Hey Siestas! It seems like everyone is in Woodstock, Georgia, this weekend for the live recording of Travis’ new album. Very Very Pregnant Girl (that’s me, AKA VVPG) is unable to travel and join in on the fun. I feel like I’m just waiting around for something exciting to happen at this point. The countdown to my due date is just nineteen days. I’m considered full term now at 37 weeks and am definitely feeling it! I believe all Baby Girl is really doing at this point is gaining weight. I always think about how wise God was when He planned it this way. How much would it stink to carry around a seven pounder for several months? It’s proof of God’s mercy that they don’t get this big until the very end.
We’re almost completely ready for Baby Girl to get here. The nursery has been transformed from blue and brown to pink, yellow, green, and blue. Her closet is perfectly organized and filled with all kinds of wonderful things. I’ve got a package of newborn Pampers Swaddlers ready to do what they were created to do. I have an appointment for fresh highlights on Tuesday. Oh, and a friend gave me a gift certificate for a pedicure so I’ll have pretty toes in the hospital. How sweet of her!
I’ve been packing in every opportunity to do this or that with friends since I will be home bound for a while once she comes. Curtis and I are having a date night tonight since we never know when it will be our last chance! I’m sure we truly do have 19 days to go, but we feel like we’re in any-minute-mode.
So I’m having the common fear of every VVPG. What if my water breaks in public? Y’all, I’m terrified of this. I really wasn’t afraid of it when I was expecting Jackson because I’d never experienced that phenomenon before. Ignorance was bliss. When it happened to me in my hospital bed I was horrified. I will refrain from describing it in detail, but it was much more dramatic than I was prepared for. I actually cried, y’all. It was the beginning of the end of my modesty and dignity, which were basically decimated during the next few days. Is anyone with me on this? And look at the result – three years later I’m writing about my water breaking on a blog!
I was telling a friend that I’m preparing to sequester myself late next week so that I can avoid my water breaking in public. (It remains to be seen if I will actually stick to this.) Then she asked me if I’ve ever actually known anyone who this happened to. Nope. Can’t think of anyone.
Since we women love to tell our birth stories, I thought some of you who have experienced your water breaking in public might want to share. Was it awful or were you too excited to care?
I’m not sure my mom and sister won’t be horrified by this blog post. I have no way of knowing since they’re at Travis’ concert. Maybe my acid reflux, swollen ankles, inability to breathe well, crowded rib cage, and frequent trips to the powder room are clouding my judgment. If this post disappears, you’ll know why. In the meantime, I’m claiming that it’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission!
LOL, I had to leave a comment. I had six children, and my water only broke at home with one of them: #5 (By then, who cares!). I was trying to get dressed (putting on pantyhose, thank you very much — WHY???) when my water broke. I had been leaning on the bedroom door at that moment, and whoosh! there it went — under the door into the hallway.
All of a sudden, I heard our second son say, “Dad? What IS that?” My husband very calmly replied, “That… is mommy.” I thought I would die laughing. My poor, poor sons.
Praying that all goes well. You will have lots of fun memories, too!
My water broke with baby #1. I was so paranoid of this happening, at 35 weeks I started driving around in the car with a large bath towel on my seat. I sat on a large towel on the sofa. I got a waterproof mattress for my bed. My husband thought it was a little too much. Well, when my water did break, I was sitting on the sofa. It felt like her little fist had punched just a little too hard. The water flowed. I yelled at my husband to bring me a towel. He brought a bathroom hand towel (my man was in shock, I think!) I proceeded to soak 3 bath towels – where was it all coming from??? No idea there was that much in there! We drove to the hospital and when we got there (I was wearing jean shorts) the nurse said she’d have to check and make sure my water had really broken…all she had to do was look at my shorts to confirm…In the big scheme of things, a little drama and extra care for the pregnant lady is kind of fun if it does happen in public! With baby #2, the doctor broke my water to get labor started – born 4 hrs later. Baby #3, water broke as I was standing in the triage room at the hospital. Baby born 15 mins later – yes, that was a little too close for me! Second time around is always easier because you have been through it before. . . kind of. 🙂 Hope all goes well with the birth. I was past my due date with all of my children, so you could still have 5 weeks – hopefully not for your sake!
