HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologypregnancy complicationsHow long can a baby survive after the water breaks?

I am 34 weeks pregnant, and my water broke. How long should I wait to induce labor?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At September 20, 2020
Reviewed AtSeptember 6, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I spoke to you earlier.

Now I am at 34 weeks, and my water broke, and I have been admitted to the hospital. I am on antibiotics, but no contractions. The hospital is also telling me to go home on antibiotics as they will not induce the labor. Is it safe if the water broke for the baby? Can I induce now and go for labor? Or is it not safe? How long can I wait to get labor if there is no water? And I was told that from yesterday's scan, they found some fluid is still there. But I can notice that it kept leaking a little since then, so I am worried that maybe no more water. What should I do?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is great to find that you have reached 34 weeks. Have they given steroid injections to accelerate the baby's lung maturity? You can wait if still, fluid is present. You have to look out for any fever or contractions; if they develop, you can get re-admitted. Sometimes pregnancy can be prolonged safely until 37 completed weeks if no warning sign as fever, labor pain, and increased WBC count in the blood indicates infection. Baby is considered preterm until 37 weeks, so they are waiting.

I hope I have answered all your queries.

My good wishes to you.

Patient's Query

Thank you, doctor, for your reply.

Yes, they have given me the steroid already. Do you think even if there is no liquid at all, the pregnancy can be prolonged? I will have another scan tomorrow and will come to know if there is any liquid left or not. But again, thanks for your reply.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It will take 48 hours for steroids to act. So, that period has to be passed. After scanning, we will be able to get an idea of how much we can wait. Many factors to be considered like the baby's heart rate, symptoms, and Doppler findings of the baby's blood supply. Please be assured that they will make a sound call. At 34 weeks baby, even if delivered, will do good.

I hope this helps you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mishra Keeranmayee Mihirkumar
Dr. Mishra Keeranmayee Mihirkumar

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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