What should I do if my amniotic fluid breaks before giving birth?

Pregnant women should also pay attention to avoid danger before giving birth, especially to prevent premature rupture of amniotic fluid. So what does it feel like when the amniotic fluid breaks before giving birth? What should you do if the amniotic fluid breaks before giving birth? How to prevent premature rupture of amniotic fluid in pregnant women? The following editor will introduce you in detail.

What does it feel like when your water breaks during pregnancy?

Generally, when the amniotic fluid breaks, there will be vaginal discharge, which is usually a colorless liquid. The feeling of the amniotic fluid breaking is that a transparent liquid suddenly flows out of the vagina, which is larger than the secretions, like water. Normal amniotic fluid looks similar to urine and is very clear. If the water breaks, it will flow out uncontrollably. The amniotic fluid is colorless and odorless. When the amniotic fluid flows out, if the amount is large, it will feel warm and clear, and it cannot be controlled by humans. When the amount is small, it always feels a little wet, like urination, but it is not under your control and is continuous. It is normal for the amniotic fluid to break before delivery. The incidence rate accounts for about 6%-12% of the total number of births. The breaking of the amniotic fluid often causes symptoms such as premature birth, fetal hypoxia, and fetal infection.

What to do if the water breaks before delivery

Don't stand: If the expectant mother keeps standing after the amniotic fluid breaks, it is a very dangerous action from a medical point of view, because it will easily cause the amniotic fluid to leak out, causing intrauterine fetal distress, fetal asphyxia and other complications.

Stay calm: If the water breaks, the expectant mother should lie down immediately and relax. When it is confirmed that the water has broken, the expectant mother should lie down immediately, and the family should not panic too much, because panic will lead to many wrong actions. The correct way to deal with it is for the expectant mother to lie down immediately and use pillows or clothes to raise the breech position to prevent umbilical cord prolapse, especially for fetal breech position and twin mothers.

Keep the vulva clean: If the amount of amniotic fluid is small, the expectant mother can put a sanitary napkin on the vulva, but if the amount of amniotic fluid is large, a clean, sterilized towel can be used to pad the vulva to reduce the infection of the vulva. It is worth noting that the expectant mother cannot take a bath at this time.

Go to the hospital immediately: As long as the water breaks, regardless of whether the mother has reached the due date or has uterine contractions, she must go to the hospital immediately. The doctor will determine the treatment plan based on the specific situation of the expectant mother. Whether you call an ambulance or the expectant father drives to the hospital, on the way to the hospital, you also need to help the expectant mother raise her hips and lie down.

How to prevent premature rupture of membranes

Adhere to regular prenatal check-ups: go once a month for 4-6 months; once every half month for 7-9 months; once a week for those over 9 months; and go for a check-up at any time if there are special circumstances.

Do not engage in strenuous activities in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. Do not overwork yourself in life and work. Maintain a happy mood every day and take appropriate walks outside.

It is not advisable to walk long distances or run. Be careful when walking to avoid falling, especially when going up and down stairs. Do not lift heavy objects or walk on the bumpy road for a long time.

Factors causing amniotic fluid rupture during pregnancy

1. The cervix of the pregnant woman relaxes, which stimulates the fetal membrane and causes premature rupture of amniotic fluid.

2. Hypoplasia of the fetal membrane, such as the presence of amnion-chorioamnionitis, causes excessive pressure in the amniotic cavity, leading to premature rupture of the amniotic membrane.

3. Malposition of the fetus, narrow pelvis, cephalopelvic disproportion, polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy, etc. can all increase the pressure in the amniotic cavity and cause premature rupture of membranes.

4. Improper sexual intercourse during pregnancy can cause amniotic-chorionic infection, especially the prostaglandins in semen can induce uterine contractions, resulting in uneven pressure in the amniotic cavity and causing premature rupture of membranes.

5. Some other factors can also cause premature rupture of membranes, such as severe coughing during pregnancy, sudden laughter or anger, and doing heavy physical work, which can cause a sharp increase in abdominal pressure, causing the fetal membrane to rupture and the amniotic fluid to flow out of the vagina.