What constitutes membranes rupturing?

[Evie76]

My MW told me that "it's" all just a waiting game at the moment.

If I notice my membranes have ruptured that I am to head to the hos straight away. Does she mean, if my waters break? My waters didn't break with DS until about two minutes before he was born - they didn't break them as I was in active labour and I figured they were on their way out anyway. The Dr had a plastic apron on in readiness for it.

Just making sure I'm waiting and watching for the right thing.

[Rumpleteaser]

If your membranes do rupture and labour doesn't begin, you start to run the risk of getting an infection, generally after about 24 hrs. So it is best to go call the hospital if your waters break, you would have enough time to call your DH, have a shower (no bath!) pack your bag if not already done, and any other last minute things, then head on in for a check up.

I had a PROM at 33 weeks, after having contractions at 32 wks, which were ceased in hospital. They kept me in hospital untill having to be induced at 34wk.
Obviously you are at term, so if labour didn't progress natually they may assist you with hormone called oxytoicin.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

watch out for any un-explained leaks. If u are getting abit wet down stairs, chuck a pad on and call ur MW for advice. Waters dont always break in a huge gush, so she means any sign of rupturing.

Good luck!

[Sagres]

Yeah my ob and I had a chat about this the other day. The leak might be a hind water leak meaning the rupture is a very small hole that is right up near the top of the uterus, not near the cervix, where the fluid has a direct path to coming out and making itself obvious. With the hind water leak she explained that I would feel a bit damp, then perhaps I'd go to the loo, then it would just continue to feel damp over a period of time no matter what I did. So in this intance she said I'd ring the hospital, not necessarily go in straight away, but your ob/hospital may have a different take on this.

[Evie76]

Good ol' oxytocin. That's the one they stick in your leg - very uncerimoniously - after you have the baby to get the placenta out faster.

[Evie76]

I am still a little confused though. This whole process hasn't exactly been a dry one. When the heck do you know that it's something to go to the hospital for??

I guess I should just stop worrying about it. When I wake up and the dodgy mattress we have is soaked through - maybe I'll do something about it then.

[Early Kids]

Your waters can break as a huge gush or they can just leak...
If you are waking up in the morning, wet down there and it's not wee, then chances are you are leaking amniotic fluid.
Also if you go to the loo and are able to stop your wee mid stream, your pelvic floor is good. So if you do leak it may not be wee...

Umm, theres another way you can tell but I cant remember...

If you think your membranes may have ruptured definately head to the hospital!

[Sagres]

I am still a little confused though. This whole process hasn't exactly been a dry one.

Very well put
I'm a bit the same, been discharging like a trooper for ages. I guess I am figuring that any amniotic fluid is going to be in addition to 'the usual' so I will notice the increase - maybe?

[Evie76]

It's a minefield, isn't it?

[Fleur]

I am still a little confused though. This whole process hasn't exactly been a dry one.

Hehe, so true.

I had a hind water leak with DD and at one point in this PG thought it had happened again....nope
Basically if you are soaking through a panty liner within couple of hours I would be getting it checked... I think you will know, kwim? With DD I thought it was a weak bladder to start with & after a while realised it was a bit more than that..she was my first bub & I didn't know anything! but I knew that much. If it happens, you'll know

[Rhia]

This is a good thread but now it has me a little bit worried!
Im starting to think I may have a slow leak, I have to wear a panty liner everyday it doesnt get soaking wet but I have noticed whats coming out is quite watery- is discharge supposed to be like that or clumpy or gluggy IYKWIM??
Its been happening for a little while and havent ever taken notice of it because no one has ever told me to look out for it. Ive heard it can have a certain smell to it, is it a smell like anything else??

Sorry if i hijacked the thread!! Just trying to prepare for it all