Published on: 4/28/2025
If you think your water broke but aren’t having contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider right away for an evaluation.
When you suspect your water has broken even without contractions, it is important to take some careful steps. First, call your healthcare provider or go to your local hospital so they can check you. They will likely examine you and may do tests like a speculum exam, nitrazine, or fern test to see if the amniotic fluid is leaking. It is helpful to note details about the fluid such as its color, smell, and amount, and whether you notice any other changes like a slight feeling of wetness or mild cramping. Even if no contractions have started, there is a chance that your body might begin labor soon. Getting proper care can help prevent infections from developing. Your provider will advise you on whether to wait for labor to naturally begin or to consider other actions. Remember, contacting your healthcare team quickly is the best way to ensure you and your baby receive proper care.
(References)
Sénat MV, Schmitz T, Bouchghoul H, Diguisto C, Girault A, Paysant S, Sibiude J, Lassel L, Sentilhes L. Term prelabor rupture of membranes: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF). J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2022 Aug;35(16):3105-3109. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1810230. Epub 2020 Aug 27. PMID: 32847438.
Melamed N, Berghella V, Ananth CV, Lipworth H, Yoon EW, Barrett J. Optimal timing of labor induction after prelabor rupture of membranes at term: a secondary analysis of the TERMPROM study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Mar;228(3):326.e1-326.e13. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.09.018. Epub 2022 Sep 15. PMID: 36116523.
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