You are here:

Childbirth/Water bag broke

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/29/2009


Question
My sister in laws water broke at about AM is the baby or her in any danger and she isn't dilating?

Answer
If her water broke, she will probably start having contractions within 24 hours. If she doesn't, her doctor or midwife will probably want to give her medication to start labor, although some midwives will recommend a national induction agent, such as castor oil. Her care provider will discuss those options with her if needed.

There is a small chance of infection after a woman's water breaks, which is why most doctors start labor artiicially after a certain amount of time (varies per dr or midwife) Some midwives do allow moms to go longer than 24 hours with careful monitoring for signs of infection. To lower the chance of infection, it is important to insert nothing vaginally, including   limiting vaginal exams.

It looks like you are going to be an aunt very soon - congratulations! I hope her labor and birth go smoothly.

Childbirth

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dorothy H, LCCE

Expertise

As a certified childbirth educator and birth doula, I can answer questions dealing with preparing for birth, childbirth classes, pregnancy, what happens during labor and birth, doulas, VBAC, natural childbirth, cesarean birth, interventions in labor, labor, birth, helping someone through labor, concerns or fears about labor and birth, doulas, breastfeeding, and other topics dealing with pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Experience

Since 2004, I have taught childbirth education classes focused on helping couples gain confidence, make decisions for their birth, and give them tools for helping them get the birth they want. Since 2004, I have also attended births in local hospitals as a birth doula (as of 8/10, I have attended 120 births) so I am able to see firsthand what is working in helping couples deal with labor. I am also a mom of five children, and have various birth experiences myself, including unmedicated birth and a cesarean.

Organizations
Lamaze International DONA International

Publications
International Doula Magazine

Education/Credentials
I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I am a DONA-certified birth doula.

Past/Present Clients
I work with approximately 4-6 couples a month with my childbirth classes. I attend 2 births a month with doula clients.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.