Water breaks, Mucas Plug, Emergancy??

Question

I was just wondering.. if your water breaks (37 wks and on) Is it an emergancy to go to the hospital? Or do you just calmly call your doctor and wait for him to call back? And what comes first water breaking or loosing your mucus plug? and how is it possible that people can loose both of these and still be sent home from the hospital? I thought it was high risk of infection? Im just wondering because i live an hour and a half away from my ob doctor and hospital that i plan to give birth at. I would just like to be prepared some what..

Answer 1

If you lose your mucous plug, its no big hurry. It can sometimes be days before labor starts. If your water breaks, its usually a sign that your labor is about to pickup the pace. Only a handful of times (I'd say maybe 10% of the time) does your water break and nothing happens. In either case, if your water breaks and you don't have contractions, still get to the hopsital ASAP because the longer you go with your water broken, the less time you have before you and your baby are at risk for infection. With my first, my water broke before my labor began and it never really started on its own. I had to have drugs to be induced, but my water was broken for 38 hours before he was finally delivered. He spent a week in the NICU on antibiotics as a precaution. If your water breaks, get there ASAP...

Answer 2

No, it's not an emergency. If your water breaks that's just your baby's head getting ready for delivery. When it happens, call your doctor - no rush at all. You won't give birth within an hour, fortunately or unfortunately, labor lasts longer than that. You might lose your mucus plug a week before you deliver, you might lose it as you're delivering - same thing with your water breaking. It might happen right before you go into labor, or it might never happen at all (very rare but it does happen).

If your water breaks, generally they'll want you to deliver within 24 hours because there's a higher risk of infection. But don't panic - you will most likely go into labor and deliver before that.

If it makes you feel better, go to the hospital if your water breaks. That way you'll feel safer and your labor will progress more efficiently. Relaxing and trusting your body to do the right thing is one of the best ways to have a positive, comfortable labor. Labor lasts an average of 12 hours - can be shorter, can be longer, but it's doubtful you would deliver before you make it to the hospital.

Good luck!

Answer 3

the mucous plug come out first, and it's not an emergency at all. often, the waters don't break until your contractions are well on their way. it's very rare that it breaks before. yes it can increase the risk of infection, but so can frequent internal exams (which should be avoided if your water has broken).

you should ask your OB about these things, they will know better when you should call them or when you should go straight to the hospital.

good luck! :)

Answer 4

The mucus plug is gone first. That is what blocks everything kinda... and If you water is broken I would call the Dr, if he does not call you back, I would call the hospital and see what they tell you to do. I do not think they would let you go home if your water has broken. I know if you are dilate less than 5 and your water has not broken, and not having any contractions, they will not have you go to the hospital.... hope that helps

Answer 5

Ask your doctor what you should dol if this happens. When I did OB, I had a patient in her third pregnancy. The first two took 2 hour and 1 1/2 hours. I told her to call my service and GO on the first pain. She just made it.

Answer 6

Yea it is an emergency. I was told they like to get baby out within 24hours to prevent infection. You made it fuul term and I think they would induce you if your water breaks if contractions don't follow. I think you should call your ob ahead of time and let them know your situation. good luck and congrats on the baby

Answer 7

Losing the plug lets the water out.

Call them and let them know what has happened.(if it has)

My sister in law was an hour from the hospital and nearly always waited to long. One was delivered in the car and another in the elevator, the other two they just made it to the room for delivery.

Yours situation might be the prefect reason to induce.

Good luck.

Answer 8

if your water breaks yes its a emergency you can get a infection. i was induced and they broke my water and was in labor for about 16 hours after and the nurses told me i was starting to get signs of it. your mucus plug comes out first. but you dont always know if you lost it. i never did the doc had to puncture it. good luck

Answer 9

the mucus plug is first and depending on if this is your first or second baby the water breaks last.

Answer 10

yes
congrats