This information lets you know what to look for now that your waters have broken, and you have decided to wait for your labour to start naturally.
6 to 19 out of every 100 full term pregnancies (37 weeks to 42 weeks) have a rupture of membranes (your waters break) before you start labour.
6 in 10 people will go into spontaneous (natural) labour within 24 hours of rupturing their membranes.
If your waters break, the risk of you or your baby getting an infection is 10 in 1,000, rather than 5 in 1,000 for people with intact membranes (people whose waters have not broken).
It is recommended that you are assessed by a qualified health professional who can confirm whether your membranes have ruptured.
If you have a pre labour rupture of membranes at term, you should be offered a choice of:
- induction of labour as soon as possible. Induction of labour is a medical intervention that will affect your birth options and experience
- expectant management. This is waiting to see whether contractions begin naturally. Expectant management can be used for around 24 hours after it has been confirmed that your membranes have ruptured. This is to reduce the risk of infection.
- a planned caesarean birth if this is needed, or is your birth preference.
The risks and benefits of each option will be discussed with you and a plan will be made with you, tailored to your needs and preferences.
If labour has not started 24 hours after your waters have broken, it is advised you:
- have your baby’s heart rate monitored
- have your baby’s movements assessed
- give birth where there is access to neonatal services
- stay in hospital for at least 12 hours after the birth of your baby for observation.
While you are waiting at home for your intervention
What should I look out for while I am at home?
- Check your baby is moving in its normal way and contact Triage or Labour Ward for assessment if you have any concerns with your baby’s movements.
- Every time you go to the toilet, check that the fluid leaking out is clear on your sanitary pad and does not have a bad smell. There should be no evidence of bleeding, or any brown or dark green discharge. Any change in colour or a bad smell should be discussed with Triage or Labour Ward immediately.
- Bathing or showering does not increase your chance of getting an infection, so you can still have a bath or shower.
- Sexual intercourse should be avoided.
- We advise that you check your temperature using either a thermometer that you have at home or the tempadots provided by the hospital. Your normal temperature should be between 36.1°C and 37.5°C. A chart will be given to you to monitor this. If your temperature is higher or lower than this expected range, or you feel feverish or unwell, please contact Triage or Labour Ward for assessment.
- You may start to have mild tightening or period like pain. This is normal and may progress to strong contractions. Contact Triage or Labour Ward if you have regular contractions.
Where should I go for my induction of labour?
Please attend Wharncliffe ward for your induction of labour.
What should I do if I have a concern?
Please contact Triage or Labour Ward. The midwife will talk to you, take a history from you and give you advice.
How to contact us
The telephone numbers listed are available 24 hours a day.
Triage
01709 427700
Labour Ward
01709 424491
Wharncliffe Ward
01709 424348