Call us on 06-53169871 during labour if:
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What to do if your waters break
10% of labours begin with the breaking of waters. Sometimes we break the waters during labour. If your waters break, it’s important to check the colour of the amniotic fluid. Clear fluid is usually slightly pink with white flecks or as clear as tap water. A key sign of broken waters is continuous fluid leakage, either in a gush or as a constant trickle. From the moment your waters break, avoid having sex or taking a bath until contractions have started. You also need to check your temperature every 4 hours. If you develop a fever (38°C rectally), antibiotics will be started. You can continue to labour under our care for up to 24 hours after your waters break.
When to call us
If the amniotic fluid is green, brown, or yellow, it means the baby has passed meconium (poo) in the waters. Call us immediately, even at night, as this requires a hospital birth. If you’re unsure about the colour, place a sanitary pad from your maternity kit in your underwear – this often helps assess the colour more clearly. Always call us if you’re in doubt. If the fluid is clear and your waters break at night, rest and wait for regular contractions to begin, or try to sleep. Call us in the morning to update us.
It’s also important to know if the baby’s head is well engaged in the pelvis. We’ll check this during your pregnancy check-ups. If the baby’s head isn’t engaged, you must lie down and call us immediately, even at night. We will come to your home to check if the head has moved lower.
No contractions after 24 hours
If no contractions have started after 24 hours, you’ll go to the hospital for a consultation. The hospital will do a CTG (heart monitor) to check the baby’s condition. If all is well, the hospital may wait another 48 hours before starting an induction.
Panicked, unsettled, or unsure? |