What to do if your membranes release before your contractions have started

Having your water break before your labor has started is called premature rupture of the membranes (PROM). It is not an emergency in most cases, and should not be treated as one as long as precautions are being taken.

Some of these are:

-No vaginal exams done, so as to not introduce bacteria up into the very strerile area where baby lives and Mom's placental site is.

-No intercourse or anything inserted in the vagina

-No baths or jacuzzi's during this time

-Take mom's temperature once an hour while awake - if it is over 100, get it checked out

-Is the amniotic fluid clear and smelling fresh? If not, get checked

-Is the baby moving as usual? If not, get that checked

-Be extra hygiene safe when using the bathroom, and change pads often (Depends are great for ruptured membranes)

-Obviously if anything such as a hand, foot, or cord should come out with the water call 911

Remember that about 10% of women will have their membranes released before contractions and labor begin, and in most cases you have choices if your water does break. You could choose:

-To call your caregiver and they will tell you to go to the hospital

-Do nothing and wait to see what nature has in store for you, paying attention to the above precautions

-Wait a while and then begin natural induction techniques, paying attention to the above precautions

- You can begin natural induction techniques right away, paying attention to the above precautions.

(Some of these natural induction techniques can be discussed in advance with your midwife or doctor... Ask them at your doctors appointments)