Almost Baby Time!
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!
posted by Amanda @ 4:35 PM
407 Comments
407 Comments:
Well let me try and calm you. MY doctor told me that the water breaks before labor only 15%. SO the likeliness is not that high that it will happen to you in public...Hope that helps! My water was broken for me in the hospital but it wasn't as traumatic for me. I just felt like I peed on myself! ;)
(By the way, this is Stephanie Arnett, I introduced myself to you on Tuesday night, Curtis spoke for us last weekend!)
Hope to see you Tuesday
I am happy to see a post from you. Have been thinking about you! :) Have fun on your date nite, and enjoy the pedi and hilites.
I have a friend that carried a bottle of Sprite with her at the end of each of her four terms. She was terrified of her water breaking in public too- so she planned to act like she spilled the Sprite if it ever happened. It never did- get a bottle of Sprite and ask God to grant you that one small mercy! Good luck.
OH how funny!
I personally have not had a baby yet but have many girlfriends who have and one did have her water break while she and her husband were out for a nice dinner! Her hubs actually paid for the food, left it there, and got her into the car to head to the hospital. Don't know about the mess of the water breakage!!
Praying that it does not happen to you!
hilarious...mine broke at Longhorn Steakhouse...but it wasn't a gully-washer, so I made it out the door with no one knowing.
My husband was more worried my water would break in the car and ruin the leather seats, so he made me sit on towel everytime I got in the car from week 36 on! Nice...Like being big as a house isn't humiliating enough!! :)
You will be great! Can't wait to see pictures of the baby girl!
Ha! I will be praying for a very private water breakage. I am with you on the loss of modesty; it simply does not exist in a mothers dictionary.
I was not in public when my water broke, but it was very embarassing none the less. My doctor had to break it with this big crochet hook thing and when he did it litually shot out at him and actually made him jump up. Oh my we are on the edge here arn't we? :)
God bless you as you enjoy your last few days of living as two, and may He give you an easy delivery.
Can't wait to see the post that anounces baby girls birth.
Hi Amanda! Nope didn't happen to me and I don't know of anyone that it has happened to. I was already in labour when my waters broke with #2 and I was still at home. Good luck! Not long now. Maybe another Siesta will have a story to scare you - LOL!
Hi VVPAmanda,
I'm sorry you missed the party in GA. I'm not partying either. Actually I'm writing a paper. On a Saturday night. I'm 40 and single. How sad is that? Seminary homework, though, on the Reformation. It's good stuff.
Anyhow, I can't help you with your situation. I've never had a child so have no idea what you are going through.
I wonder though - would it help if you wore Depends? I don't know what breaking water is like but it seems like those might at least contain it. And bonus - when it's getting close and you don't feel like getting up to go to the bathroom, you won't have to!
From the way your mom shared in the intro to Esther, I don't think this blog would bother her at all.
One thing I do know is that being a mom is the most important job in the world. And even though we've never met, I bet you are a great mom.
Praying for you and your Baby Girl.
Amanda, How neat to hear how you're doing. I was just wondering earlier today how much time was left before your due date. We feel like we know you by all the precious things you share. I never had my water break in public. In fact, they always had to do it for me at the hospital, but I'm going to pray that you have no traumatic experiences. More importantly, we'll all be praying that your delivery goes very well and we all look forward to hearing what her name is and seeing a picture of her with her beaming mother, father, brother, grandparents,Aunt Melissa, etc. God bless you, Amanda, and thanks for sharing. Hope your date is amazing!
This is an interesting thought because I've never really known anyone who had their water break anywhere but home or the hospital. Of course, I shared your fear when I was pregnant with my first daughter. She ended up coming via C-section so my water really never broke. With my second daughter, it broke in the hospital right as I was getting my epideral. That was SO not fun! Amanda, I pray that everything goes smoothly for you and baby, and I pray that there are no embarassing moments (especially not any in public)! I fook forward to hearing back when your precious little pink bundle arrives! Little girls are so much fun!
Warm blessings from Minnesota,
Diana
Yes, Amanda...that was exactly what happened to me almost 22 years ago. I was 8 days overdue and to pass the time we were in Wal-Mart picking up some items for our other two children. All of a sudden I thought I had wet my pants--right there in the shoe aisle. Thankfully, it was still cool weather and I had a longer coat on and we quickly exited to the car when I figured out what had happened. I lived through it and the rest of the effort it took to bring forth our third child in a homebirth setting. It makes for a great story now. God Bless you girl!!!
