Everything You Need To Know About An At-Home Water Break Detection Test
Every stage of pregnancy, from beginning to end, brings so many questions, especially for first-time parents. Knowing when your water breaks and when to leave for the hospital is a big one. Here's what you need to know about your water breaking and an at-home water break detection test.
What does it mean to break your water?
Breaking your water means that a pregnant women's amniotic sac has ruptured and you are leaking amniotic fluid. This usually happens towards the end of pregnancy.
Why would your water break?
Typically, when your water breaks, it is your body signaling that labor is about to begin. There are a few things that can cause your water to break prematurely, including:
- Prolapsed cord. If the umbilical cord slips into the vaginal canal before the baby, it can cause the water to break.
- Incompetent cervix. This is when the cervix begins to open too early. It can cause the water to break as well.
- Uterine rupture. This is a rare occurrence, but it can happen. If the uterus ruptures, it can cause the water to break.
Sometimes the water never breaks on its own and the doctor has to do it. This is called induction.
What are the signs that your water has broken?
There are a few signs that can indicate that your water has broken. They include:
- A gushing of fluid from the vagina
- A slow leak of fluid from the vagina
- A feeling of wetness in the vagina
- A ruptured water balloon feeling
Is there a test to see if your water broke?
Yes, there is a test to see if your water broke. It's called the nitrazine test or a water break detection test. The nitrazine test is used to detect whether amniotic fluid is leaking. It works by detecting changes in the pH of vaginal secretions. A nitrazine paper test can be done in a doctor's office, hospital, or at home.
How is an at-home water break detection test performed?
To perform an at-home water break detection test, you will need to collect a sample of vaginal fluid on the nitrazine paper. The paper will change color if amniotic fluid is present.
If the test is positive, you should contact your doctor or go to the hospital right away.
Where can you buy an at-home water break detection test?
At-home water break detection tests can be found at most pharmacies. You can also purchase them online.
If your water breaks, will it eventually stop?
If your water breaks, you will need to go to the hospital right away.
If you're pregnant, it's important to know what to do if your water breaks. If you purchase an at-home water break detection test, it can help you know if your water has broken. If it has, contact your doctor or go to the hospital right away.