How effective is breaking the water?

MrsHK · October 2011

We might be looking at an induction this week for various reasons. I've went completely natural with DS1, and had an epi with DS2. I'd like to go natural again, so obviously I'm worried about an induction. Mostly worried that it'll just ultimately lead to a c/s.

So I'm trying to get some information on effectiveness of induction options. I think I'd like to suggest breaking the waters first. I am wondering how effective is that by itself. What are the chances I'll be ok with just that little push? With my previous two my water broke on it's own towards the end of labor. So I know it's common for an OB to do it manually, but I've only experienced it happening naturally.

Obviously, any induction increases the risk of further intervention, I'm just looking for options to minimize that wherever possible.

leftynat · October 2011

I was induced after being 10 days over with my 2nd, she was born at day 11. I had a great induction experience however. I got cervidil and with in 4 hours I was having intense labour/contracts. Labour+delivery was a total of 8 hours. It wasn't all that bad at all.

blairy926 · October 2011

I guess this isn't a direct answer to your question, but just a side note that you probably already know. Once they break your water, the chance of infection increases, and at that point, many hospitals will put you "on a clock" to deliver and at some point will say your water has been broken too long to continue laboring (or obviously, if you develop an infection, it can be a problem). My childbirth instructor talked about it. I think this is worth asking your OB about, just so you know what stipulations will be put on your labor if rupturing the membranes comes first.

I would ask my OB what he or she thought about that as a potential first step to induction and go from there. Good luck!

ArcadianDreams · October 2011

Personally I wouldn't go for starting with broken water - it will trigger labor but most docs will put you on a 'must deliver within 24 hours' kind of clock or you get a c/s to prevent infection. If you are anywhere close to labor, ask them to sweep the membranes first, it you are already close that can put you over the edge.

2-Step · October 2011

I was in labor with constant contractions for two days and very slowly dilating, when the dr broke my water I started dilating 1cm per hour on the dot and was ready to push the next morning. So, for me it was very effective, however I was already in labor. I'd suggest getting things started before breaking the water because of the 24 hour rule that ppers suggested.

kjg5445 · October 2011

when i was induced at 37 weeks for pre-e they broke my water first. but i was already 4cm before the induction. i was also put on pitocin shortly after just to make sure things progress. he was born 6 hours later.

my water broke with my second son naturally at 37 weeks and he was born 3 hours later.

if your READY for labor i think its effective. if your body isnt already progressed it could cause more of a problem than anything. definitely speak with a doctor and ask him what your options are!

MrsHK · October 2011

Ya, I know about the clock starting. I haven't been too concerned with it though. My longest L&D has been 8 hours. But maybe we'll look at cervadil, water then pitocin if necessary.

I've been having constant contractions since 29 weeks. I'm kinda hoping at this point we just need a little something extra to push things ahead. Baby is in position, we've run through all the natural labor inducers pretty much daily. Tuesday I get to try acupuncture, so far the acupressure has kicked things up but not enough. So overall I hope I just need a little nudge.

MrsNash37212 · October 2011

ArcadianDreams:
Personally I wouldn't go for starting with broken water - it will trigger labor but most docs will put you on a 'must deliver within 24 hours' kind of clock or you get a c/s to prevent infection. If you are anywhere close to labor, ask them to sweep the membranes first, it you are already close that can put you over the edge.

I would also do this before going straight to water breaking. If your LO is not in the correct position, it can be harder for him/her turn once the water has broken. From what I hear, back labor from a posterior baby is no picnic.

MrsHK · October 2011

MrsNash37212:
ArcadianDreams:
Personally I wouldn't go for starting with broken water - it will trigger labor but most docs will put you on a 'must deliver within 24 hours' kind of clock or you get a c/s to prevent infection. If you are anywhere close to labor, ask them to sweep the membranes first, it you are already close that can put you over the edge.

I would also do this before going straight to water breaking. If your LO is not in the correct position, it can be harder for him/her turn once the water has broken. From what I hear, back labor from a posterior baby is no picnic.

No it's definitely not, that's why I got the epi with DS2. That and I just couldn't relax with the meconium that showed when my water broke.

smilelari · October 2011

AROM seems like a "gentler" option since it doesn't involve drugs, but really it's the last induction method I'd go for. Besides the clock thing, it increases the risk of infection, reduces your options for laboring (you might not be able to be in water), makes laboring tougher on baby because it takes away their cushion, increases the risk of cord prolapse and based on what I've read, it's unknown how effective it is.

MissBHaven1024 · October 2011

I went in for a scheduled induction at 41 weeks with DD, however when I arrived, I was 3-4cm and contracting on my own, so they decided that I didn't need Pitocin to start the induction, and they went ahead and broke my water. It was off to the races after that. However, I will say that now in hindsight, I do feel that getting my water broken so soon, set things in motion for me to need a C-section in the end. This time around, if I need to be induced, we will be doing more "natural" things first, such as nipple stimulation and membrane sweeping.

sjBear123 · October 2011

Breaking your water will probably be the option most likely to lead you to a c-sec because once that happens, you have to deliver no matter what. My water broke on it's own with dd and they still had to put me on pitocin because my ctx were not starting on their own.

MrsHK · October 2011

All great points, thanks ladies!

mabst196 · October 2011

My water broke on its on and I had no contractions. I had to have pitocin to get those going. I would try something like pitocin or cervadil first to try and get things going if you truly need to be induced. I was lucky the pit worked and I was able to deliver vaginally, but I'd be too afraid because of the time clock started when it does break to do that first willingly.

CalinsBride · October 2011

My midwifery practice will break the water to induce labour if everything is favourable and it looks like some progress has been made. If not, then they do a normal induction by inserting a gel overnight and hoping that works. If nothing has happened by the next morning then it's Pitocin.

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