Breaking the waters

AROM: Artificial rupture of membranes

Why is it done? To induce or speed up the labor

When? It’s done after your cervix has started to dilate, or/& efface, and the baby’s head is down firmly in your pelvis (to avoid prolapse of the umbilical cord).

How does it look like? Your care provider does it manually by puncturing the amniotic sac with a hook 👩🏼‍⚕️

How does it feel? It shouldn’t be painful neither for mom nor for baby. The amniotic fluid flow varies from a trickle to a gush. Most moms say it feels similar to a cervical exam.

What’s then? 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.

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