If you’re pregnant and nearing your estimated due date, you might find yourself asking this very question. It’s one of the most common (and slightly awkward) moments that expectant moms face. Let’s dive into what it means when your water breaks, what it doesn’t mean, and what you should do if it happens, whether you’re planning for a hospital, birth center, or home birth here in Philadelphia.
What Does "Water Breaking" Mean?
Your "water" is actually the amniotic sac—a fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and cushions your baby during pregnancy. When this sac ruptures, the amniotic fluid begins to leak out, and this is what’s commonly referred to as your water breaking.
But here’s the kicker: for many women, their water breaking isn’t the first sign of labor. In fact, it only happens spontaneously at the onset of labor in about 10% of pregnancies. For the majority of moms, contractions start before their water breaks, and sometimes their care provider breaks it for them later in labor.
Did I Pee or Did My Water Break?
It’s not always easy to tell! Here are a few clues:
Amniotic fluid is typically clear or pale yellow, and it’s odorless or has a slightly sweet smell.
If you’ve peed, the liquid will smell like, well, urine.
Amniotic fluid tends to leak continuously (sometimes in small trickles), whereas peeing usually happens all at once.
If you’re still not sure, wear a pad and monitor the fluid’s color and consistency. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to contact your care provider.
PROM, SROM, AROM & En Caul
You might hear your midwife or OB throw around some acronyms like PROM or AROM. Here’s what they mean:
PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes): This happens when your water breaks before labor begins. If you’re full-term (37+ weeks), PROM isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but it’s important to monitor for signs of infection or complications.
SROM (Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes): This is when your water breaks naturally during labor, just like you see in the movies (minus the dramatic gush in the grocery store aisle).
AROM (Artificial Rupture of Membranes): This is when your care provider intentionally breaks your water using a small tool called an amniohook (similar to a crochet hook). AROM is sometimes done to speed up labor, but it’s worth discussing the pros and cons before agreeing to it.
En Caul: Happens when the baby is born with the amniotic sac still intact. This is rare and often considered magical or lucky in many cultures. While it’s more common in cesarean births, it can happen during vaginal births, too. There are no medical risks to an en caul birth for the baby, but it’s less likely to happen in hospital settings where AROM is commonly performed.
Benefits and Risks of Water Breaking
Spontaneous Rupture (SROM)
Benefits:
Signals that labor may be progressing naturally.
Reduces the risk of unnecessary interventions if left to happen on its own.
Risks:
Increases the risk of infection, especially if too much time passes before labor begins.
Artificial Rupture (AROM)
Benefits:
Can speed up labor.
May make it easier for your provider to monitor the baby’s heartbeat.
Risks:
Can increase the intensity of contractions, making them harder to manage without pain relief.
Baby’s umbilical cord can slip into the birth canal before the baby's head (cord prolapse)
Higher risk of infection and interventions such as Pitocin.
En Caul Birth
Benefits:
Provides extra cushioning for the baby during delivery.
Protects against infection until the sac is naturally broken.
Risks:
None significant, though it’s not always an option in managed care settings.
What Should You Do If Your Water Breaks?
Note the time. Your care provider will want to know how long it’s been since the rupture.
Check the color. Amniotic fluid should be clear or pale yellow. A slight pink, bloody show is also normal. If it’s green, brown, or foul-smelling, contact your care provider immediately.
Monitor contractions. If you’re not already in active labor, contractions may start soon. If they don’t, your provider may discuss inducing labor after 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
Call your care provider. They can guide you on whether to stay home or head to your planned birth location.
Birth Doula Support in Philadelphia

Whether your water breaks with a Hollywood style gush or stays intact until the final moments of labor, having a birth doula by your side can help you feel confident and supported. As a Philadelphia birth doula, I’m here to provide personalized care, help you navigate labor decisions, and empower you to have the birth experience you’ve envisioned.
Have questions or want to learn more about preparing for labor and birth? Let’s connect! I'd love to chat, fill out this contact form or email julia@motherbirth.net.
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