When Your Water Breaks

Posted by Brenda Lane Sep 24, 2007

Swedish researchers have compiled information from over 100,000 mothers in a new study that looked at whether or not the risk of infection to the baby (also called sepsis) does indeed increase after her water breaks.

The study, published in the September 2007 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found that the risk of newborn infection did in fact increase over time. The risk was .3% for a duration of less than 6 hours and increased to 1% for over 24 hours.

The overall length of labor did not increase the rate of newborn infection, however.

Authors of this study recommend that "pregnant women to call their health professional immediately or go to the hospital when their water breaks."

In some cases providers may recommend that the mother be given IV antibiotics if her water breaks and she does not go into labor with progressing contractions within a few hours.

Be sure you ask your own provider about their own protocals for you to follow when your water breaks.

Brenda