My water broke on the way to the hospital while I was lying in the back seat of my dad’s borrowed car. They were gold CLOTH seats and I was mortified. My suggestion–put one of those plastic baby changing pads in the seat on the way to the hospital, or anywhere between now and then.
I’ve only had c-sections which were scheduled so no water breakage anywhere. But, the loss of modesty does sort of it you in the face even with a c-section. My first c-section was the most disconcerting. I’m get all prepped with the spinal block and I see a line of YOUNG women standing at the end of the room. I look over like – what’s with the gallery? My nurse says, “They’re here from the nursing school, do you mind if they watch?” At that point I’m a bit out of sorts as I hang there with my backside showing and my body starting to numb from my ribcage down. I can’t really think much. So I’m like, “Sure.” I have no clue what’s coming next. The next thing I know I’m getting a catheter installed for a line of women to watch. I just about died. I was so thankful on c-section number 2 that there was no line at the end of room. Unfortunately, once you’ve had the baby you still have plenty of events to completely embarrass you. I don’t know what it’s like when you’ve gone the other way but imagine all those bodily function after giving birth and not being able to walk let alone move your body much. Not a whole lot you can do for yourself. Get my drift. Enuf said. UGH.
I guess I’m supposed to say, “it’s all worth it for a sweet new baby”. That’s still out for a vote in my book.
Sorry, I’m sure YOU will have the most wonderful birth experience and your water will remain FULLY intact until it’s the most private moment possible. But, isn’t it fun to have stories later? To embarrass our children?
Laura in Pleasant Hill, CA
Believe it or not, both times my water broke while i was at home, just before bedtime, and on the toilet!!!
God bless mommy and baby.
Oh, Honey!
I only wish that my water had broken in a public place. Two C-sections, one an emergency at that. My first pregnancy I was two weeks late at the end of July. Talk about miserable! But that precious one is now 25 and in seminary. My second blessing was a 9 lb. 14oz darling that is now 17 yrs. old and 6 ft. He has a heart the size of Texas and a boldness about his faith that sends this momma to her knees. What an adventure you have before you!
Amanda…my water broke prior to labor with all 4 of my babies. I finally got smart with the last two and wore a huge Maxi pad every day from 38 weeks on. Granted, it won’t catch all of it, but it will catch some. And pretty toenails for labor is a MUST!!
Oh Amanda- you made me smile. ONE word for you DEPENDS…BUY SOME DEPENDS. HA! I didn’t have my water break in public, but I lost ALL modesty after my C-section. I have been praying for ya’ll.
I’m sure it’s not common, but my water broke at the bowling alley with about 40 of our closest friends! It was pretty memorable being sent off to the hospital by all our friends. They got an old bowling pin and signed it and it’s in our baby’s room. It was a bit embarrassing, but I wouldn’t change a thing!
I had three babies, one was induced and ended up a c-section and the other two were planned c-sections, so I don’t have any water breaking stories for you, but I do have a story on how having a baby wreaked modesty for life.
I used to be so modest that on our honeymoon I would not let my hubs in the bathroom with me at all. Like, you know, we were married and could finally see each other fully, but I was just too modest. I ended up getting pregnant 2 months after our wedding, so I really didn’t get over the modesty thing until I gave birth. All moms who have given birth in a hospital know how many people are all up in your business, so it didn’t take very long to get used to that in a hospital setting. Unfortunately, our son was born very ill. He had to be in the NICU for twelve days. I never left the hospital for six days, but finally my husband and I decided to go home to sleep. I cried all the way home which must have flipped the milk switch in my body because when I got home I was terribly engorged. I hadn’t planned on needing a breast pump because I was a stay at home mom and didn’t “need” one, so on the way home we stopped at a CVS and hubs went in and bought one. (I know, CVS isn’t the first place one might shop for baby needs, but it was late on a Sunday in hickville!) Anyway, the only pump they had was an old-school manual pump. We went home and I was sitting on the sofa with my shirt wide open and trying to use this thing. It was difficult because I was still very sore from the c-section. I just could NOT get the thing to relieve the engorgement. At about that time a friend from church called and asked if we needed anything. I was crying on the phone and told her my problem and she told me she had been successful using one of those pumps and could probably help me.
