Returning Home With Ruptured Membranes Who Are Not in Labour

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It has been confirmed that your waters have broken and at this time we are satisfied that both you and your baby are well.

Labour will start within 18 hours of the waters breaking for 60% of pregnant women. When this happens, Maternity Triage 24/7.

After your waters have broken the risk of serious infection for your baby is 1% rather than 0.5% for women with intact waters (NICE 2023).

Please telephone Maternity Triage on 01908 996 483 if:

• If you feel hot and feverish or unwell, or you have a temperature
• Any changes in the colour of your waters from a clear or pink colour
• If your waters or your sanitary pads begin to smell offensive
• Any decrease or changes in your baby’s movements

If you have not gone into labour after 24 hours, then induction of labour is appropriate therefore if none of these changes occur and your labour does not start then please attend maternity triage.