What Should I Do If I Believe My Water Broke While I Was Sleeping?

Reviewed by Suo Lee, MD

Internal Medicine

If you wake up and suspect your water broke while you were sleeping, it's important to contact your healthcare provider right away to get checked out.

Explanation

Sometimes, while you’re sleeping, you might wake up to find your clothes or bedding wet, which makes you think your water has broken. This could mean that the amniotic sac around your baby has started to leak. Amniotic fluid is usually clear and watery, unlike the thicker, normal vaginal discharge you usually see. Even if you did not feel any sudden gush or strong signs of labor, don’t ignore these changes. The best thing to do is call your healthcare provider or go to the hospital so they can check if your water has broken. They may do tests, such as using a special paper that changes color on contact with amniotic fluid, or even an ultrasound, to be sure. It is always better to be safe and let the doctors know about any new changes, especially during pregnancy, so they can help you and your baby get the right care.

(References)

Dayal S, Jenkins SM, Hong PL. Preterm and Term Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PPROM and PROM). 2024 Oct 31. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30422483.
Murillo C, Ferrero S, Cobo T, Renau MI, Aldecoa V, Grau L, Ponce J, Rueda C, Palacio M. Outpatient management of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes before 34 weeks: Maternal and neonatal outcomes. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2023 Aug;162(2):703-710. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.14726. Epub 2023 Mar 3. PMID: 36799695.
Middleton P, Shepherd E, Flenady V, McBain RD, Crowther CA. Planned early birth versus expectant management (waiting) for prelabour rupture of membranes at term (37 weeks or more). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Jan 4;1(1):CD005302. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005302.pub3. PMID: 28050900; PMCID: PMC6464808.

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