Soooooo she showed up about ten minutes later and there I was, on the sofa the “twins” as large as they have ever been, and hard as rocks. My friend literally pumped my breasts for me. One might think it would be total and utter humiliation, but I was just so relieved to have her help!
I don’t get to see this friend very often, but we were together last night. This story actually came up and we litterally howled about it to the point of tears. That was true bonding!
Here is to a swift labor and delivery! (And a private water breakage!)
🙂
If it’s any consolation, I don’t even remember the water breaking for my second baby. I’m sure it happened, but I cannot remember. My first, however, oh boy. I was in the hospital and it was broken for me, then about an hour later I was getting an epidural and I guess the trauma of the needle caused my water to break a second time! I guess my little one was VERY well protected in there!
I couldn’t read ALL the posts but the ones I did read they seem to be all dignified trickels. ((sp?) Well when my water broke it was a gusher!! I was at home but that didn’t matter. I was in the bedroom and my husband heard the gush from the living room. I’m telling you is gushed out and then kept coming more slowly. I was walking like a kid who pooped in the diaper. I was a little scared because I couldn’t control it, I just flowed. That was 32 years ago. Thanks for letting me share. 🙂
Mine broke at home. And my husband made me sit on a trash bag in the car on the way to the hospital…BUT, I do know a water-breaks-in-public story:
The first year I was a teacher, my fellow fifth grade teacher’s water broke in the cafeteria. Surrounded by her fifth grade class. I sometimes wonder if they still remember it, since they did not seem to realize what had happened at the time. They thought she had spilled her water glass.
Amanda: enjoy this last week! Don’t give it away for the chance of a little water leak!
Amanda,
Thirteen years ago I was speaking with my co-worker at her desk, she was very pregnant. We were discussing her due date, and various other matters, when suddenly her face went white and my feet got wet. She was sitting in a cloth covered chair that had wheels on it. Everything was soaking wet.
I have never witnessed someones water breaking quite like that. I had already had two children but mine did not gush out such as hers did. To be honest with you we were so worried about her and the baby we didn’t care so much about the chair, the rug or my shoes at that moment. There are just OTHER things more important at times such as those.
We actually wheeled her out to her husband’s car in the chair. We wouldn’t let her walk and she wouldn’t let us call the ambulance. We laugh about the incident to this day. We often wonder what happened to that chair. I don’t think it ever got used again. (The shoes never got worn again either!) LOL
We are still co-workers and good friends. Her daughter is a beautiful young lady today. I suppose it was embarassing to her at the time but after all these years and the joy of a new life coming into existence, you learn not to sweat the small stuff!! (Water breaking is nothing compared to what the kids will do to embarass you as they get older!)
Enjoy the next few weeks, things are about to get hectic!!! You know we are all praying for you and your sweet family.
Lori
With my first my water broke at home before I went to the hospital. It wasn’t bad at all. I heard a little pop and then figured it out. I was glad to get to the hospital though. With my second I was induced and I have decided that was the better way to go! They asked when I wanted the epidural and I said as soon as possible. I will be praying that everything goes wonderfully for you with no water breaking in public.
I’m sure someone else has mentioned this but just in case — have you heard of the miracle blanket? I hear they are great for newborns.
I have been sitting here pouting all day that I didn’t get to go to Atlanta because I am sick. My water was broken for me twice at the hospital!! PTL!! I have a question…if it breaks in the bed do you buy a new mattress?
