Waters have gone - what to expect?

[sepa]

My waters went about an hour ago. I called the hospital who said call at 8:30 but would be interested in the what happens between now and baby arriving?

How long after your waters broke did you have a baby with you?

First pregnancy and pooping my pants a bit right now

[outputgap]

I still needed to be partially induced after my waters breaking with dc1, and given a labour-starting sweep with dc2. So both times, despite my waters breaking 24 hours before, I needed a slight push to get going. So, nothing might happen!

Really do try to go back to sleep if you can. You'll need your energy later, and if you don't go into labour yourself, they'll just check you over at 8.30 and ask you to go to hospital much later tomorrow night, if it's like the hospitals I've given birth in.

Good luck!

[SpanielFace]

Ooh, exciting!
My waters went at 4am with DS1. I went into hospital and was checked at 9am, nothing was happening at that point, so I was booked for induction the next day, just in case things didn't start by themselves. We went home and went for a walk. Contractions stated very gently at about 1pm. We stayed at home until 11pm (watched a film on my birthing ball, had a bath, dropped the dog off at my parents house etc ) when the contractions started to get more intense, then went to to the hospital. I was 5cm dilated when we arrived. Then, they discovered DS was breech but it had been missed, so ended up with a caesarian! He arrived 1am. I think, had I had him naturally, it would have been later on that morning with the speed I was dilating at.
My advice would be to get some sleep now, if you can (I didnt and regretted it, labour is exhausting whatever happens), then when you've been checked, walk around as much as you can. It definitely worked to start contractions for me. Good luck!

[bittapitta]

My waters broke at 5am, contractions started gradually, admitted to hospital late afternoon when contractions were closer together and baby born 10pm!

As you know they don't let you go longer than 24 hours once your waters have broken so it's pretty guaranteed you'll see your baby soon.

[SpanielFace]

PS labour is fine. My second was born naturally, so have done it both ways now. It will be ok. Good luck!

[MrsBenWyatt]

Exciting!

It is really hard, but do try and get some sleep. My waters went first with both DC, but labour didn't start for 12 hours (DD) and 6 hours (DS). You will need the energy!

Good luck!

[Dixiechick17]

My waters started to go at 1am and my DD arrived at 7.17am, so all pretty quick. Hope things get going soon for you :)

[BosomySusan]

It was at least 36 hours between my waters breaking and my baby being born. Labour was only 3 hours though. It's not always the case that you are pushed to induce after 24 hours, depends on the hospital trust. At mine, the limit was 72 hours, which just shows how nonsensical it is really, why 24 hours in some hospitals and 72 in others?! Anyway, you shouldn't have any internal exams after waters breaking (until you are in labour, and only then if you want one) because of the risk of introducing infection. Other than that, it's still a (slightly shorter!) waiting game. Good luck!

[marmitecrumpets]

My waters went at 6pm, my DS arrived at 9.49pm! Very quick indeed!

Good luck, how exciting!

[Champagneformyrealfriends]

How exciting sepa! Good luck!

[sepa]

Thank you. I'm going between excited and scared!

I managed to get more sleep (mostly broken).
Is it strange that I have my cat booked into the vet at 9:15 and still want to take her in (if I can) instead of heading straight to the hospital? I think it maybe a bit of delay tactics

[honeysucklejasmine]

My waters went 5am, was induced at 5am the next day and had the baby just before midnight that day.

I suffered with hyperstimulation from the pessary, which was not great but they did step up the pain relief on offer to make up for it.

[MyBreadIsEggy]

My waters went but I still had to be induced, so all in all it was 24hrs from waters breaking to my baby being born. But once my actual labour started, it was only 3 hours from first pain to baby being born
Good Luck Op

[RoseDog]

With dd my waters went at about 4am and she was born at 6.42am, I had been induced with the pessary although I was already having contractions according to the monitor but I couldn't feel them!

With ds my waters broke exactly on midnight at home in bed, he was born at 1.31am 6 minutes after arriving at hospital!

[GoingLoopyQuickly]

My waters went at 3pm. I decided to lie down before the whole thing kicked off and got my first contraction at 4pm. DS was with me by 1am. 10 hours start to finish.

[CatsCantFlyFast]

There should be no need for you to go to the hospital until 24 hours after your waters have gone? As long as you're ok i would stay at home as long as possible. Stay calm and relaxed, get the oxytocin flowing.

My waters went at midnight and baby was born at 9am. Took a few hours after my waters went for my contractions to start

Good luck

[SerenityReynolds]

With DD1 my hindwaters broke at 6pm. Was having mild contractions by the next morning, went into hospital at 5.30pm, waters went fully at 8ish and she was born just before midnight.

DD2 I had mild cramps for a couple of hours. Went for a walk, then waters broke an hour later at about 1pm. Manageable contractions the rest of the day, had another walk and trip to the hospital as they needed to check they had gone. Things ramped up from 11.30pm and she was born at 2am.

I would carry on as normally as you can. I really believe the gentle walks helped with DD2.

[cantbelieveImquittingcoffee]

Taking the cat to the vet does sound slightly like a nutty woman in labour story, but I'm sure you won't be the first or the last! Watching from afar and wishing you a smooth ride!

[Roobix04]

Waters broke at 10am dd born at 10:55pm. Went in to straight away just for a check up and they decided to induce me as I was booked in for one the next day anyway.
Good luck! You'll have your beautiful little one soon.

[YerAWizardHarry]

My waters broke at 10pm on the Friday and my son was born on the Tuesday at 6.13pm as I had to be induced and it took a long time! Ended up with a section

[sepa]

I don't think my contractions will start. 7hrs later and not even a twinge!
I have to go in this afternoon but I think it's because I'm high risk maybe? But I think my hospital checks everyone and then books in your induction

[sepa]

Cantbelieveimquittingcoffee we took her to the vets but hospital has said come in the afternoon.
I did finish packing my bag before we left to go to the vets

[MyBreadIsEggy]

sepa at my hospital, I went in to double check it was definitely my waters because it was only a tiny trickle, but they confirmed it was and then booked induction for 24hrs later to reduce the risk of infection to the baby.
Either way you'll meet your baby soon exciting!!

[Osirus]

Good luck!!

[Everythinggettingbigger]

awww fab sepa I always see your name popping up on here and see you getting closer to the end!

my waters were broken in hospital during my labour with DS1 so no experience there but just wanted to say good luck!! baby will be with you soon!

xx

[LucilleLeSueur]

Waters went in middle of the night on the Monday.
Was admitted to labour ward at midday on the Tuesday as was having regular strong contractions.
Was induced on Wednesday morning as not progressing and DD1 arrived 9pm Wednesday night. So it might be a while yet!

With DD2 my waters went (exploding all over the room and the midwife 😄) then I pushed the head out and then the rest of her next push. I had been in labour for about four hours though!