How long after the water breaks must you give birth?

When a pregnant mother reaches the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, she is prone to urinary incontinence, such as suddenly having to go to the toilet when coughing. This is because the uterus has severely compressed the bladder and intestinal tissues, so it is normal to have such symptoms. Just pay attention to hygiene and change clothes more often. However, sometimes it is not urination, but the amniotic fluid breaking in preparation for delivery. How to judge this becomes a key issue.

1. Expectant mothers should learn how to distinguish amniotic fluid

When the amniotic fluid breaks, the expectant mother can feel a stream of water flowing out of the vagina. Then, the fetus descends and blocks the cervical opening, so the amount of water flowing out decreases, but it does not stop.

However, many expectant mothers will mistake amniotic fluid for frequent urination, so they need to learn how to test it themselves. Expectant mothers can use specific chemical test paper to insert into the vagina to test whether it is premature rupture of amniotic fluid or urine leakage. If the test strip shows dark green after being wetted, then your water has broken.

2. Don’t stand when your water breaks

Pregnant mothers will be at a loss when their amniotic fluid breaks. Some pregnant mothers will be so scared that they dare not move. From a medical point of view, this is a very dangerous action. Because this will easily cause the amniotic fluid to flow out, causing fetal distress in the uterus and complications such as fetal asphyxia. At this time, pregnant mothers should not be nervous. They should lie down flat as soon as possible and relax. Then ask your family to observe the outflow of amniotic fluid. If the amount of amniotic fluid outflows is large, you should immediately put a pillow under your buttocks after lying down, and try to keep your head low and buttocks high to prevent umbilical cord prolapse, especially for fetuses in breech position and mothers pregnant with twins. Premature rupture of membranes means the arrival of labor, so it is best to go to the hospital immediately to prepare for delivery. You can also distinguish them by their smell. Generally, the smell of urine is pungent, while the smell of amniotic fluid is lighter, and even has some body fragrance.

3. Beware of premature rupture of amniotic fluid

Premature rupture of membranes is very harmful to the fetus because the amniotic fluid has broken before the fetus is full-term. Premature rupture of membranes occurs, causing the amniotic fluid to leak out prematurely and lose its protective effect on the fetus. They are more susceptible to infection by bacteria in the amniotic fluid, which can cause aspiration pneumonia and lead to premature death. So pregnant mothers must pay attention to the following points:

1. Regular prenatal check-ups

Pregnant mothers should have a check-up once a month before the 24th week of pregnancy; once every half a month after entering the late pregnancy; once a week for pregnancy above 9 months; and have a check-up at any time if there are special circumstances.

2. Don’t do strenuous exercise

Pregnant women should not walk long distances or run, and should not be too tired in life or work. They should maintain a happy mood every day and take appropriate walks outside. The most important thing is to refrain from sexual intercourse to avoid stimulating the uterus and causing premature rupture of amniotic fluid.

4. How to deal with water breaking

1. Stay calm, relax, lie flat and raise your hips.

2. Keep the vulva clean. Use a clean, sterilized towel to pad the vulva opening to reduce vulva infection. Do not take a bath at this time.

3. As long as water breaks, regardless of whether the mother has reached the due date or has uterine contractions, she must go to the hospital immediately for treatment.