Did my water just break?

What to Do When Your Water Breaks: Remember TACO

So, you’re sitting there and suddenly feel a gush of fluid—did you pee yourself or did your waters just break?

Unlike in a movie or on a TV show, chances are you still have some time before the real action of labor gets started. While it’s totally normal to feel a little panicked or unsure of what to do next, don’t worry! A quick and easy way to remember how to assess your water breaking is with the acronym TACO.

Here's what it stands for:

T – Time

First things first, note the time when your water breaks. If you’re unsure, try to remember the general time frame. This is important for your healthcare team to know, as they’ll monitor how long it’s been since your water broke and help guide your next steps.

A – Amount

How much fluid are you seeing? Is it just a little trickle, or a bigger gush? Sometimes your bag of fluid can slowly leak out over time, or it may come out as a larger gush followed by smaller gushes when you move or have contractions.

C – Color

Check the color of the fluid. Ideally, it should be clear or pale yellow. If it’s green, brown, or any color other than clear, it could be a sign of meconium (your baby’s first poop) or another concern. There's no need to panic, but consider calling let your healthcare provider soon so they can advise you of next steps.

O – Odor

Take note of any unusual smells. Amniotic fluid is usually odorless, but if it has a foul or strong odor, it could signal an infection. In this case, it’s important to call your doctor or midwife right away.

While it might feel like a huge moment, the important thing is to stay calm and remember the TACO guidelines. Call your doctor or midwife to let them know what’s going on, and they’ll give you the next steps based on your situation. This is also a great time to update your doula so they can start preparing to join you at your birthing location in the near(ish) future.