Hey Amanda! My water breaking story took place on the birth of my fourth daughter- five years ago. I had just been to the doctor a week before my due date, and she said she would see me in a week! Well, I was sooo big and soo uncomfortable and sooo bloated that when I got out to the waiting room and saw my mom, I started to cry! This baby will never be born, I thought! My mom, wanting to cheer me up said let’s go to lunch, and as I was driving to lunch, I felt a pop and a gush and I said “Mom, I thing my water just broke- or else I have lost control of my bladder!” Long story short, it was my water, and my daughter was born pain free at 6:00 sharp that evening! You’ll be fine- we are bathing you in prayer!(Pardon the pun!) Love, BeckyP from Charlotte
My water broke with the first two but at home, both gushers. The blessing- got to skip triage because my pants were soaked. I prayed it would break with the 3rd because I wasn’t sure if I was in labor; they ended up doing it for me.
My water broke with all three of my pregnancies. When our second child was due and nothing seemed to be “happening”, my husband and 23-mo.-old daughter went to the store. On the way home on a back road, we came upon an accident and my minister husband left us in the car to help out. While he was at the accident site, my water broke. I blew the horn…he didn’t look up! I blew it again, he motioned me that he would be back in the car as soon as he could! I panicked because I could tell labor was beginning. One of our young people in our church came by the car and I asked him to please tell my husband that it was time to go to the hospital…well, the boy totally forgot to tell my husband. Finally, I got out of the car, after blowing the horn yet again, and when my husband looked up, his eyes got big because the look on my face said it all! We got to the hospital and I had our son eight hours later…that “baby” is 35 yrs. old now and has been a joy to my life! God bless you with a healthy little girl! (And no water-breakage in public!!!!!)
My first girl came 7 weeks early and I had just came home from Christmas shopping and felt a gush of water.
My third girl came one day early and I walked into a tiled bathroom at church and my water broke. (Such an easy place to clean.) It was not embarrassing just inconvenient. But a lady at church came to get my older girls to take home with her and off we went. At this point in my life, I knew I was going to be housebound with 3 girls for awhile so I didn’t miss any opportunity to leave the house.
My husband is a minister and had to be at church all the time when our girls were little so I knew I had to get my relief when I could. You should be grateful (I know you are) to have family living near you when your children are little. I’m sure that is such
a blessing.
Don’t let a little water deprive you of getting out of the house.
Praying for you and the new baby girl!
With my first one, my water broke at work, but I was so “ignorant” to it all that I went into my dr. appointment a couple of hours later telling them that i didn’t know what was wrong with me but that I just kept wetting myself! The nurse just smiled sweetly and said, No honey your water is leaking!
Wendy in Georgia
This was a fun post to read Amanda. I don’t have any stories but I hope everything goes well for you all as the big day gets closer. God Bless.
Amanda, I just got home from the concert with Travis and your mom. It was amazing!!!! But I want Beth to know that her hair was the prettiest I have ever seen it! It was slamming! Shiny .. gorgeous!
You were missed VVPG…we went out afterward to have a Cherry limeaide in honor of VVPG!!! I pray all goes well with you and Baby Girl.
Sherry in Marietta GA
OK- I had two weeks to go in my pregnancy and went out for my normal power walk. While walking I noticed some pains but didn’t realize they were labor pains….didn’t feel bad enough. CAme home, rested on the couch, fell asleep and then woke up to more pains. I sort of rolled over to the floor (they were a little stronger now) and then felt like I had peed my pants. But, then I thought, “I don’t normally do that…so maybe my water broke”. I had been reading my ‘what to expect when expecting book’ that morning and thought maybe something else had leaked out….you know what I’m talking about? THink plug. Anyway, because of that fear I had put on a pad. So when I felt like I wet my pants……it was sort of absorbed. (If your mom and sister are appalled at your blog, they are really dying now). Anyway, that’s my tip…….wear some protection if that makes you feel a little more comfortable (not that they are comfortable)or if you have to go somewhere.
