waters are leaking - now what?

[herins]

I think my waters began leaking last night. This was my biggest worry, since it's exactly what happened last time (which ended in induction, epidural, and c-section). I have a midwife this time, so I'm not being put on a clock, but I want to know what I should do to stave off infection, or if I should just relax and "go with the flow" (ha ha ha ha). I am not having noticeable contractions. Any suggestions?

[Goniopal]

I'd talk to your midwife, but the only thing I would avoid would maybe be a bath, or inserting anything into the vagina.

Hope things start up soon for you!

[kismetbaby]

Check with your MW of course, but I might suggest walking, red raspberry leaf tea infusions and if you get desperate there's always castor oil (yuck!).

[amydidit]

Don't put ANYTHING in your vagina at all. You can also take vitamin C (or drink EmergenC). Watch your temp. Rinse the perineal area (but NOT inside) with hibicleanse. Drink a LOT of water. Relax and rest.

Your baby will come out soon. Could be a few hours. Could be a few days. Just try not to worry.

[SaraC]

If you are unsure if you are leaking you can go to Wal-Mart or any pet store and get PH testing papers. They are with the fish tanks and cost a few bucks. Then you can test at your vaginal opening or a pad if it is wet enough. If it is blue(purplish) then you are leaking. If it stays yellow then you are just having a lot of thin discharge. I have tested twice this week because I just *knew* I was leaking but I am not-LOL. But that way you will know for sure and you won't be stressing about it if you don't need to be. Hope you have great birth.

[paula444four]

Hooray! I am really excited for you. I would go ahead and check to make sure it truly is the amniotic fluid..so you can proceed confidently. Other than the advice the ladies above me mentioned...just allow yourself to enjoy the process and prepare to meet your baby!!!

[lanielayne]

Don't forget to stay hydrated! Hope birth is right around the corner!

[herins]

Thank you, ladies! I'm trying really hard to not be nervous. I will send my hubby out for pH papers, as that could really ease my mind. I don't seem to be leaking as much anymore, so hopefully I am done. Where can you buy Hibicleanse?

[JenMidwife]

Originally Posted by herins

Where can you buy Hibicleanse?

at a pharmacy - it might also be called Chlorhexidine

: thinking of you mama

[Devaskyla]

Originally Posted by amydidit

Don't put ANYTHING in your vagina at all. You can also take vitamin C (or drink EmergenC). Watch your temp. Rinse the perineal area (but NOT inside) with hibicleanse. Drink a LOT of water. Relax and rest.

Your baby will come out soon. Could be a few hours. Could be a few days. Just try not to worry.

:

Great advice from Amy. Leaking sucks (done it for all 3 babies) but at least it's a sign labour's probably going to start fairly soon.

PM me if you'd like someone to chat to about it, since I know we live in the same place.

[herins]

I haven't leaked since that night/day, so I'm assuming it was my hind-waters or I sealed back up. I spent the night and day crying and feeling extremely panicky because it was too much like the beginning of my last birth. I am good again, and feel like I may be pregnant for a little while longer (although, who knows, right??).

Out of curiosity: I sent my mom out for Hibiclens and she was told a prescription is needed. Is this normal? I'm sure I can get one, but was still surprised.

[amydidit]

I bought my Hibiclens off the shelf at Walgreens (near the Neosporin and things like that). Definitely no prescription needed. That's really weird.

[Devaskyla]

Might be something you need a prescription for here, I guess. Never tried to get it before, though.

I felt the same way about history repeating when my water broke with ds2 & ds3, since my cesarean was for the idiotic 24 hour rule.

[herins]

I wonder if there's a non-prescription form of Hibiclens in Canada. I'll have to do some googling. I'm not as worried now that my water is no longer leaking, but I still wouldn't mind being precautious.

Devaskyla, I've been totally calm about this pregnancy knowing I've done everything to avoid the interventions I got screwed with last time. This totally threw me. I'm lucky to have been with my hubby, mom and mil this time who all reminded me that I've spent the past 9 months convincing them that I trust my body. It sunk in eventually!