What did it feel like for you just before your waters broke?

[Cricket]

Ok so waters can break after contractions ..... didn't know that? I always thought your waters break and then contractions start shortly after... So I guess I just wait then....

That's what usually happens, actually. For most women, their water breaks during labour at some point. Occasionally it happens before contractions start, but generally, it's a strong contraction that causes the membranes to rupture. (Or the midwife might break them for you in labour - in my experience, that speeds things up quite a bit, but it doesn't work for everyone, and it does put your labour on a time-line before they want to start antibiotics and augment your labour.)

The really heavy feeling you've got is most likely your baby's head - it's dropped into your pelvis, getting ready to come out! Hurray! If you want to, and can manage around the belly, you can feel your baby's head, in the bath or shower - I find that an amazing thing to touch. (through the vaginal wall/cervix, of course - you won't be actually touching baby's skin just yet) Just make sure you are gentle and have nice clean hands - wash before and after.

All the best for a great delivery!

[MrsB26]

I was already in active labour and my waters broke at the end of a contraction. I didnt have any warning, i was bent over and i felt like a kick down really low on my cervix (which obviously couldnt have been as ds wasnt breach) and then a lovely warm feeling lol. I immediately said that my waters had broke even though i had never felt that before.

[Evie76]

Thanks for OP Prettybutterfly.

I wondered the same thing. My waters broke right before I gave birth last time, so I have no idea what I'm looking for. It's evidently a reasonably significant event. I was worried I'd miss it as my whole pg I've worn a pad because it's always been quite wet down there! (sorry TMI).

Very interesting to see what's happened to so many different people.