Rupture of the membranes

In about ten percent, childbirth begins with the rupture of the membranes. In most cases, contractions will begin within 24 hours.

Amniotic fluid

Try to collect some of the amniotic fluid. You can clearly see the color of the amniotic fluid in a glass or container. Clear amniotic fluid can look different. Usually it is transparent like water with white flakes, sometimes it can be white or pink due to a small amount of blood. Once your waters have broken, some amniotic fluid will continue to flow. It is produced again and again, so you don't have to worry that your baby will run out. If the amniotic fluid is green or brown, you should immediately contact the obstetrician. See meconium-containing amniotic fluid. Even if your baby had not yet descended during the last check, call the obstetrician immediately.

If your amniotic fluid is clear, the baby has descended and it is night, you do not need to call the midwife immediately. Change your bed and try to get some sleep. Call the midwife in the morning. During the day you can always call immediately. The midwife will visit you to check the color of the amniotic fluid. In addition, she listens to the baby's heartbeat and feels whether the baby has descended properly. She will also explain what will happen and when you should call her again.

Temperature

If your waters are broken, there is an open connection between the outside world and the baby. As a result, there is an increased risk of mother and child contracting an infection. That is why it is important to measure your temperature regularly. With a temperature of 37.8 or higher, you should contact the midwife. To minimize the chance of an infection, there are a few hygiene measures. Change your sanitary napkin regularly and do not use tampons. In addition, you are not allowed to take a bath or have intercourse. You can take a shower if you want.

Contractions

If your waters have broken, you have to wait for contractions. Contractions usually come when you are relaxed. So do something that calms you down. For example, reading a book on the couch or taking a walk in the woods. Try to distract yourself or get some sleep. Once your labor starts to go through, you really need your energy! You can also induce labor with acupuncture.

If the contractions do not start spontaneously within 24 hours, the midwife will refer you to the gynaecologist. The gynecologist will check that you and the baby are all right. If this is the case, he will also wait to see whether the labor will start spontaneously. If your labor has not started after 72 hours, it will be induced.