Myths about your water breaking

It’s a scene out of a movie – you’re rushing out to get some last-minute errands done, waddling along with your very pregnant belly. As you’re standing in the frozen foods aisle of the local grocery store debating ice cream flavors, your water breaks with a sudden gushing noise and someone’s coming over the intercom saying, “Clean up in Aisle 5.”

If you’re fretting that you’re going to face a humiliating event like this one, you can relax – that scene will probably stay in the movies.

Most women aren’t exactly clamoring to get to the grocery store when they’re nine months along and feeling like a humpback whale. You’re much more likely to be vegging out on the couch or relaxing in bed. Additionally, only about one in four women actually has her water break in the traditional sense – and when she does, it’s more like a slow trickle than an unexpected waterfall.

On the off-chance that your water does break in public, you can rest assured that the situation will be far from embarrassing. What’s happening will be clear to everyone nearby, who will likely rush to help get you to your car or to the hospital as quickly as possible. It’s important that you get to the doctor’s office or birthing center as soon as you can, because once your water has broken, you’re more susceptible to infections that could affect your baby.

By Pregnancy Contributor

Pregnancy Magazine draws on a wide range of editorial sources including working doctors, midwives and doulas, as well as journalists writing about fertility, pregnancy and new motherhood.