Everything That Happens When Your Water Breaks

In the last few weeks of pregnancy, it's normal to cycle through all the dramatic ways your water could break. Perhaps you're imagining an uncontrollable gush that happens in a crowded elevator, for example, or while waiting in line at the grocery store.

But, contrary to what you might see in the movies, only about 10% of pregnant people experience their water breaking before labor starts. You may be wondering what it looks like, what it feels like, and if your water can break without being dilated.

To clear common misconceptions, we've broken down everything you need to know about your water breaking, also called rupture of the membranes.

What Causes Your Water to Break?

While gestating in your uterus, your baby is cushioned and protected by a bag full of amniotic fluid called the amniotic sac. When the sac ruptures (AKA your "water breaking"), this clear fluid flows out of your cervix and vagina, followed by continuous leaking.

Can Your Water Break Without Being Dilated?

Yes, your water can break before dilation begins, though it's often a sign that labor will shortly follow. If your water breaks before labor begins and it occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it's called premature rupture of membranes (PROM). PROM is the cause of a third of all preterm deliveries.

Does Water Breaking Mean Baby Is on the Way?

The short answer is yes, but you may not need to reach for your hospital bag just yet. Labor could still be a day or two away even after your water breaks, says Allison Hill, MD, co-author of The Mommy Docs' Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth.

In most cases, labor begins with contractions, then water breaking. In other instances, the water breaks first and is usually followed by labor pains within a few hours. Labor might not happen exactly when your due date was calculated, but it'll likely be within several days.

What Does It Feel Like When Your Water Breaks?

Like everything with pregnancy, the sensation of water breaking is different for everyone. For some, it's a slow trickle or a discharge feeling. For others, it's that Hollywood-style gush, like you just completely peed your pants. Some might hear a pop and feel pressure, then relief, once the bag breaks, and others might not notice it happening at all.

How Much Fluid Comes Out When Your Water Breaks?

This is the million-dollar question (and probably the one keeping you up at night). How much comes out at first can vary from a small leak to an all-out gush, depending on whether you have a tear or a gross rupture, explains Yvonne Bohn, MD, OB-GYN and co-author of The Mommy Docs' Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth.

The amount is just as likely to be a small trickle as the stereotypical flow of liquid, says Ashley Brichter, founder and CEO of Birth Smarter, which offers in-person and virtual childbirth classes for expectant parents.

Once it starts flowing, the amniotic fluid will continue leaking until all 600-800 milliliters (or roughly 2 1/2 to 3 cups) of it empties out. In the meantime, you can wear a sanitary pad to protect your clothes or lay a clean towel underneath you to protect your seat.

What Should You Do If Your Water Breaks?

After your water breaks, the first thing you'll want to do is contact an OB-GYN or health care provider. They will take a few things into consideration, including:

Your due date: If your amniotic sac breaks before 37 weeks, it's considered PROM. Depending on how early this happens, your OB-GYN may try to delay labor to give your baby more time to mature.

Your contractions: It's true that first-time parents often take longer to deliver. But if regular contractions aren't happening within 24 hours of your water breaking, an OB-GYN or health care provider may want to evaluate you and baby, and possibly induce labor with Pitocin.

How long it's been since your water broke: If your baby hasn't arrived within 24 hours of your water breaking, your health care provider may give you antibiotics intravenously. That's because there's a chance an infection can travel into the uterus and cause an infection in the baby, says Dr. Hill.

What to avoid: As for what to avoid after your water breaks in pregnancy, it may depend on your provider. "I allow [birthing people] to get in a bath, but I know others who don't recommend it," Dr. Hill says. "I also recommend they not have intercourse, because that could introduce bacteria into the uterus."

When To Call a Health Care Provider

You should contact an OB-GYN or health care provider any time your water breaks. If you're less than 37 weeks pregnant, or if you're GBS Group B Streptococcus positive, they may send you to the hospital.

Also pay attention to the condition of the amniotic fluid. If it's foul-smelling, stained with lots of blood, or has a greenish or dark tint, you'll want to head straight to the hospital. Those are all signs that your baby could be in distress.

Finally, take note of whether contractions have begun. If more than 24 hours have passed since your water broke and you're still not feeling them, let a health care provider know.