Pre-labour rupture of membranes is when the membranes surrounding your baby rupture before the onset of labour, after 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. During pregnancy, your baby grows in the uterus (womb) surrounded by a bag of fluid called amniotic fluid.
This bag consists of two membranes which help protect your baby from infection. Usually, labour starts with contractions, but sometimes the waters break before labour begins. Most women (60%) will go into labour within 24 hours of their waters breaking. Sometimes this may not happen and you may need your labour started for you.
How Will I Know if My Waters Have Broken?
You may notice a ‘gush’ of fluid or simply feel damp. The amount of fluid lost can range from a trickle to a gush. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or pinkish, but may occasionally be greenish – if you notice greenish fluid, contact Maternity Triage as soon as possible.
What Should I Do?
- If you think your waters have broken, wear a sanitary pad (not a tampon).
- Check the colour and smell of the fluid, as well as how much is leaking.
- Sometimes the leaking fluid is urine, which can be normal during pregnancy.
- Contact Maternity Triage if you think your waters have broken. The midwife will ask questions and discuss whether you need to be seen in Triage.
What Happens in Maternity Triage?
- The midwife will check your and your baby’s wellbeing.
- Options will be discussed:
- To go home and wait for labour to start naturally.
- If labour does not start, you will be given an appointment to attend the inpatient ward to have your labour started.
- In certain circumstances, the doctor may advise starting labour as soon as possible.
While You Are at Home
- Rest, eat, and drink as you require.
- It is fine to take a bath or shower; change sanitary pads regularly.
- Sexual intercourse may increase the risk of infection.
- Contact Maternity Triage immediately if:
- The colour of the water changes or you notice a change in the smell of your pad.
- You feel hot and feverish or cold and shivery.
- You notice any changes in your baby’s movements.
- You have any concerns.