Amniotic sac break before term?

Question

Yes, I've asked many questions lately. I'm doing research and many of my books are outdated (one is a physiology book from 1980), so I'm trying to make sure all my information is up to date.

Has anyone had their "water" break before term? I know that at term (in some places, 36 weeks) they'll want the baby born within 24 hours if possible. What's the procedure if your water breaks before that time? One thing I read said that they'll insert a catheter and try to keep fluid in the sac for as long as possible, and give the mother a steroid shot to mature the baby's lungs just in case. Another said she got the shot, they gave it enough time to act and hopefully mature the lungs, then allowed her to progress with labor since the longer the sac is broken, the higher the chances of infection. Is there a standard procedure for this, or is it different dependant on where you're getting medical care?

For the person who asked: no no... for once my pregnancy seems to be behaving. Though I've heard mixed stories, and the books I have either don't mention what the doctors will do if premature (before 36 weeks to clarify, since the term is used even if you're full term) rupture of the membranes happens, or what they say is limited, or my medical texts are old as all get out.

Answer 1

Had this happen to a friend at 26 wks. She was admitted to the hospital immediately. They gave her an I.V. of antibiotics to protect from infection, meds to stop the labor, used a catheter & aenema for her "bodilly functions" and gave the baby steroids to assist in lung development.

After 48 hrs they were satisfied that the baby had grown and delivered him by c-section with the NICU staff in the room. He was then immediately moved to the NICU for a few weeks, maybe it was 3 months or so. It was touch and go for a while, but he ended up ok.

Answer 2

I believe it depends more on where you are in the pregnancy. That is, a 20 week pregnancy would be treated much differently than a 34 week pregnancy.

Generally, a baby would be better off delivered within 24 hours of the water breaking. (With the membranes ruptured, there is no "padding" for the baby, plus a huge increased risk of infection.) However, if the baby is to young to survive outside of the womb, strict bedrest combined with other treatment is often tried to prolong the pregnancy. Remember, with pre-term babies, every single day counts.

Answer 3

If the sac breaks near the end of term, if labor starts within 24 hours ok...if not you are induced since the water is leaking/leaked and could cause fetal distresss and the introduction of bacteria.....if it happens early, some drs will fix a sligth leak or watch you on bed rest....again, the best is to ask your doctor and the baby and you must be monitored...good luck!

Answer 4

My friends water broke or at leasted started leaking slowly at about 22 weeks she was placed on bedrest (strict) and managed to go to 27 weeks and then started having contractions that they were unable to stop and yes they can give a medication to help mature the lungs. The baby is now 100 days old and is doing really well for being a premie and is going home on Moday.

Answer 5

If the baby is not term it's possible to stitch the bag I think that's what they do. I had my water break within a week of term and they just waited to see if I would go into labor and when I didn't the standard procedure is to administer pitocin to get the baby out to avoid infection.

Answer 6

My water allegedly broke at 33 weeks and1 day, I was hospitalized with intention of preventing my labour from continuing that did not happen I went into hard labour and delivered my son 23 hours later Luckily for me and my son they were wrong and my son was only 22 days early

Answer 7

Amniotic fluid is important for the baby inside the womb..when the mother is oligohydramnios(less fluid),the more it's dangerous.The mother has be on bedrest and side lying for good oxygenation for the baby...yeah...and a medicine(dexamethasone) is giving through the mother for the baby's lungs...Complete bedrest is much important to prevent the pressure downwards....t.c.

Answer 8

I think it depends on where you are getting the medical care. I have always thought they give you the shot and let you progress naturally. I never knew there was anything to be done about your water breaking.

Answer 9

is this a hypothetical question or has your water broken???

if your water has broken you need to call your doctor, because you are at HUGE risk for infection and so is your baby

I'm pretty sure that each case is different just as every woman and every pregnancy is different!!!

Answer 10

Preemie babys come everyday...and live wonderfull long lives.

technology now a days is wonderfull..and just make sure theres a wonderfull NEONATAL unit at the hospital incase you do have a preemie.

when your water breaks..here comes baby within 24hrs usually...