What to Know:
An intact amniotic sac protects your baby’s head and your vagina during labor.
Artificially rupturing the sac increases your risk of infection and interventions (Pitocin, EFM, IV, restricted movement, and cesarean).
Research shows that movement and hydration are often all that’s needed to get a slow birthing moving and that membranes shouldn’t be ruptured routinely.
You may benefit from having your water broken if your birthing is very difficult or slow to progress.
How to Avoid Unnecessary Use:
Discuss this intervention with your caregiver.
Tell your caregiver that a longer labor is okay with you.
Stay at home as long as possible.
How to Keep Your Birthing as Normal as Possible if Your Membranes are Ruptured Artificially:
Be prepared for stronger birthing waves.
Continue to use all the support and comfort resources you have.
Keep moving and changing position often.
Remember that your body knows how to birth your baby.