Can a rupture of the bladder occur without contractions?
A rupture of the bladder can also occur without contractions. In this case one speaks of premature rupture of the bladder. Several hours can pass between the rupture of the bladder and the onset of labour, and in 90% of cases the birth occurs within one day.
If, however, no contractions occur after 24 hours, the woman should consult a doctor to check whether amniotic fluid has actually been lost. In addition, infection of the unborn child, which lacks the protection of the amniotic sac, and of the pregnant woman should be ruled out. If the cause of the rupture of the amniotic sac is an infection, a weakness of the cervix or increased strain on the amniotic sac, then it usually occurs before the onset of labour and should be clarified by a doctor as soon as possible, especially in the case of an infection.
Associated symptoms
A rupture of the bladder is painless. There is a sudden emptying of amniotic fluid from the vagina. Since the amniotic sac can tear at all points and to different extents, the amniotic fluid can flow off in droplets or gushes.
If it tears at the top, the amniotic fluid usually flows slowly; if it tears at the opening to the cervix, larger quantities often flow in a short time. The amniotic fluid can be colourless like water to milky cloudy and smell sweetish, but in some cases also unpleasant. The amniotic fluid is warm to the body. Sometimes the amniotic fluid is confused with urine, which is discharged unplanned, for example due to the pressure of the child on the bladder. If the amniotic fluid is discoloured (greenish, yellowish or reddish-brown), this indicates abnormal changes and may indicate that the child is at risk.
Can you trigger the rupture of the bladder yourself?
A midwife or a doctor can, if necessary, trigger a rupture of the bladder (amnioticotomy). However, this only happens in exceptional cases if the birth is not preceded or is not to be induced, as the rupture of the bladder often causes the onset of labour within 1 to 2 hours. To do this, the amniotic sac is “burst” with a kind of thimble with a barb at its tip, so that amniotic fluid can escape.
Before the birth, it must be checked that the child’s head is firmly positioned in the pelvis so that it enters the birth canal before the umbilical cord. The cervix must also be sufficiently open (approx. 10 cm).
As the risk of infection is increased, the child must be constantly monitored by CTG during birth and the birth should be terminated as soon as possible. Initiation of labour or advancement of the contractions and thus increased likelihood of a rupture of the bladder can also be achieved by administering so-called prostaglandins and oxytocin. Attempting to induce a rupture of the bladder yourself without medical support and observation is very dangerous and should not be undertaken under any circumstances, as in the worst case this can be fatal for the unborn child. It is very unlikely that a rupture of the bladder will occur accidentally, for example through sexual intercourse or strenuous physical work, but the individual risk of a premature rupture should always be discussed with the doctor in charge.
