Is It Normal If Water Breaks Before Contractions Start?

Most moms imagine labor starting with contractions and only later, the “water breaking.” But sometimes it happens the other way around — your water breaks first. This is called PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes), and while it can feel scary, it’s not uncommon.

Did you know? PROM occurs in about 5% to 15% of all pregnancies worldwide.

What Is PROM ?

Your baby grows inside the amniotic sac, filled with fluid that cushions and protects them. Normally, the sac ruptures once labor has begun. In PROM, it ruptures before contractions start.

• If it happens after 37 weeks, it’s called term PROM.
• If it happens before 37 weeks, it’s known as preterm PROM (PPROM).

How It Can Feel 

For some, PROM begins with a slow trickle. For others, it’s a sudden gush. One mom from our Pregnancy Community shared how at just 34 weeks, she felt water streaming down her legs in the middle of the night. By the time she reached the hospital, all her fluid had leaked and doctors confirmed PROM. She was induced, and when her amniotic fluid levels dropped too low, an emergency C-section became necessary.

Her words capture the emotional side of PROM:

“I panicked — this was our rainbow baby. But my husband and the nurses kept telling me stories of other preterm babies who grew up healthy. That helped me believe mine would too.”

Why PROM Matters

PROM matters because once the sac breaks, the risk of infection rises. Doctors may:

• Encourage labor to begin soon if you’re at term.
• Closely monitor you if PROM happens preterm — balancing infection prevention with giving your baby more time to develop.

This is why going to the hospital immediately is important, even if contractions haven’t started yet.

What Moms Can Do If PROM Happens

While PROM can’t always be prevented, knowing how to respond is key:

• Notice the signs: A steady trickle or gush of clear fluid that doesn’t smell like urine.
• Head to the hospital quickly: Don’t wait for contractions — the earlier you get checked, the safer it is.
• Check the fluid: If it’s green, brown, or smells unusual, inform your doctor immediately.
• Avoid self-checks: Never insert anything vaginally to “confirm” water breaking. This increases infection risk.
• Stay calm and supported: Anxiety is natural, but leaning on your partner or family while you get to the hospital can make the journey easier.

Final Word

If your water breaks before contractions, it can feel overwhelming. But with timely medical care, most moms and babies do well. As one mom beautifully put it: “Prepare for different possibilities, accept what comes your way, and remember — your baby can thrive even if things don’t go exactly as planned.”