what does it mean when your water breaks

When your water breaks, it means that the amniotic sac that holds your baby has ruptured and amniotic fluid leaks out of your vagina. This is a normal and healthy part of the later stages of pregnancy, and it means that its almost time for your baby to be born. Some women may experience a sensation of wetness in their vagina or on their perineum, an intermittent or constant leaking of small amounts of watery fluid from their vagina, or a more obvious gush of clear or pale yellow fluid. It's not always easy to tell if your water has broken, and it might be difficult to distinguish between amniotic fluid and urine. If you're uncertain whether your water has broken, it's important to call your healthcare provider or head to your delivery facility right away. Your doctor or a member of your healthcare team will give you a physical exam to determine if you're leaking amniotic fluid. In some cases, an ultrasound might be done to check your amniotic fluid volume.