This post made me laugh! I have had four children,and never had my water break in public.My best friend's water broke while sitting on her parents couch after a big Sunday dinner together!I had my last three babies at 34,35,and 37 weeks...so it could be anytime now for you! Oh and my oldest is named Jackson too,and our second born is a girl,her name is Clara :).Praying God will give you peace,no matter where your water breaks!:)
Howdy, VVPG! You can ask all the questions you would like to!! (Especially since "Bethmoore" is away having fun!!) With just two pregnancies during my lifetime I NEVER had my water break in public, but it was my GREATEST fear toward the end of both. I can so identify with you on this one.
Enjoy your date night tonight and "who knows"--you may have two more! (I'm beginning my last week of Esther tomorrow!)
I think I can speak for many, well, all of us-we can't wait to see your little princess!! Is the little mister getting excited or does he realize what's coming! I'll never forget our daughter asking us if our little guy was "going to stay forever"! This was after a long afternoon of him crying!!!
Thanks for checking in today--it's been a long, cool day in Aggieland! (Sorta like what I left in Seattle!!)
Gig'em & God Bless, Bobbie
My water had to be broken once I got to the hospital, so I don't have a water breaking story, but I do have a pedicure story--I had a pedicure so my toes would look good in the hospital and I went into labor the next morning (7 days early). They say that massage can induce contractions, so just make sure you are ready once you get the pedicure!
It's my first time to comment, even though I've been reading the blog for a long time. But this is right up my alley. I'm a labor and delivery nurse of 29 years and I think I've heard and seen it all!! If your water breaks in the grocery store,
go straight to the pickle aisle and "drop" a glass jar of pickles right there in the floor. With all the "mess", nobody will be able to tell your water broke and you can discreetly slip out of the store and make your way to the hospital while the intercom blares "Clean up on Aisle 9"!! My prayers are with you for a safe delivery of your little girl.
Okay, my water didn't break in public. But it did break this time (last time they had to break it), in the privacy of my bathroom, right after I got out of the shower. Let me try to be delicate here. It wasn't enough that if I'd been wearing pants and a long maternity top, in public, anyone would have noticed. I had to go to the hospital and have them test it before they could convince me that, yes, my water had broken. I just always thought it would be a lot more, based on television and movies.
I mean, I would run around in white pants or anything. :) Please don't sequester yourself, you'll be stuck at home soon enough!!
Hope you're staying as comfortable as you can! Take lots of mental snapshots of Jackson as your "baby" because, if you're like me, you'll come home from the hospital to a great big sturdy kid! It's an amazing thing. It seemed like he grew a foot and gained ten pounds while I was gone. I guess it's just having an actual infant to compare him to, but I was seriously shocked!
I'm a little afraid of that myself. I'm only one week behind you at 36 weeks. I hope that doesn't happen to either of us.
I often don't say much about my labour, because I have such a rare easy time about it. Five babies so far and ten hours of labour - in total...ever. Babies 3,4,5 were well under an hour and typically my water does not break, it is all at once on a regular contraction. (you can believe me when I say I have never pushed). Since I am leaving this post anonymous, I'll just add that I go home the day after giving birth in my non-pregnant jeans.
LOL...Travis and all will literally be down the street from me and I will not be able to attend....DH hubby going out of town! Boooohooooo!
Hi Amanda,
I'm a VVPG (with baby #2) myself and I can relate to your fear of water breaking in public but I think your friend is right... the only place I've seen that happen is on TV. My water broke with my daughter just an hour or so before she actually came out in the hospital so I probably shouldn't obsess.
I think it's interesting how consumed we get with the details and anticipation of the birth of our children. I was conversing with the Lord the other day after I found myself completely absent-minded during sunday school. My mind was running overtime fantasizing about how and when it would happen this time around. I felt a little guilty that this is all I can think about in the midst of all that's happening in the world, in the midst what's supposed to be a bible study. Anyway, our Father told me that's the reason I am mother... cause I can't take my mind off this child inside me.
Such an amazing privilege has been given to us... a little obsessing won't hurt anyone ;)
My water did not break in public with either of my 5 kids...but in the grocery store-- when my twins were only a month old-- a baby on the next aisle cried. MY MILK DROPPED...!!! The front of my pastel shirt was soaked within a matter of seconds. Terrible thing when you have $150 worth of groceries already picked out! I ran into the store manager trying to get out of the store with four preschoolers in tow. (He and his wife had 9 kids so he thought it was hilarious!)
My water broke with baby #1 as soon as I stepped foot in Walmart. Thankfully I had on jeans and there was no "splash". I don't know if anyone noticed or not as I really didn't care I was too surprised and anxious to get to the hospital before I delivered him in Walmart. There was no reason to worry as he didn't arrive until 28 1/2 hours later.
So if it does happen. I don't think you'll care.
