Amniotomy or Rupture of Membranes
Artificially breaking the amniotic sac or rupture of the membranes is done routinely at many hospitals to speed labour up, get labour going, to test the fluid or to get it out of the way so that an internal monitor can be hooked into the baby’s head. This is done with a long thin plastic hook called an amniohook.
It was believed that breaking the water would speed up labour by 30 to 60 minutes but the only randomized control trial done disproved this. This procedure can cause cord prolapse, a serious complication for the baby and increases the chances of an infection. With less amniotic fluid in the uterus during labor, the baby has a greater risk of cord compression problems leading to foetal distress and malpositions of the head.
In most hospitals, in some birth centers, and for some homebirths, ruptured membranes also require that a clock begin ticking – in other words, you must have your baby delivered within a certain amount of time after your water has been broken (this is often 8 to 12 hours at the hospital).
This regulation is in place to decrease the risk of infection; however, it could lead to unnecessary ceasarean or other interventions.
Breaking the waters also removes the watery cushion from around your baby’s head. It may be more painful for you as your baby’s head passes through your pelvis, or you could have back labor a little more strongly.
If your water breaks naturally, or if it is broken by your care provider, try to keep internal exams to a minimum. More exams mean more chances of infection.
