your baby’s presentation (head down, breech, etc.).Once confirmed, your care provider will take into account the following before creating your game plan: You may also have a physical exam, ultrasound, or other tests to assess the situation. Your medical team may suggest you get your discharge tested (using special papers that show pH levels) to see if it’s amniotic fluid or something else. If you’re unsure, call your doctor or labor and delivery unit. observing fluid that is odorless (urine typically has some odor).seeing fluid that is either clear or light yellow in color.intermittent leaking or gushes of fluid, small or large amounts.constant leaking of fluid, small or large amounts.feeling of wetness in your underwear/vagina.socioeconomic status (not enough prenatal care).chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).natural weakening of the sac from contractions.Why might your water break before you’re in labor? (It happens more than you’d think!) The basics You may even have trouble telling if your water has broken or if you’ve simply peed yourself. In later pregnancy, you likely have a lot of discharge and other leaks going on. Related: How do babies breathe in the womb?Ī typical scenario when your water breaks before labor You, too, are at risk of infection and other complications. If your water breaks and you don’t get medical attention, your baby could face some serious risks and even die. (But your caregiver may have a different protocol, like 24 hours.) In cases where your baby is at least 37 weeks, current research suggests that it may be safe to wait 48 hours (and sometimes longer) for labor to start on its own.In cases where your baby would be premature, they may survive just fine for weeks with proper monitoring and treatment, usually in a hospital setting.How long a baby can live once your water breaks depends on a number of factors, so there’s really no straight answer with all things considered. If the sac is broken, your baby is more prone to infection and other risks, like cord prolapse. In later pregnancy, the amniotic sac serves more as protection only. Instead, they receive nutrients and oxygen from your placenta. The fluid is responsible for keeping your baby warm and for helping develop their lungs, digestive system, and even musculoskeletal system.īut after week 23, your baby doesn’t rely as much on the amniotic fluid for survival. Your baby actually drinks the water-like fluid - and eventually pees into it as well.

It’s a protective cushion for your baby that starts collecting around 12 days after conception. Amniotic fluid is made up of hormones, nutrients, and antibodies.

Leaking amniotic fluid at 20 weeks