Rupturing membranes

In a side view of the body with the baby in utero, the mucous plug (bloody show) is illustrated followed by the rupturing of the amniotic sac (water breaking), indicating the onset of labor.

When the amniotic sac ruptures the amniotic fluid begins to trickle out of the uterus and vagina. For some women, it can actually gush out in a stream.

The rupturing of the amniotic sac, which surrounds and protects the baby, is commonly referred to as the "water breaking."

The combination of regular contractions and cervical change indicates the first phase of labor is starting.

Reviewed last on: 9/16/2008
Dan Sacks MD, FACOG, Obstetrics & Gynecology in Private Practice, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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