How long does it take for a pregnant woman to give birth from the time her water breaks?

Most women will experience symptoms when giving birth. Some women will see spotting first and then have regular uterine contractions, while some women's water breaks first and then give birth. Generally speaking, there are many determining factors as to how long it will take for a pregnant woman to give birth after her water breaks. Some pregnant women will give birth soon after their water breaks, while some will not give birth immediately after their water breaks. The following specifically introduces how long it will take for a pregnant woman to give birth from water breaking.

How long does it take for a pregnant woman to give birth after her water breaks?

During labor, as the uterus continues to contract, the fetal membrane at the dilated cervical opening cannot withstand the greater pressure and ruptures, causing the amniotic fluid to flow out of the vagina. This condition is called rupture of membranes.

If your water breaks in broad daylight, uterine contractions will usually occur a few hours before the water breaks. When the amniotic fluid breaks, you will feel warm water flowing out. Most pregnant women will experience contractions shortly after the water breaks, followed by dilation of the cervix. They will give birth when it dilates to about 8 to 10 centimeters. On the contrary, at night, many women will experience amniotic fluid breaking without feeling uterine contractions.

Generally, the baby will be born immediately after the amniotic fluid breaks, but for some people, it will not be born. If it is not accompanied by abdominal pain, it will take some time. It is recommended that the pregnant mother should not stand, but lie down immediately and go to the hospital in time to avoid fetal hypoxia. If the amniotic fluid is sufficient and clear, the fetus can survive until birth. If the amniotic fluid is insufficient or turbid, it means the fetus is lacking oxygen and requires immediate surgery.

The hospital will handle your situation based on your condition, such as natural delivery with oxygen or a caesarean section.

Generally speaking, labor will occur within 24 hours after water breaking. Antibiotics will be used to prevent infection after 12 hours. If there is no uterine contraction after 24 hours, the doctor will use an injection to induce labor. The injection can be used for 3 days. If the baby is not born after 3 days, a cesarean section will be required.

What to do if your water breaks

The breaking of amniotic fluid is an important sign that the baby is about to be born. Because the fetus is prone to hypoxia after the water breaks, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible to prepare for delivery. If the amniotic fluid is found to be sufficient and clear, the baby can survive until birth; but if the amniotic fluid is insufficient and turbid, it means that the fetus is suffering from hypoxia and requires immediate surgery.

1. Lie down and rest. If you find symptoms of water breaking, it is best to lie down and rest, and do not get up and move around. To avoid excessive amniotic fluid loss and umbilical cord prolapse, you can use a cushion to raise your buttocks.

2. Seek medical attention promptly. No matter when you feel your water breaking, you should go to the hospital for a check-up to confirm whether it is your water breaking.