[dakotamidnight]

to wait to go to L&D {or MW, birthcenter, etc} when your water breaks?

Just curious - I know full term it's okay to wait up to 24 hours or thereabouts, but what about earlier?

Everyone keeps telling me she is coming any day now - and I'm only 35 weeks tomorrow. I really don't want to go in unless I have to.

My water hasn't broke yet - but I get the feeling she might be here very soon.

 

[blairinargentina]

i asked my mw the same question today, as i am dialating and showing some other signs of labor (35w2d). she said that since the baby is likely to be small and possibly more stressed by contractions then it is better to go sooner. if it's closer to 37 wks though she said that she asks mamas to keep a close watch on fetal movements and as long as the baby isn't slowing down it's okay to stay home a little longer.

hope that helps. best of luck!!

 

[littleteapot]

The risk of infection from water breaking is caused by introduction of bacteria (hospital births, vaginal checks) and the bag can reseal... many women who spring a leak choose to stay home and wait for it to reseal, bulk up on E, C and echinacea and wait for baby to choose a more appropriate time to come out - opposed to going in and pretty much guaranteeing a preemie.