18 hours later I had my precious little boy who is now 4. We had all kinds of crazy things happen in the delivery room which I won’t tell you about because you might worry but I’m convinced it was God’s way of saying……’remember who is in control.’ I’ve learned that more and more these last 4 years 🙂
Amanda, you are so darling. what ever happens all will be a story to tell later.
luv ya…..
My childbirth instructor – who was a hoot – advised us to carry a jar of pickles around so when our water broke we could just ‘accidentally’ drop the pickle jar and blame the mess on the pickles . . . might be worth a try if you can get past the strange looks you will get carrying the jar while walking the dog, taking Jackson to preschool, eating out on your date . . .
Never heard of anyone having their water break in public in real life. I think it happens mostly in the movies for dramatic effect.
Can’t wait to see pictures of the little princess and learn her name!
Praying for you!
Much love!
Kristi B.
Hi Amanda!
How exciting that it is so close! I will be praying for you and your baby girl! I was one week overdue with my son when they finally induced me. I don’t think he ever would have left. I ended up having to have a C-Section and I don’t think my water ever broke. I have heard stories of women ruining their mattress when their water breaks. Perhaps you should get one of those fitted plastic sheets to go under your bedsheets until your baby girl is here. I wouldn’t be too worried about it breaking in public. I’m sure everyone would be excited for you and not wondering why you were standing in a puddle. 😉 I’m sure that was helpful. Congratulations and God bless!!
haha! My water broke in Outback Steakhouse at dinner! Talk about horrifying! haha! I was eating dinner at 7 and b/c my baby was breech we had to do a c-section and I had a baby by 9 that night! It was all such a whirlwind, but makes for a fun story! 🙂 I hope everything goes great with your delivery! 🙂
My family and I were blessed to be at the live recording at FBC Woodstock tonight. Words cannot properly express how we were ushered into the Lord’s presence by Beth and Travis and all who served. We’re on a high from the MOST HIGH, for sure….Thank you for boldly proclaiming the WORD and reminding us of who were are!
a
(P.S. On a totally earthly note, you looked fabulous, Beth)
My aunt is a high school American history teacher (juniors) in CFISD. Her water broke during their final exam! It was the best “birth control” those teenagers ever got! While mine didn’t break in public, I’m with you about the whole experience anyway. No one can prepare you for that! I’ll be praying for a private moment. 🙂
4 babies..one water breakage, baby #4 in the car, on the way to the hospital..towel in the seat. You will be just fine and soon a VVHM (Very Very Happy Mom!)
I’ve had four babies and I’ve had the doctor break my water at the hospital, had it break on its own during labor (in the hospital), and had it break in the car on the way to the hospital. I think I remember reading that, if your water breaks in public, most likely you’ll be upright and the baby’s head blocks the “gush”. I guess that would explain all of these reports of trickles. By the way, when my water broke in the car, I was wearing a maxi pad–no mess! TMI? Hope not.
Blessings to you.
Ok, maybe I’m crazy, but I am somewhat horrified about the pickle jar plan?!? First off, when I’m pregnant if there are pickles – I’m eating them. Second – rather gross to think of people mopping up body fluids without major disinfectant. I’m kind of grossed out by major body fluid spills, but hey, that’s just me.
Amanda – Jackson is one month older than my Ethan, and my second son, Lincoln, is 2 months old now.
With Ethan my water broke at home and by the time we sloshed to the ER to check in even my shoes were swamped -and probably my husband’s too! And this with a pad in place, mind you. But I was so ready to be DONE that my normally vain self didn’t care AT ALL about the eyes boring into my back as I filled out the paperwork in plain sight of all in the ER.
Oh, and I loved The Farmer’s Wife’s response. Farmer’s Wife – you are pretty darn funny. I wish you lived closer to me. We’d do coffee for sure.