My placenta abrupted at 36 weeks and with all of the bleeding going on, I was shocked to hear that my water had broken too. I never even knew :)
Hang in there VVPG!
Well I am single and have no idea but I did have a coworker whose water broke at work...she was sitting in her chair...it was not too horrible.....
We need some current pics, names and pics of Jackson at Christmas.......
New babies are so exciting!
I've had three pregnancies and deliveries, and my water broke with the last two. I was at home both times - not in public. It was not the gush you normally have while in labor. It was more like a trickle for me. It is easy to mistake for having an "accident", however, when it's your water breaking it doesn't stop!
Don't worry - you'll do fine no matter how labor starts!
Hi Amanda,
I had two children and the hospital staff had to break my water with each. THEN came number three. The hosptial staff told me NOT to leave the hospital but to walk around for one hour and come back for a check up. I left and went to MacDonalds! We were in the drive thru when it happened, thank God. I would not go to the bathroom in MacDonalds because I didn't know what would happen when I stood up! So I made my husband drive me to the Del Taco which had the bathroom entrance on the outside of the restaurant! I took care of things and went back to the hospital. I calmly explained that I thought my water had broken and they were none the wiser where I had been when it happened! It is a great thing to remember and laugh about although it was not funny at the time. My baby, the one I delivered that day, is almost 30!
I am praying for your delivery and your sweet little girl. God bless your precious family
Forever His,
Lawan Rivera
Phil 4:8
My water didn't break in public but I have a very funny story. I was in labor 22 hard hours with my firstborn and the pictures of me and the baby afterward were hideous. I decided the next time I had a baby I would not have awful pictures. So, the next pregnancy, every time I had an inkling of a contraction I would put on a full face of makeup and fix my hair. My husband would wake up in the morning and see me sleeping upright in a chair and ask what I was doing. I'd tel him I thought I was having the baby and I was getting ready. I did this A LOT as braxton hicks with the second baby are so common. Still and all, I looked like a beauty queen all laid up in that bed with the baby. Blue eye shadow ROCKED!
I have never known anyone either so maybe it only happens in the movies or on TV to scare us all - because we are all afraid it will happen.
When I was in labor, the couple that we had keep our 4 year old freaked out because he started throwing up at home. (Lesson #1 - only have experienced couples keep your other child - no matter how nice they are.) They brought my son to the emergency room, who promptly called my husband to come downstairs. Excuse me he was busy!! My husband spent the next 2 hours sprinting - and I mean out of breath sprinting - between me in full labor and a 4 year old with a stomach virus in ER. Son #1 was fine and son #2 was born to a very out of breath but present dad.
I have no baby experience whatsoever, but I did see you on Tuesday night (I didn't say anything though) and you are PRECIOUS!!! I know you may feel as big as a house, but I was astonished at how tiny you looked - I can't believe you're already 37 weeks!
I am praying for a quick, healthy delivery for you and baby girl!
God bless!
VVPG,
That is true about massage inducing labor. Be careful. Tell the person that does your pedicure to not massage around your ankles. It is a trick that midwives do to get moms to dilate when things are going slow.
As for public water breaking, all 3 of my births began with my water breaking first thing in the morning. I was still in bed. So I didn't experience that embarassment. I hope you have a similar experience. I'm excited for you.
That gal is very wise to be Anonymous about 10 hours total labor for 5 kids + non-pregnant jeans the day after. Don't listen to people like her!!
You may be and feel like VVPG, but you look like HLPG. (Hardly Looks Pregnant Girl!)
Maybe you should wear your clothes like Missy and then folks will focus on that in case your water breaks! I've heard of women carrying a jar of pickles to drop at an opportune moment. (I think the Sprite sounds much better!)
I sat on a towel and a trash bag because I had a brand new car, but alas, I had the "pleasure" of flooding the labor room floor when the doctor broke mine. Even he was amazed at the amount.
Can't wait to hear the good news!
Mine did! :)
I had just finished a big strawberry shake at Arby's...sharp pain...me-"OUCH, I need to go to the powder room before we leave, Honey." Hubs-"Ok, babe, meet you in the car." I go to the powder room and start to pee and can't stop...me-"what the heck?" Then it dawns on me..."Oh, Lord, God in heaven..." stuff pants VERY full of TP and run to car. me-"Baby, my water just broke." Hubs-"Oh, Lord, God in heaven..." Went home and grabbed phone and called the hospital from the potty! It really wasn't bad. No one knew. Fortunately, my labor & delivery both times has been less than two hours from first sign to birth. Praise the Lord!! You'll do great...and besides the prayer of a righteous woman is powerful!! No shame in praying for a dry trip to the hospital!! Hope that wasn't too much, but after two children, no modesty remains!:)
So fun to hear from you, Amanda! My water didn't break in public either. It broke at home during the night, and I was so thankful a friend had suggested I sleep on towels and one of those crib absorber things.
