Water rupture at 26 weeks. Any experiences? - August 2024 Babies | Forums | What to Expect (2024)

FAQs

Can a baby survive without amniotic fluid at 26 weeks? ›

Can a baby live without amniotic fluid? No. A fetus needs some amniotic fluid in the uterus to survive. However, the exact amount of amniotic fluid it needs depends on its gestational age and other factors.

Dr. Jones: Let's say you have fast labors and you feel your water break and you have your first contraction and then you know the baby's coming. Maybe you have time to grab your phone for 911, but the first thing is, don't try to get in the car and drive. Just don't do that.

In cases where your baby is at least 37 weeks, current research suggests that it may be safe to wait 48 hours (and sometimes longer) for labor to start on its own.

Oligohydramnios increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. It can also cause the baby to be born with severe abnormalities, including underdeveloped lungs. This is because amniotic fluid plays an essential role in lung development.

Other complications

If you experience PPROM, sometimes your baby may not survive. The risk of this happening is greater if your waters break very early, if the baby is born very prematurely or, in some cases, following infection or cord prolapse.

The earlier in pregnancy a baby is born, the more likely he is to have health problems. Babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy are mostly likely to have health problems, but babies born between 34 and 37 weeks of pregnancy are also at increased risk of having health problems related to preterm birth.

Typically, your water will break because your contractions or baby put pressure on it — like popping a balloon from the inside.

If your waters break early, your baby is likely to be born prematurely, even if you don't immediately go into labour. Babies born before 37 weeks may lack a substance called surfactant in their lungs, which helps them to breathe normally.

It may be time to hustle to your birthing center or hospital. However, if you're not yet having closely spaced contractions, your provider may suggest waiting a while longer at home. Some doctors allow women to shower after the bag of water has broken, but definitely not taking a bath.

Do you go to hospital immediately after water breaks? ›

If your water breaks, whether you're experiencing contractions or not, go to the hospital. This will help reduce the risk of infection. Note the color, odor and amount of fluid when your water broke.

In general, babies who develop oligohydramnios after 23 to 24 weeks (6 months of pregnancy) usually don't have breathing issues or other long-term problems. In some cases, oligohydramnios that happens in the third trimester of pregnancy can cause: The baby to grow too slowly.

Low Levels of Amniotic Fluid

Maternal Health Conditions, including dehydration, diabetes, preeclampsia, hypoxia, and more. Infant Health Conditions, like birth defects (say, poor development of kidneys or the urinary tract), or inhibited growth.

The rapid depletion of amniotic fluid during labor is very dangerous, because at this time, the strong contraction of the uterus will squeeze the fetus, making it easy for the fetus to suffocate, causing fetal distress and potentially death.

Oligohydramnios Complications

When it occurs in the third trimester, though, your baby has an 85.3% chance of survival. If fluid levels are low within the first six months, possible complications include: Preterm birth. Miscarriage.