I think this a big fear for a lot of pregnant ladies, but as someone who’s seen LOTS of ladies who’s water has broken in a variety of places — I’m here to assure you what to do. There are a few things you really need to do, and then a few things you can do to be prepared in advance.
And how do I know so much about this? Hi, I’m Hilary — The Pregnancy Nurse®. I’ve been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of Labor & Delivery bedside nursing experience. I’ve been teaching people how to mange their pregnancies and hospital births online since 2014 and I’m glad that you’re here — because I don’t want this to take another worry cell in your brain! No need!
The Facts
The reality is that only about 15% of people’s water breaks while they are outside the hospital.
Most people’s water breaks because they are in labor — so they’ll have some advance notice that their water might be breaking (check out my post for signs your water might break).
I would say that most people’s water breaks:
- While on the toilet
- While in bed (you need a waterproof mattress pad)
- While getting up to go to the toilet
So, they are NOT in public.
While it CAN happen in public that your water breaks, the reality is this happens for very few people. So, that should ease your mind — it’s not like in the movies where everyone’s water seems to break at the most inopportune time.
And while we’re here, there is so much about birth that is not like the movies. Please don’t let media (or frankly, even social media) prepare you for what to expect and how to make choices during birth. I very much recommend this instead.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 I love, Love, LOVE that you’re here preparing — but I gotta ask if your partner is just as on board for how different things are going to be. If you’re thinking you’d like for you to BOTH get prepared I recommend this. Check it out!
And, if you’re wondering if you’re gonna flood the whole grocery isle if it were to break, I’m here to say that most people — especially if they’re standing, don’t have a whole ton flood out. I have a whole post on How much Water Comes Out When Your Water Breaks? that you might find helpful!
Many people feel a pop and then head to the restroom and then more comes out there as they relax on the toilet. So, as you can see the chance of it being a lot, in public is really low!!!!
How to Prepare
Ok, but in case you are one of the ones who does have it happen — how do you prepare. Honestly, these are smart moves to use in those last few weeks:
Wear a Pad
In those last few weeks you’re likely to see some changes in discharge. Most people are wearing a pad just because of that. Honestly, all of that makes it sort of hard to know if your water has broken — because “more” is just coming out than normally.
Gross, I know — but I’m here to spread the truth, not just what makes you feel good.
Have Some Towels
I think it’s smart to have some towels (or puppy pads/Chux like these) around in those last few weeks.
I’d keep a few in:
- Your car (if you have one)
- At work
I actually have a whole post about what to do if baby comes fast that outlines more about why towels are helpful — but I just think it’s smart.
I know you’re thinking those Chux are an added expense, but they have honestly saved me so many times as a parent. Great when you have a spitter-upper or a sick kid. I’d honestly put them on my registry and know I was getting something SO HANDY!
I’m not talking about a whole stack of them — maybe just one or two old towels just in case.
I think it builds peace of mind. Kind of like taking a good class. 🙂
Looking for more water breaking info — be sure to check out these posts:
- Splash! Everything To Know About Your Water Breaking
- What Does Water Breaking Look Like?
- What Does It Feel Like When Your Water Breaks?
- Can Your Water Break While You’re Peeing?
- What Makes your Water Break During Pregnancy?
Have a Plan!
I actually get this question a lot from school teachers. Which totally makes sense. You’re there, alone with quite a lot of children — what do you do if your water breaks?
I think you need to have a good discussion with your leadership at your work about what you should do if something happens. That way you’re prepared and feel confident about the steps you’ll take to keep the kids and yourself self should something happen!
And yes, I also have a post on when you should go on maternity leave.
And while we’re here talking about plans — have you made your birth plan yet? I’d love to help you out in my freebie series right here:
Honestly, this is smart in any career. As a nurse, I knew what to do if something happened while I was in a room and while we can’t have a plan for every situation most often people around us are willing to help us at such an important time!
What to DO if it Breaks?
