Why should a mother go to the hospital when her waters break?

When a mother’s waters break, it indicates that the amniotic sac surrounding the baby has ruptured. This situation can lead to a higher risk of infection both for the mother and the baby if labor does not begin soon afterwards. Therefore, going to the hospital is essential to monitor and manage this risk effectively, as medical professionals can check for any signs of infection and provide appropriate care.

While contractions might begin naturally after the waters break, this is not guaranteed, and the main concern remains the increased risk of infection. Although other options, such as receiving an epidural or preparing for a C-section, may be relevant in some scenarios, the priority when the waters break is to ensure the wellbeing of both mother and baby by reducing infection risk.