While preparing for the labor and delivery journey, you are likely consuming a lot of information online, reading birth stories, listening to podcasts, or taking a birth course. When learning about water breaking and amniotic fluid, you may come across the term ‘dry birth.’ Now the question, ‘What is a dry birth?’ is added to your growing list of things to learn about during pregnancy!
In recent years, the term ‘dry birth’ has been determined to be a myth but there are still many misconceptions regarding amniotic fluid out there! We’re here to help you understand the purpose of amniotic fluid and empower you to know what to do when your water breaks at the end of your full-term pregnancy.
- Why is amniotic fluid important?
- What is a dry birth?
- How do I know if my water has broken?
- What do I do when my water breaks?
Table of Contents
Why is Amniotic Fluid Important?
Amniotic fluid is an essential to nourish and protect your growing baby. This clear, slightly yellowish liquid is a vital component of the amniotic sac, surrounding and protecting your growing baby. The amniotic fluid serves several critical functions:
- Cushioning and Protection – acts as a shock absorber against external pressure, injury, or sudden movements.
- Temperature Regulation – helps to keep the baby’s body temperature regulated.
- Lung Development – your baby’s lungs develop as they swallow and exhale small amounts of amniotic fluid, preparing them for breathing air after birth.
- Nutrition and Waste Removal – your baby ingests nutrients through swallowing amniotic fluid and excretes waste (urine) into the amniotic fluid.
- Supporting Movement and Development – give necessary buoyancy to support your baby’s developing muscles when they stretch, kick, and turn.
- Protection Against Infection – creates a sealed environment to protect against pathogens.
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What is a Dry Birth?
The term “dry birth” is somewhat misleading, as it implies that once the amniotic sac ruptures, there’s a risk of running out of amniotic fluid and causing more stress to your baby.
In reality, your baby and your body continuously produces amniotic fluid after your water breaks, even with premature rupture of membranes. During pregnancy amniotic fluid is produced through osmosis and your baby contributes amniotic fluid by peeing. Therefore, the belief that the amount of amniotic fluid will get too low that your womb is dry or cause vaginal dryness while pushing your baby through the birth canal after the rupture of membranes is just not true.
Oligohydramnios is a medical condition where amniotic fluid levels are less than expected for a baby’s gestational age. This is during your pregnancy, where as a “dry birth” is used in relation to the delivery. Oligohydramnios is very uncommon only affecting 4% of pregnant women. It could be an indicator of underlying health conditions so please work with your provider closely. There are treatment options if this is the case for you.
How Will I Know If My Water Has Broken?
You may hear from other moms or read online that you’ll “just know” when your bag of waters breaks but it’s not always obvious. Your waters can break before you even start having contractions or it can break while you are in active labor or pushing the baby out! Some common signs of water breaking include:
- A Sudden Gush of Fluid: A noticeable and significant release of fluid from the vagina is often a clear indicator. This is usually what is depicted in the movies when a pregnant woman’s water breaks!
- Constant Dripping: Sometimes your water breaks behind your baby’s head and their head then acts like a plug and you have a slow trickle of fluid, which can be mistaken for urine leakage.
- A Change in Sensation: Some women report feeling a distinct “pop” or “bursting” sensation when their water breaks. With my first child, I was at my doctor’s office and I remember feeling a distinct “pop” followed by a small gush of liquid! Fluid continued to trickle out the rest of the day and then real contractions started about 12 hours later.
- Amniotic Fluid Color: If you think your water broke, wear a pad and pay attention to the color of the fluid on the pad. Amniotic fluid is typically clear, but it can be slightly yellowish or red-tinged. If the fluid is green or brown, it might indicate meconium (the baby’s first stool) in the fluid, which requires immediate attention.
If you suspect that your water has broken, consult with your healthcare provider for confirmation and guidance.
In some cases the bag does not break and you have an en caul birth. Where the baby is born while still in an intact amniotic sac.
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What Do I Do If My Water Breaks?
It is a good idea to jot down what time it occurred and the color of the liquid. Then call your medical provider. If the fluid is clear and you are not in active labor or have mild contractions you will likely advisable to stay home and labor on your own for a while. There are some great benefits of laboring at home instead of rushing to the hospital right away. If it is green or a brownish-yellow color they may want you to come to the hospital as soon as possible.
Most providers will want you to deliver within 24 hours to prevent infection, but in some cases they may allow you to go a little longer depending on your situation. Be aware that an indiction or cesarean section may be discussed as part of your options.
If you stay at home to labor on your own stay hydrated and rest as much as possible. Let your body do as much of the work as possible. If your contractions have not started you may try some natural ways to stimulate labor to avoid an induction, such as curb walking, nipple stimulation, hip rotations on a birth ball, or the miles circuit!
Final Thoughts
Amniotic fluid is an amazing substance with many critical jobs and it can tell us a lot about a baby’s well-being. The human body is incredibly adaptable and continuously produces amniotic fluid, so the risk of running out of fluid after the rupture of membranes at term is minimal, making the idea of a ‘dry birth’ a myth.
However, it’s important to pay attention to your body, communicate with your healthcare provider if you think your water has broken, and follow their instructions to ensure a safe and healthy delivery for you and your baby. Whether you have a dramatic burst of fluid while grocery shopping or a small trickle that makes you question if you are leaking urine, get excited because your wild journey of bringing your baby into the world is beginning! You can do this!!
Sources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23310-amniotic-fluid
Kayla is a mother of two young children. She is married to her high school sweetheart who is a firefighter, paramedic, and nurse. Her professional background is in social work, advocacy, and non-profits. She is passionate about empowering and encouraging mothers to make informed decisions about their pregnancy, birth, and motherhood journey.
My waters broke at midnight, I went into hospital as i was due to be induced that morning anyway at 10 days early.
I was induced TWICE before giving birth and I do believe that it was art birth as t nearly ripped me in 2, and my baby had bruises on his arms and very dry skin. I was recommended to use almond oil on him.
My first childs birth was easy.
Thank you for sharing your birthing experiences, I know that can be difficult sometimes. It sounds like you had a very long traumatic birth experience, and I am very sorry you had to experience that. I myself had a rather traumatic induction with one of my children. How are you doing now? How is your little boy? Long labors are a big risk factor for perineal tears as it puts more pressure on these sensitive tissues that are trying to expand and stretch to allow your little boy to pass through. Thank you for sharing your advice for other moms about using almond oil on his skin. I hope your words will be able to help someone else that may have a similar experience.