Ok, finally we get to what you should actually do if it breaks.
Here are the steps you should take
1- Did anything else come out?
There is a chance that something else comes out when your water breaks. It’s extremely rare and you’ll feel it — but if you feel an arm, or the cord you need to get your bum in the air — think propping your bum up in the air with your head in the ground and call 911. This is an emergency. It is rare but I want you to know that.
Ok, once we’re past that initial question:
2. TACO?
No, it’s not time for lunch — we need to know some basics for this one….
The anacronym COAT works too but you want to know:
- Time (just note the approximate time)
- Amount (was it a lot or a little?)
- Color (this can range from clear, to bloody or brown)
- Odor (does it smell?)
** If the fluid is very bloody I’d head into labor and delivery, and if it’s a lot of blood, call 911 or get yourself to the hospital in the fastest way!
3. Call your provider
While not everyone needs to head to the hospital immediately I think it’s important to touch base with them. They’ll want that info you gathered with the TACO/COAT questions above.
Then, they’ll take that, along with your history and current prenatal situation to make a plan on when you should head into the hospital.
Most providers have someone on 24/7 for them for just such a phone call towards the end of your pregnancy. I’d ask your provider how to get hold of them in an important situation like this at your next appointment.
I know everyone seems to have some “magic formula” for when you should go to the hospital — but the reality is that it really varies and individual circumstances requires individual information. But, taking a good birth class will most definitely make those hours at home more confident vs scary.
Have you checked a birth class off your to do list✅? I have a few I recommend:
❤️ Best class for couples {per BabyList}
👩💻 Best class available on demand
⚡ Best class JUST for pain management
👶 Best Postpartum-Only Prep
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 My favorite class is here.
Now is the time to get started!
4- Watch for Fever
The arch nemesis of a broken bag of water is fever. Now that your uterus and baby is open to “air” there is a chance for bacteria to thrive in that warm, moist environment. You’ll want to check for fever every hour or so. Your doctor or midwife should give their specific instructions when you call them — but that’s important to know (and have a thermometer at home to be able to check it — you’ll want one for baby anyway). You don’t need anything fancy, I think one like this is perfect!
Now, finally, we’re going to answer….
Don’t I Go Straight to the Hospital?
There is no question that if you have any questions you can always go straight into the hospital (or call your provider). Remember L&D is open every day all day! That’s always comforting to me!
However, just because your water has broken, if you’re not having serious contractions, your best bet may be to stay at home for a bit.
The best spot for early labor is actually at home. It can feel scary and confusing — that’s why I recommend the chapter on what to do in early labor in here.
But no — your water breaking doesn’t mean you immediately need to go into labor and delivery. You need to also consider:
- Any other labor symptoms
- Baby still moving? — if not you need to go in ASAP
- How far away your hospital is
- If your fluid is bloody, has an odor or is dark in color
And again — great questions your provider can go over with you so that you know what’s best for you to do!
For most people labor will start within 24-48 hours and as long as things are stable and safe being at home is a lovely, comforting and safe environment to encourage labor to get going!
You might also enjoy this post: What to Do in Early Labor (Before You Go to the Hospital)
The “Bottom” Line
Here’s 3 things you nee to remember:
- While most people worry about this, it’s not likely. This isn’t worth your worry
- Make sure nothing else has come out when your water breaks (an arm or a cord) — this is an important question to ask yourself!
- Most people don’t need to go right in when your water breaks, but you should touch base with your provider
The other thing to know, for a lot of people it’s not really cut and dry.
Yes, some people get a giant gush of fluid that is very obvious, but some people get a trickle. It depends on where on the sac the water breaks and if it’s just a tear or a big opening.
It’s tricky, unfortunately — Like a lot of pregnancy.
But, I’m glad you’re here learning. What did you learn in this post? Tell us down in the comments!
And please consider joining me in The Online Prenatal Class for Couples where we get both of you prepared for this tricky time!
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