When your water breaks, the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby and placenta ruptures. (The amniotic sac is also called the bag of waters.) Amniotic fluid inside the sac may gush at first, then leak more slowly. This occurrence often signals the beginning of labor , if you think your water has broken, call your doctor.
It's important to distinguish between occasional vaginal leakages and your water breaking. As your pregnancy grows, your uterus grows larger and gets heavier. Because the uterus sits on top of the bladder, it can put a lot of pressure on your bladder as its size increases. The increasingly large uterus prevents your bladder from holding as much urine. Leakages can occur, especially when you lift something or bounce up and down. You may notice your underwear or clothing is damp.
What to DO
Call your doctor when your water breaks. Don't have sexual intercourse; it increases the possibility of an infection inside your uterus.
Certain tests can identify if your water has broken or not. One is a nitrazine test. Fluid is placed on a piece of nitrazine paper; if membranes have ruptured, the paper changes color. Another test is a ferning test. When viewed under a microscope, dried amniotic fluid looks like a fern or the branches of a pine tree.
