Water breaking is something that can cause panic to even the most seasoned of mothers. This is because, according to Michigan News, only 11 percent of those expecting experience their water breaking.

As such, even if this is not the first pregnancy for women, they can be experiencing water breaking for the first time. And if women are not informed about what happens after water breaks, they are certainly going to have questions.

Women can be anywhere when water breaks. In bed, at the grocery store, even at the office. Water breaking does not discriminate. And while it may be inconvenient or even nerve-wracking when it happens, it is part of the normal process of delivering babies.

It is just a matter of at which point during the labor and delivery process it breaks, be it before or during contractions. This is something that generally happens when in the hospital but certainly can happen beforehand as well.

RELATED: 12 Signs Your Waters Are About To Break

Here are the most-asked questions when your water breaks.

10 How Can You Be Sure Your Water Has Broken?

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via Pexels/Pavel Danilyuk

It can be confusing to know if water has broken or not. There are some clear signs, however, to whether water has broken or if it is something else.

According to What To Expect, when water breaks, amniotic fluid is released. The fluid is pale yellow in color but can have a bit of blood or even a green tint to it.

Other fluids, like vaginal fluid, will be thicker and white, per the publication.

If there is confusion about whether it is water breaking or pee, What To Expect states there is a way to determine the answer.

If the liquid is yellow and smells like ammonia, it is pee. If it smells sweet or does not have a scent, it is likely amniotic fluid and water has broken.

9 What To Do After Your Water Breaks?

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via Pexels/matilda Wormwood

After the water breaks, mothers-to-be should call their healthcare professionals to let them know their water has broken. They will likely be advised to come to the hospital or birthing center to be admitted.

8 What Are The Risks Of Water Breaking?

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via Pexels/cottonbro

Even if water breaks around the due date, there is still a possibility of some risks.

According to Healthline, those risks include:

  • Infection if labor does not begin in the hours after water breaks
  • Baby could go into distress if labor does not begin in the hours after water breaks
  • Water breaks before term and any issues associated with the gestational week it occurs

If labor begins in the hours after water breaks, there should be no problems as a result of water breaking.

7 Does Water Mean Labor Is Starting?

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via Pexels/cottonbro

If labor has not already started when the water breaks, it should start shortly after, according to Kernodle Clinic. During this time, contractions may be irregular, building to be stronger and happening with more frequency.

6 Do Contractions Start Right After Water Breaks?

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via Pexels/Pavel Danilyuk

For some women, contractions will begin shortly after their water breaks. For most women, however, they will go into labor 12 to 24 hours after water breaks, according to Today's Parent.

5 What Makes The Water Break?

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via Pexels/Matilda Wormwood

The water will naturally break when the baby's head puts pressure on the amniotic sac. It then will rupture, according to MedicalNewsToday.

If this does not happen naturally, per the publication, doctors or midwives may break the sac via an amniotomy. When this happens, labor generally progresses quite quickly.

4 How Long After Water Breaking Will Baby Be Born?

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via Unsplash/Anastasiia Chepinska

Most women will go into labor within 24 hours of the water breaking, according to Tommy's. How long it will take to bring a baby into the world is different for every woman and the number of pregnancies she has had.

3 Will My Mattress Be Ruined If Water Broke In Bed?

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via Pexels/Yan Krukov

If water breaks in the bed, there is the fear that the mattress will be ruined.

According to Mother Rising, even if the water breaks in bed, mothers-to-be will be so quick to respond that the linens and clothes they are wearing will absorb the bulk of the liquid. Thus, the matters will be saved.

2 What Happens If Water Breaks Too Early?

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via Unsplash/Ryan Franco

When water breaks before 37 weeks gestation it is considered to be early, according to the Mayo Clinic. When this happens, per the publication, there can be some complications. Those complications include:

  • Fetal infection
  • Placental abruption
  • Umbilical cord issues
  • Possibility of babies being born early

Depending on when water breaks, doctors will have different recommendations about what should be done in order to save babies' lives and keep mothers and little ones as safe as possible.

1 How Long Can Baby Survive After Water Breaks?

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via Unsplash/Andrew Seaman

Once the water breaks, the countdown is on for labor to begin.

According to the NHS, if labor does not start within 24 to 48 hours, induction will have to be done to keep mother and baby safe after water breaks.

Source: Michigan News, What To Expect, Mayo Clinic, Healthline, NHS, MedicalNewsToday, Tommy's, Mother Rising