Water Breaking Realities

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Step into the world of childbirth realities with Tend and Befriend as we unpack the truthful nuances surrounding the event of water breaking. Many of us can recall memorable moments from beloved television shows where a woman's water dramatically breaks in a public setting, igniting chaos and urgency. However, this depiction is often far from the truth. In our latest episode, we strip away the theatrics to reveal what actually happens when one's water breaks, arming expecting parents with the knowledge they need to feel prepared and informed.

Join us as we discuss how only a minority of pregnant individuals experience water breaking as the first sign of labor, the signs to recognize when it genuinely occurs, and the steps to take following membrane rupture. We provide clarity on how fluid flow may differ from the cinematic version and why identifying amniotic fluid accurately is crucial. This episode also explores significant health considerations that warrant immediate medical attention, including meconium presence and umbilical cord prolapse situations.

Our aim is to demystify childbirth's complexities while providing practical advice to transition from the dramatization to every mother's reality. With expert insights and straightforward guidance, we help listeners navigate this essential part of the birthing process. Don't miss out on this vital information—tune in, prepare, and join the conversation today!

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:13):
Hey Mamas, you're listening to Tend and Befriend,
a podcast about women's mentaland physical health.
This is Debra.
I'm a mom of two, a labor andbirth coach and birth advocate,
a health professional, and todayI'm your host.
Let's dive into today's episode.
Any information you hear orthat is suggested or recommended

(00:35):
on these episodes is notmedical advice.

Speaker 2 (00:41):
Today we will be tackling one of the biggest
tropes in TV and movies thedramatic water breaking scene.
You know the one with Rachel onFriends.
Or a woman is out to dinner,she suddenly gasps, the camera
pans down to a puddle on thefloor and chaos ensues.
But how accurate is that?
Really it's not.
In today's episode we'll talkabout what actually happens when

(01:03):
your water breaks, how to knowit's time to head to the
hospital or birthing center andwhen to be concerned.
Let's start with Hollywood'sversion of water breaking.
In every movie or show it'sthis huge, dramatic moment the
woman's water breaks in publicand it's immediately followed by
intense labor pains and afrantic dash to the hospital.

(01:24):
But here's the reality Onlyabout 10% of pregnant people
experience their water breakingas the first sign of labor.
For most, contractions comefirst and their membranes
rupture sometime later.
So unless you're part of that10%, you probably won't get your

(01:45):
big cinematic moment.
So what does it actually feellike when your water breaks or
membranes rupture?
For some it's a noticeable gushof fluid, like you see in the
movies, but for most it's moreof a slow trickle.
This can be confusing, becauseit's easy to mistake it for
urine or increased discharge,both of which are common in late

(02:08):
pregnancy.
I tell my mommies that it'smost likely amniotic fluid if it
continues to leak over a periodof time let's say 15 minutes
instead of leaking at one time,instead of leaking at one time.

(02:29):
The average amount of amnioticfluid in the uterus at full term
is about 800 to 1000milliliters, or four cups.
So if your water does break ina gush, it might feel like a lot
, but it's probably less thanyou'd imagine.
And don't worry, your bodykeeps producing amniotic fluid
until your baby is born, soyou're not completely drying out
.
That terminology dry birth isso outdated.

(02:54):
Your body also replenishes thefluid at a rate of one liter per
hour.
Now let's talk about when do wecall our healthcare provider
because our membranes haveruptured.
While water breaking is usuallyjust a sign that labor is on its
way, there are certainsituations that need immediate
attention.
So your amniotic fluid shouldbe clear or pale, yellow, milky

(03:19):
white, but if it's green, brownor has a foul odor, it can mean
that your baby has passedmeconium, which is their first
bowel movement, and this canincrease the risk of
complications and needs to beassessed immediately.
The other thing that requiresimmediate attention is an
umbilical cord prolapse.

(03:40):
If your water breaks and youfeel something in your vagina
like the umbilical cord, it's amedical emergency.
Cord prolapse happens when thecord slips into the birth canal
and it can cut off the oxygen toyour baby.
In this case, what you want todo is dial 911, get on your
hands and knees, get your buttup in the air, so butt to the
ceiling, and this will helprelieve the pressure on the cord

(04:02):
while you wait for help.
Once your membranes haveruptured, there is an increased
risk of infection, especially iflabor doesn't start within 24
hours.
This is called prolongedrupture of membrane.
Your care team may recommendinduction to reduce the risk.
In Canada and the US they arepretty strict with this, meaning
if you do not deliver aroundthe 24-hour mark, they are going

(04:24):
to start talking about acesarean birth.
If you think your water isbroken, here's what you should
do Take note of the time.
Write down when it happened.
This is important informationfor your provider.
Observe the color and the smell.
Check that the fluid is clearor if there are any concerning
signs like meconium staining ora foul odor, you want to call
your provider.
Even if you're not sure, it'salways better to call and get

(04:48):
their advice.
They might want you to come inright away or wait for labor to
progress.
Naturally, stay calm unlessyou're experiencing heavy
bleeding, severe pain or signsof cord prolapse.
There, there's no need to rush.
Gather your things, eat a lightsnack if you can, maybe even
get a shower and get ready tomeet your baby.

(05:08):
Up to 90% of people go intolabor within 24 hours after
water breaks, but if you don't,your provider may discuss
induction or augmentation tohelp things along.
So the truth about membranerupture or water breaking is a
little less glamorous than whatwe've seen in the movies, but
it's still an exciting andsignificant part of the birthing
process, and by knowing what tolook for and when to call your

(05:30):
provider, you can feel a littlemore prepared and a little more
confident if and when the timecomes.
That's it on membrane ruptures.
The opinions that I haveexpressed in this podcast
they're my own and they're basedon my education, my training,
my research and my experience,but they may not be appropriate
for you.
I want to make sure that youunderstand that you need to
consult your healthcare providerto determine what is best for

(05:52):
your individual situation, andalso I am an Amazon affiliate.
I earn a small commission ifyou purchase through my links,
but this doesn't affect theprice that you pay.
These commissions help supportthis podcast and allow me to
keep sharing free resources withyou.

Speaker 1 (06:08):
Talk to you soon.
Okay, let's talk soon.