Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Water breaking feels like a sudden burst or steady leak of warm, clear fluid, which is different from usual pregnancy aches or contractions.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as the breaking of the protective amniotic sac before labor begins, and if it happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is known as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Doctors carefully watch both mom and baby, give medicine like antibiotics and steroids, and monitor for infections and other issues when a mother has preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Yes, many women feel like their water is going to break before it actually does, and this can sometimes be part of normal changes as your body prepares for labor.

It can be normal to feel tingling during pregnancy because the body changes and can put extra pressure on nerves, but it’s important to talk with your doctor if you’re worried.

Leaking fluid doesn’t always mean labor is starting; sometimes it may be a small rupture of the membranes that doesn’t trigger active labor yet.

If you think your water broke but aren’t having contractions, you should contact your healthcare provider right away for an evaluation.

Treatment of premature rupture of membranes depends on the baby's age and the mother's health, often involving careful monitoring, antibiotic therapy, and other supportive treatments to help both mother and baby.

Signs that your water has broken include a sudden gush of clear, odorless fluid or ongoing leaking that feels like water from your vagina.

Early signs that your water might be breaking include a gentle leak of clear, watery fluid, a feeling of dampness, and sometimes mild cramping or pressure in your lower belly.

You might first notice a sudden wetness or a steady leak of clear fluid from your vagina, along with a feeling of pressure in your lower belly, which can be signs that your water is about to break.

Certain factors like infections, a history of early water breaking, and other health or lifestyle issues can increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes.

Water breaks when the amniotic sac weakens and stretches due to natural changes in the body and the baby's growth, which eventually causes the sac to rupture.

If your water has been broken for a long time, it can increase the risk of infections in both mom and baby, as well as causing other complications.

When the amniotic sac breaks too soon, the baby can be born early and face risks such as infections, breathing problems, and other complications related to being premature.

Signs of a rupture of membranes include a sudden gush or ongoing leak of clear, watery fluid, a consistent feeling of wetness, and sometimes just a change in your usual vaginal discharge.

When your waters break slowly, you may notice a gentle and continuous flow of clear, watery fluid that dampens your clothes rather than a sudden, heavy gush.

Trickling waters feel like a slow, steady leak of fluid instead of a strong, sudden gush.

Your doctor will do a physical exam and do special tests—like a nitrazine or fern test—to check if the fluid coming out is amniotic fluid, which would mean your water has broken.

Before your water breaks, you might feel pressure in your lower belly, notice a gentle trickle of fluid, or experience light contractions.