If your membranes rupture on their own prior to labour, you must believe that this is exactly the way that your particular body needs to start this particular labour. Accept it as a sign that labour will begin sometime within the next few hours or days. Stay close to home, relax and eat well. Some midwives recommend that you shower rather than bathe and refrain from intercourse. You needn't worry about a dry birth. Your body continues to produce amniotic fluid until your baby is born. We've worked with women who have had PROM up to a week before birth and they've had no problem. You can up your vitamin C and increase your fluid intake..... Remember, too, that if your water is leaking, it is possible for the membranes to reseal.
Many physicians are worried that an infection will begin now that the protection around the infant is gone. Some prescribe antibiotics prophylactically. Others ask you to take your temperature and report any rise. Some take blood tests and check your white blood cell count. Most tell you that if you haven't had the baby in 12-24 hours, a c/section will be performed to prevent an infection from occurring. (Fifteen years ago they used to give us 72 hours).
Most women can go for
days without an infection after their water has broken, especially if they stay out of the hospital and refuse internal exams.
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