and the baby is born inside the sac known as “in the caul”. Do not worry as the doctor can break the sac for you.
General Hospital Procedures
You will remain in the labour room at this stage. Periodical checks on cervix dilation.
Cervix dilates from 3-7 cm
Contractions interval of 2-5 minutes
Labour Experience
More intense pain.
Get into comfortable position.
Exercise breathing technique like Lamaze.
General Hospital Procedures
Foetal monitor will be strapped on to determine baby’s heartbeat & contractions of uterus.
Cervix dilates from 7-10 cm
Contractions interval of 1-2 minutes
Labour Experience
Cervix is widely dilated, baby is almost there!
This is when you will experience rupture of membrane.
Sign
Contrary to popular beliefs most women begin with contractions followed by water break (rupture of membrane) and not the other way around.
Indication
Whichever comes first, it is a sign that your baby is ready to be delivered.
Sign
Amniotic fluid from ruptured membrane:
DOES NOT smell like urine
Is odourless
Is clear or light tea in colour
Indication
If the amniotic fluid is greenish or muddy in colour, it means your baby has emptied his bowel, which is a sign of distress. The baby needs to be born quickly. Seek Medical Attention!
Sign
Labour usually begins 24 hours from the time of water breaking.
Indication
If labour doesn’t begin spontaneously, you and your baby are at greater risk of infection and your doctor might have to induce labour.
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