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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I lost my mucous plug three days ago, how long until my water breaks?

A. Only 12% of women rupture their membranes spontaneously before labor begins. The majortity women will rupture their membranes at some point during the labor between 5-10 centimeters dilation. It would be impossible to say exactly when your waters will break, but most likely it will be some time after contractions begin and the baby descends. Losing your mucus plug shows that your cervix is starting to change and that it will be not much longer before your labor begins in earnest. I know you are impatient--it is exciting to think labor is beginning and then frustration mounts as one day goes by and then another day, but it will not be too much longer now. Trust your baby---he will come out when he is ready.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.