Leah
Arizona
My water broke on Mt. Lebanon. I was due on the date of our churchwide retreat—my husband was church staff. The doctors said go. It was my second child and the retreat was Mt. Lebanon in Cedar Hill. My water broke in the girls cabin as we were brushing our teeth goodnight. I didn't have to clean it up is all I remember cause we had to fly to the hospital. When I got there, I told the L&D nurse she better hurry cause the baby was coming. They way-too-calmly and ho-hum-routinely checked me and THEN excitedly said: Your girl has a full head of hair and DO NOT PUSH. I couldn't stop the birth. Neither doctor nor dad made it into the waiting room and the nurse delivered a precious 8 pound girl named Brooke. I didn't name her Lebanon. Praying for you your heart's desire. 2 Thes 1: 11,12
Hi Amanda! With my second daughter, my water did break in public. My husband and I were on our way for a last date night- I was 39 weeks and and 3 days, so we knew it could be anytime and Grandma encouraged us to get out.
As we pulled up to the Barnes and Noble, and I got out of the car, I felt a little something, a small trickle start. I hightailed it to the restroom and told my husband (a Dr.) to follow me! He nervously entered the restroom which thankfully was empty.
I sat there for a few minutes and let the water come out in a steady stream. My husband was standing just outside the stall when another woman entered the bathroom and my husband very nervously explained that he was a Dr. and his wife’s water had just broken and he was making sure I was okay etc.etc. and she said, “Well, if you’re a Dr., you probably won’t mind if I pee.” At that point I said I’d be okay and gave him permission to leave one of the most humiliating situations of his life, no doubt.
We hurried home for our home birth, called the midwife who was just finishing another birth, and just as we pulled into our neighborhood the first contraction started. Sophia was born 4 hours later.
With my first, Madelyn, my water broke at home during labor right before transition while I was already sitting on the toilet! Don’t worry, if the water breaking happens naturally, it won’t be out of control.
Also, I would wait until 39+ weeks for the pedicure if there’s any chance of a foot/ankle massage along with it. I got a pregnancy massage at 38 weeks
(including the feet and those sensitive pressure points) with my first and she came the next day and I’ve always felt she wasn’t ready yet. They do much better when they’re “fully cooked” so to speak.
Can’t wait to hear all the details!
Love, Rebekah
My mother-in-law warned me about my water breaking, and told me to put a big black trash bag under my sheet on my bed, because it would likely happen there.
So, with both of my pregnancies,I put that NOISY bag under my sheet, and both times my water broke at 7 a.m. – just after I’d gotten up to tinkle and crawled back in bed for a few more minutes of sleep. The bags saved our mattress! (and why it couldn’t have happened WHILE I was tinkling…)
As shy as I am, I’m thankful she planted that idea in my head – and that it wasn’t out in public!
I’ll be praying!
I understand your fears. With my first daughter, my water broke standing in my church’s front office. The church secretary asked me how I was feeling, I hear/feel a pop and nice warm liquid starts oozing down my legs. Lovely! We all got a good laugh out of that later, but not so funny at the time. Hang in there and enjoy this new life!
Hi, Amanda. The doc broke my water in the hospital both times, but she did tell me that if you are standing up somewhere in public, the position of the baby’s head is sort of like a stopper, so the water doesn’t exactly pour everywhere. If you’re lying down in a hospital bed (like I was), it’s an entirely different matter! I still laugh when I think about that sensation in the hospital!
I think I have something more embarrassing than water breaking in public…With my third my water broke in my kitchen. We got the other two little ones (then 3 and 1) sent off to grandmas and off to hospital we go. Very excited! Get there and the nurse said honey your water did not break…i had just wet myself! How embarrassing is that! After 3 you don’t have much control with the old bladder! HA I lived to tell about it! Can’t wait to hear YOUR story!
I was in graduate school when I had my son, and I used to ride the campus bus to and from class. I was so nervous that my water was going to break on the bus ride, right in front of a bunch of 18- and 19-year-old college students who would no doubt be horrified. Or, if that didn’t happen, my water would break while I was teaching, and my students and I would all be traumatized for life.
