How long can you wait to have a baby after your water breaks?
In cases where your baby is at least 37 weeks, current research suggests that it may be safe to wait 48 hours (and sometimes longer) for labor to start on its own. (But your caregiver may have a different protocol, like 24 hours.)
What actually happens when water breaks?
During pregnancy, many women have questions about their water breaking. This event signals that the baby will be born soon. The term “water breaking” refers to the breaking of the amniotic sac, which surrounds the fetus and contains amniotic fluid. When this sac breaks, the amniotic fluid is released.
What happens if your water breaks but no contractions?
If your water breaks, but you have no contractions, your doctor may discuss labor induction with you. Intervention to help bring on contractions can reduce the risk of infection, because this risk increases with time between the water breaking and contractions starting.