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Have your waters broken?...
Yes
Gush Phone the maternity unit or your midwife. If
you are having your baby in hospital you will probably be advised to go in straight away.
Trickle If you are sure your baby is head down
and engaged in the pelvis, potter around at home or rest, and allow time for labour to
begin. Contractions will probably start within
the next 24 hours.
Greenish or muddy colour
Normally, your waters will be clear and straw-coloured. If they are greenish or muddy this
could mean that the baby has emptied his bowels, which can be a sign that he is in
distress, and needs to be born quickly. Contact your midwife or hospital straight away for
advice.
Don't know
It can be difficult to tell whether the waters have gone, or you are simply
experiencing slight bladder incontinence. Try smelling it.
Like urine? Don't worry too much, some incontinence is not
unusual in late pregnancy. Try doing some pelvic floor exercises* to strengthen your
muscles. Have you had a show?
Odourless? This may mean that labour
will begin shortly. Contractions will probably start within
the next 24 hours.
No
Don't worry, this is quite normal. Most women find their waters do not go until well into the first stage of
labour.
Where to next?
