Question about water breaking

Amorlinda · March 2010

Is it true that after your water breaks you only have 12 hours to give birth due to risk of infection?

Not sure where I heard this from, and I'm not so sure it's true.

armandos_girl · March 2010

12 hours is a bit early IMO, but it probably depends on the doctor/hospital. I think most doctors say 24 hours. Midwives will let you go longer or so I'm told.

Obviously if there is meconium or some other complication, the risk would be higher.

preppynewlywed · March 2010

I thought it was 24 hours assuming there were no other issues.

justmeg8378 · March 2010

Nope - not true.

hippotree · March 2010

preppynewlywed:
I thought it was 24 hours assuming there were no other issues.

Yes. And you want the water to be nice and clear - otherwise there's a chance there's meconium in it.

Que*Sera*Sera · March 2010

24 is the general rule, but it isn't set in stone.

Becky19 · March 2010

The standard is 24 hours.

The key is whether you are GBS positive or not. If you are GBS positive I think the doctors want you to come in pretty soon because of the risk of infection and need for antibiotics. If your water breaks and you are GBS negative you can labor at home for awhile before coming in.

murphyec · March 2010

Generally they want the baby to be delivered within 24 hours. They gave DS antibiotics after he was born cause we were really close to that 24 hour mark.