What to do if your bladder bursts?
When a rupture of the bladder occurs, the first thing to do is to remain calm. If the child is lying in a cephalic position, i.e. with its head towards the cervix, the pregnant woman can drive to the clinic herself in peace. In most cases, even after a short time, less water will come out because the head blocks the exit like a kind of plug.
If the child lies in the pelvic end position, i.e. with the bottom towards the cervix, there is a risk of a prolapsed umbilical cord. In this case, the umbilical cord slides into the birth canal in front of the child and can be squeezed out by the child’s pressure during the contractions. There is a risk that the child is not supplied with sufficient oxygen.
Therefore, the pregnant woman should lie on her side and be taken to hospital in this position by means of a patient transport. After a rupture of the bladder, the birth should begin within 24 hours, otherwise the risk of infection for mother and child increases considerably. If this is not the case, the birth is initiated or, if necessary, a caesarean section is performed.
What is a premature rupture of the bladder?
A premature rupture of the bladder is a rupture of the bladder before the onset of labour, which occurs in 10% of pregnancies before the 34th week of pregnancy (SSW). Depending on the time of pregnancy, it can be more or less dangerous for the pregnant woman and her child and is treated differently. If the premature rupture of the bladder occurs after the 34th week of pregnancy (SSW), the child is born.
If the contractions do not occur for more than 12-24 hours, the birth is initiated. Before the 37th week of labour, antibiotics are administered prophylactically. In the event of premature rupture of the bladder between the 24th and 34th week of labour, the pregnancy is delayed as long as possible, provided that there is no infection.
In the event of delivery, drugs to suppress labour are administered for a maximum of 48 hours, during which time the child’s lungs are matured using glucocorticoids and, if necessary, the amniotic sac is filled. After the 30th-32nd week of pregnancy, the aim is to have a surgical birth. Between 20 and 23 weeks of labour, contractions are suppressed, antibiotics are administered and the amniotic sac is filled.
Before the 20th week of labour, the prognosis is poor, as the amniotic sac rarely closes again. An abortion should be discussed. Complications of a premature rupture of the bladder are infections caused by ascending germs and can lead to amniotic syndrome, which is dangerous for both mother and child. It can also lead to premature birth.