Needless to say, it didn’t happen. The doctors actually ended up breaking my water in the hospital. I can completely relate to the worry, though.
My mom’s water broke in the car while on the way to the hospital. (second child)
I have always been very modest. Having my first child broke me in! I not only threw up while in labor, I used the bathroom (#2) in the bed. (sorry too much info) But, I was apologizing to the nurse and she said so sweetly “Honey, that’s what we’re here for.” Awwww
This is way back….over 26 years ago, but back then the nurse would prop your legs up and put this bright light (down there);) after childbirth. Well, she came in the day after I’d given birth to put this light on me and she had at least six young ladies with her that she was training so they all watched as she set this all up and yes, they saw everything.
Childbirth has a way of stripping all dignity from us.
By the way, my birthday is Feb. 14. That’d be a great day to have a baby girl, wouldn’t it?
Have a blessed week.
Love,
Valerie
Amanda,
Praying for you! I had two home births in the water. Neither time did the water break until right before the kids were born. I do remember the wave of fears that come right before, and I just say, “Satan, Move away, you are bound from Amanda and her thoughts. She has the blood covering of Jesus Christ over her.” Just remember that birth is a NATURAL process and although there are some less desirable parts to that process, You are still going to be blessed with a beautiful and precious little girl!
Love you, you awesome VVPG!
Kate in Charlottesville
Hi Amanda,
My water did not break in public, what happen I think is worse. When I was pregnant with my 3rd baby (and a RN.. you would think that I would know a little something) I got up during the night to take my daughter to the bathroom… when all of the sudden the baby moved in a funny way and I guess kicked my bladder The next thing I knew was I was standing in a puddle. We called for my mother in law to come to stay with the children .. drove to the hospital… only to be told that I had pea in my pants and was send home. Talk about humiliating!
I had 3 c-sections, so I only experienced my water breaking once – for the first, and it was as my doctor was examining me (after a week over due) – so I don’t think that counts. Amanda, going from 1 child to 2 was a difficult transition for me. I also had a boy, then a girl. For some reason, going from 2 to 3 was so much easier! I’m sure you will be fine though! And I wouldn’t worry too much, how many of us have actually SEEN a woman in public breaking her water? I have never!
Hi Amanda,
The first and only time I witnessed a public water breaking was on Christmas Eve at the midnight service in the very pew where I was sitting. I was about 19 and in college. The mom-to-be was only 18. It really transformed that service for me!
With my first child, my water broke at home. It was six weeks early, so I was doubly unprepared (all is well). I had remembered some story about how when your water breaks, the baby can press on the umbilical cord, so I immediately went to a supine position and waited 45 minutes for my husband. (God just knew I needed to pray. 🙂 ) (The next time it also broke at home – after a big meal of mexican food!) You want to try with all your strength to stop it, don’t you?!
My water broke with both babies.
With my first pregnancy, my dog was barking and whining during the night (maybe he sensed something) and I sat up and it broke in the bed and on the floor.
The second time around I was getting ready to go shop for baby’s coming home outfit. It felt like I had a peed a little. Call it denial, or maybe I was just ignoring it, but I went shopping anyway. This happened in little intervals throughout the day. Finally, I got a clue and decided to go to the hospital. Sure enough, my water had been “breaking” in small amounts all day long. It broke the rest of the way while laying in the hospital.
I don’t know what the other ladies whose water broke experienced, but I was definitely feeling weird or a little “off” on both days. I had some contractions, or some different sensations in my abdomen, or I was achy, etc… It was just enough of a change that I wasn’t really surprised when the water broke.
So, rather than going into hiding, maybe you can just gauge how you feel before going out in public that day???
Best wishes!!
I know lots of moms, but only one whose water broke in a restaurant years ago. She just tied her jacket around her waist, and off she went to the hospital. Moral? Take a sweater with you wherever you go in the next couple weeks!