Yes. Call your pregnancy care provider or maternity unit as soon as you think your water has broken, even if contractions have not started and you feel well. The fluid may come as a gush or a slow trickle. Do not wait until morning or until labor pains begin. They will advise when and where you should be checked, based on how many weeks pregnant you are and your symptoms.
Why should you call when your water breaks?
During pregnancy, your baby develops inside the amniotic sac, a fluid-filled membrane that helps protect the baby. When this sac breaks, amniotic fluid leaks through the vagina. This is commonly called your water breaking, or rupture of the membranes.
According to Cleveland Clinic, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you believe your water has broken. The provider needs to assess the situation, confirm whether the fluid is amniotic fluid, and determine the next steps for you and your baby.
Your water can break before contractions begin, during labor, or shortly before birth. Labor may start on its own after the membranes rupture, but you should not wait for contractions before contacting your care team. Once the protective membranes have broken, the risk of infection can increase, so the timing of your assessment matters.
What should you do when your water breaks?
Stay as calm as possible and contact your obstetrician, midwife, or maternity unit. Follow their instructions about when to come to the hospital or birth center. If you cannot reach your usual provider, contact the maternity unit directly or seek urgent maternity assessment, particularly if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.
The NHS guidance on the start of labor recommends using a sanitary pad rather than a tampon after your waters break. This allows you to observe the fluid's appearance and gives your care team useful information.
While arranging care, take these practical steps:
- Note when the leaking started, even if you are unsure of the exact time.
- Observe the fluid's color, smell, and approximate amount.
- Pay attention to contractions, abdominal pain, fever, or any change in your baby's usual movements.
- Use a clean sanitary pad to collect the fluid. Do not insert a tampon into the vagina.
- Avoid sexual intercourse until your care team has advised you about what is appropriate after your membranes have broken.
- Keep your pregnancy records and any information about known pregnancy complications or group B streptococcus (GBS) test results available if possible.
These details can help your provider decide how quickly you need an assessment. Do not delay calling to gather this information or to wait for more fluid to appear.
How can you tell whether your water has broken?
There is no single pattern that everyone experiences. Some people notice a sudden gush of fluid, while others have a slow, persistent trickle that makes their underwear feel wet. The amount may be small, and the leaking may continue after the initial episode.
Amniotic fluid is often clear or pale yellow and may have little or no noticeable smell. However, it can be difficult to tell the difference between amniotic fluid, urine, and increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Appearance alone cannot reliably confirm which fluid is leaking.
If you are uncertain, contact your maternity care provider rather than trying to determine the cause yourself. According to MedlinePlus, premature rupture of membranes occurs when the membranes break before labor begins, and rupture before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm. Your care team can assess the pregnancy and determine whether your membranes have ruptured.
When does water breaking require especially urgent attention?
Contact your maternity care team immediately if you suspect your water has broken, regardless of whether you have contractions. Some situations need particularly prompt assessment because they may indicate a complication affecting you or your baby.
- You are less than 37 weeks pregnant. Fluid leaking before 37 completed weeks may mean labor could begin too early and needs urgent assessment.
- The fluid is green, brown, or unusually foul-smelling. Report these changes immediately because they can indicate a problem that needs prompt evaluation.
- You have vaginal bleeding. Contact your maternity team promptly, especially if the bleeding is more than a small amount of blood-tinged fluid.
- You develop a fever, chills, or feel unwell. These symptoms may be associated with infection and should not be ignored after your waters break.
- Your baby is moving less than usual. Seek immediate maternity assessment rather than waiting to see whether movement returns to its usual pattern.
- You have significant abdominal pain or contractions that are becoming intense or frequent. Tell your maternity team immediately so they can advise you on the appropriate level of care.
The March of Dimes guidance on preterm labor identifies leaking fluid or water breaking before 37 weeks as a reason to contact a healthcare provider right away. Do not wait for painful contractions or other signs of labor if this happens earlier in pregnancy.
Call your local emergency number immediately if you can see or feel the umbilical cord coming out of your vagina, or if you have a strong urge to push and believe the baby is coming now. Do not try to push a visible cord back inside or touch it. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists explains that umbilical cord prolapse is an emergency because compression of the cord can reduce the baby's oxygen supply.
What happens after you call your provider?
Your provider will usually ask how many weeks pregnant you are, when the leaking started, what the fluid looks and smells like, and whether you have contractions, pain, bleeding, fever, or changes in your baby's movements. They may also ask about your pregnancy history, any complications, and whether you have tested positive for GBS.
At the maternity unit, a clinician may check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and your baby's heartbeat. Depending on your situation, a physical examination, testing of the fluid, or an ultrasound may help establish whether your membranes have ruptured. The assessment also helps determine whether labor has begun and whether you or your baby need additional monitoring.
Will you need to be admitted to the hospital?
Not everyone follows the same care plan. The decision depends on how far the pregnancy has progressed, whether labor has started, the condition of you and your baby, and any additional concerns identified during assessment.
If your water breaks at or near term, your provider may discuss waiting for labor to begin naturally or inducing labor if it does not start within the recommended period. If your water breaks before 37 weeks, you may need hospital monitoring and an individualized plan based on the pregnancy's stage and any signs of complications.
Do not decide to stay home for a set period based on general information online. Your maternity team can tell you what is appropriate for your circumstances and when you need to return for further care.
Should you wait for contractions before calling?
No. Your water can break before contractions begin, and the absence of pain does not mean that you can safely delay contacting your provider. A slow trickle is also a reason to call, even if you feel otherwise well. Early contact allows your care team to assess the situation and give you clear instructions about where to go and what to expect next.
If you are unsure whether your water has broken, explain what you have noticed and how far along you are in your pregnancy. It is appropriate to call for guidance even when the source of the fluid is unclear.