Doula

Category - Labor & Birth

Which of the following BEST describes what should be done if a woman's bag of waters breaks at the onset of labor?
  1. She should immediately go to her birth location.
  2. She should take note of the time, amount, odor, and color of the fluid, and notify her healthcare provider.
  3. She should lie down and rest so she has energy for the rest of labor.
  4. She should not take a tub bath.
Explanation
Answer: B - If a woman's water breaks she should think of TACOs! This will help her remember to note the time, amount, color, and odor of the water. Her care provider will expect labor contractions to start within the next 24 hours, and if they don't will likely suggest induction. The amount may be a trickle or gush, the fluid should be odorless, and the color is typically clear. If the waters are brown or green, the baby has a slight risk of respiratory problems following birth, so the care team would want to be prepared. A mother can remain at home even if her waters break. She does not need to remain immobile, though she may want to wear a sanitary napkin (not tampon) to catch the leaking fluid as she moves. Some care providers say a woman should not immerse herself in water after her amniotic sac ruptures because there is an increased risk of infection. There is no solid evidence to support this claim, and many women find warm water supportive and comforting as labor progresses.
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