The length of time that a baby can survive after your water breaks depends on the gestational stage, although for if your over 37 weeks into your pregnancy term then the baby can often survive for 24 hours to 48 hours and doctors recommend that delivery should occur within 24 to 48 hours of your water breaking to prevent infection, although many deliver sooner.
Delivery of babies is often recommended within 24 hours of water breaking to significantly lower infection risk for mother and the baby, with many mothers delivering their baby within 24 hours naturally.
With close hospital monitoring studies suggest that its also safe to wait for up to 48 hours and sometimes longer for delivery after your water breaks, but your doctor may still suggest induction if the labor does not start.
Premature rupture of membrane is more serious, but survival is also possible, especially with expert care.
Premature babies can still survive after water breaks, but they have less chance of survival and may often need to be delivered sooner even though C-section.
Once your water breaks, which is also known as the amniotic sac, the protective barrier against bacteria is gone, which increases the risk of uterine and neonatal infections like sepsis occurring.
Before going to the hospital you will be between 4 to 6 centimeters or cm dilated, with strong and regular contractions, although it also depends on your doctor's advice and how far you're away from the hospital and if your water breaks.
If you're currently in early labor and less than 4 to 6 cm dilated, you may be sent home to wait for stronger contractions, although having any decreased baby movement, significant bleeding or your water breaking during pregnancy are all good reasons to go to the hospital.
Active labor is when you're around 4 to 6 cm dilated, with contractions that come every few minutes and lasting longer and feeling stronger.
If your water breaks, even without any contractions you should go to the hospital and if you have significant bleeding like a heavy period or you notice significant drops in the activity and movement of your baby you should go to the hospital immediately.
Another good rule to follow to tell you when to go to the hospital for labor is the 3-2-1 rule in pregnancy which is also a guideline that helps you know when you should go to the hospital for labor, which means that when contractions are 3 minutes apart, last around 2 minutes or a minute and longer, for at least 1 hour and you can't talk or walk through the contractions you should go to the hospital.
The 3-2-1 rule in pregnancy and contractions occurring at these times is a signal for active labor, although other variations of this rule also exist like the 5-1-1 rule.
The 5-1-1 rule in pregnancy which is a common guideline that is used in late pregnancy to help you determine when you should go to the hospital or birthing center for true labor.
The numbers 5-1-1 refer to the frequency, duration and consistency of your contractions.
At 5 minutes apart, contractions are coming every 5 minutes, which is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction.
1 minute long, each contraction lasts for a full minute.
And 1 hour long, the contractions have consistently followed the 5-1-1 pattern for at least 1 hour.
However this 5-1-1 rule is a general guideline and not a strict rule or instruction.
You should also discuss with your doctor or OB-GYN or midwife in advance on when you should head to the hospital for the labor.
A high risk pregnancy or a previous rapid birth might require different timing.
And true labor contractions will get progressively longer, stronger and closer together and will not stop with rest or changes in position.
False labor or Braxton Hicks contractions are often irregular and may also ease up if you do move around.
Some doctors also recommend variations like the 4-1-1 rule or the 3-1-1 rule, which indicates the contractions are 4 or 3 minutes apart, respectively lasting one minute for an hour and regardless of the pattern of contractions, you should also call your doctor or get to the hospital immediately if your water does break or you experience any heavy vaginal bleeding, or you notice any significant decrease in your baby's movement.