How long between water breaking and labour?

Question

Hi all. 
My waters broke about 16 hours ago and have been leaking ever since. I've had some slight cramping but nothing much at all, especially for the last few hours.

How long roughly should I expect before contractions start?

I'm only 32w currently so am being kept overnight but if there aren't any changes by tomorrow will I be allowed to go home and wait it out there? Or will they keep me in induce me as the waters have already broken?

I'm not getting any answers here and am just being told that labour could start any time now, or it could hold off for a while- there's no way of knowing. I know that's true but I just don't know what to expect at all. I'm totally unprepared for labour and have no idea what I'm doing. I always said I didn't want a birth plan as I know it never goes the way you want but this wasn't what I meant! 😩

Answer

You should not be sent home after your water breaks. There's a great chance of infection the longer your waters are gone.

Answer

With your water breaking they’ll probably keep you right up until you have the baby x

Answer

Wow well I'm sorry you aren't getting many answers. I have no idea. My water broke and I had my daughter 13 hours later but I was 40 weeks. I hope everything goes well for you and your baby.

Answer

You're not going anywhere since your water has broken. They'll let you try to labor on your own for a while but not too long because now that your water is broken you're at a much greater risk of getting an infection. For me I had my baby 15 minutes after my water broke. She literally came running out. My dr even missed the birth cause she didn't expect it to happen so fast.

Answer

I was 2 days after my waters started leaking, thankfully it was hind waters and I went fully in labour, and flooded the floor 😂

Answer

Thanks ladies. I'm currently at the hospital but they don't know if I'll be able to go home or not at the moment. Baby is fine and I have some fluid left, and I'll be getting some antibiotics to minimise the risk of infection but I'm not dilating or having contractions still so fingers crossed he's staying put for now! 🤞🏼

Answer

everyone is different but I would say if your water broke that long ago and you aren't yet contracting I would definitely get checked out. For me, I had no signs of labor, water broke on its own around midnight and she was born at 8:35 am, first baby.

Answer

hmm I'm not sure but if my water broke I would go straight to the hospital honestly. my water broke and literally 5 minutes later I was pushing my baby out not exaggerating.

Answer

My water broke at 12:05 pm and I had my son the next day at 1:07 am. I was 36 almost 37 weeks.

How long between water breaking and labour?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey