What if your water breaks at work?

Curlyfries851

This thread is making me lol.

I was watching a pregnancy/birthing video where the chick joked that if you're at the grocery store, hope you're in the juice aisle and just smash down a bottle and call for a clean up lol

I was also not-so-seriously-but-still-kinda-seriously considering using a puppy pee pad under me while I slept closer to the date lol

SugarSnap83

My water broke at home after work when I was getting up from the couch. Not a gush, but as someone mentioned before, a constant trickle. I put on a heavy duty pad before heading to the hospital (no contractions at all 40 weeks). But since the pad was completely saturated by the time I got there, I think this time (if it happens again) I'm going to try a depends. I got a free sample by mail and what can it hurt?

I also second the water proof mattress pad. I wouldn't want to risk that! Oh! And keeping a towel in the car. Don't ruin your car seats!

mb314

SarahMaureenF said:

It's my understanding that if your water breaks spontaneously, you want to get yourself to the hospital ASAP. This is only because the soft cushion your baby has around it is rapidly disappearing and the chance of infection increases, as a PP noted. If contractions don't start on their own, they'll often induce you to reduce that risk of infection. @lissydee‌ Am I right about this? I think that's what we were told a few weeks ago in our childbirth class.

You can still labor at home if your water breaks spontaneously before contractions start.  Most OBs and even midwives may put you on a timeline once your water breaks - usually they want the baby delivered within 24 hours.  But, you don't have to rush off to the hospital.  You can go home, try some things to get contractions started if they haven't (like walking or nipple stimulation - many women use a pump), and labor for a while before heading to the hospital. 

TeeJ526

Whoever had to clean up after me would get a nice Edible Arrangement. 

CPM13

My water broke (on the couch) about 10 hours BEFORE I started having contractions, so I think it really depends on the person. I would have been able to drive myself to the hospital (but DH was with me so he drove). 

Kristil2014

I want to get a waterproof cover for my mattress, just incase. Good for milk leakage and postpartum bleeding.

All of my friends have had their water broke at the hospital during labour. I don't know anyone who had it break either at work or at home.

mslynn2012

Curlyfries851 said:

This thread is making me lol.

I was watching a pregnancy/birthing video where the chick joked that if you're at the grocery store, hope you're in the juice aisle and just smash down a bottle and call for a clean up lol

I was also not-so-seriously-but-still-kinda-seriously considering using a puppy pee pad under me while I slept closer to the date lol

I kept a puppy pee pad in the car just in case my water broke then. I ended up sitting on it on the way to the hospital. Worked like magic!

rahkitt

My first birth was that 10%.  I was sitting on the sofa at midnight unable to sleep and reading a pregnancy book about "how labor begins" when it broke.  Just a small gush, not enough to make a puddle.  I would recommend *not* driving if your water breaks.  My first contraction hit 15 minutes later and it was strong enough to have me on my knees.  It would not have been safe if I'd been driving.  Not saying it always happens that way, but there is no telling once your water breaks, and better safe than sorry.  DD was born 5 1/2 hours later.

mamaluzi

rahkitt said:

My first birth was that 10%.  I was sitting on the sofa at midnight unable to sleep and reading a pregnancy book about "how labor begins" when it broke.  Just a small gush, not enough to make a puddle.  I would recommend *not* driving if your water breaks.  My first contraction hit 15 minutes later and it was strong enough to have me on my knees.  It would not have been safe if I'd been driving.  Not saying it always happens that way, but there is no telling once your water breaks, and better safe than sorry.  DD was born 5 1/2 hours later.

This is what I'm so scared of. I would be able to handle my water breaking in front of my little kid art classes at work - I'd be interesting/awkward but whatever - but I have a weird, long commute through Boston tunnels so I'm so scared of contractions hitting on the way to/from the school building.... O_o

2ndGeneration

 My history of water breaking, with my 5 births, is right at the end of labor-so I've never had them break outside of the birth setting. But I'll be honest-I will have an extra jacket stowed at work to wrap around my waist on the chance that my water breaks! Oh goodness I would never live that down Ever.

 A waterproof mattress pad is a GREAT idea. Not just for water breaking, but for later when stuff comes out of both ends of the kid LOL. Like when the preschooler comes in and hops up on the bed and announces, I don't feel good mommy , followed by immediate barfing! The soft ones are nice, I have that and there isn't any scrunching noise. Very good investment.