Just this morning I found it necessary to remind my husband how he bounced me over rough railroad tracks during a contraction on his haste to get to the hospital with our first baby. Ouch!!!
I'll be praying for no pre-water, and for a wonderful, as-painless-as-can-be delivery for you. :)
Linda in MN
First let me give you a virtual hug!! It's tough missing the concert and even though you are excited for Baby Girl to get here and you get a date night, you still need a hug!
My water didn't break in public either. My first pregnancy with my 8lb 15oz baby girl was nothing I was prepared for either.
My water broke in the bed at the hospital and it was splashing on the floor! Unbelievable!
I had my daughter 25 years ago on
February 3 of this year.
That was when women were tough and we took no drugs or had epidurals. We just birthed those babies with deep breathing...NOT!!!
After 8 hours I had a c-section because of failure to progress. She pretty much seemed stuck!
Two years later, I planned my c-section and didn't deal with any of it.
Can I just tell you that I don't regret that at all. I don't feel like I missed out. I had enough labor pain to last a lifetime!
You will do great and don't worry at all about the water breaking. I doubt it will, seriously. But I promise you no one will even care, except you.
You are so precious!
Love and prayers,
Teri
I am due the 5th and I must say I have this same worry. Surely, if it did happen in public my 4 year old would be quick to say something like "Mama did you pee your pants?". With my first my water did break before the labor actually started, but fortunately it was at home.
Ok first of all can I say that I hate the woman who had a TOTAL of 10 hours of labor and went home the next day in her non-pregnant jeans. Is that non-Christian of me? or would Jesus understand? anyway, if having your water break in front of your husband than count me in. I came home from a full day of work, made a frozen pizza (the best I could do when I was 10 days overdue), and sat down on the couch to watch the news. Then.... my water broke!! I told my husband whose first comment was, " maybe you just peed" I assured him I knew the difference, then got up and showed him the couch .... we were off to hospital!! Bless my husband as he had to clean the couch - I've never gotten the details on that one.
Hope you are enjoying a fun date night!!!
Never happened to me, Amanda. But (similar to Traci@TotalMom..) I had a friend that carried a jar of PICKLES in her purse. She said if her water broke in public she was just going to drop those pickles and yell "Woops!" Don't think she ever had to resort to the pickles. GRIN!
No story of water breaking, but baby #2 was due around Thanksgiving and she made her presence known January 5th! She went from 7.5 in utero mid-December to a whopping 9 1/2 pounds when she finally popped out - is a VERY short labor of 15 minutes! Was screaming my head off - it HURT!!!!!
Blessings dear Amanda. It will be worth the waiting!!!!!!
Well, I will just say that I have had 3 babies (boys) and not once did my water break on its own! But I totally get the end of modesty thing. When my first was born 12 years ago in South Georgia, it was barbaric. They actually gave me an enema when I was 2 minutes apart! How dare they! Little did I know that I could tell them "No!". It was my first so I had no idea. I will spare you all the horrific details of that night. Suffice it to say, when I had my 3rd baby here in metro Tampa Bay, it was a luxury compared to South Ga.!
Praying for you sweetie. The Lord has your precious family in His hands.
Mine broke at babies r us, but luckily it was a slow leak kind of thing. I actually went into the bathroom & used a "complimentary" diaper to help myself out. I was so embarrassd until I realized no one knew but me! LOL. If I'd only known the humiliation to come during childbirth, I could have spared myself a few moments of freaking out. Hang in there beautiful girl...she's almost here! :)
Praying God's best blessings on you and your family and a very speedy and easy delivery. 37 wks is a little early - we in the OB business call these "late pre-term" babies. Carry that little princess as long as you can - she'll have a much easier time of transitioning into this world. And I'll pray your water doesn't break in public - I like the idea of carrying a bottle of Sprite with you! : ). Take care of yourself. An old L&D RN.
HI! I know water breaking in public doesn't happen often, but I do have a story I probably shouldn't share because it might just make you more nervous!
I am a 3rd grade teacher and was was determined to teach up to my due date, which I did. My water broke in my classroom, while I was teaching. However, I agree that it wasn't a "gusher" like in the movies, so I knew what was going on, but they didn't (I'm sure their moms figured it out after their stories that night)! I luckily had a cup of water near by so I "accidently" spilt it.
I guess one thing you get out of your water breaking somewhere else is an entertaining story for women! Most luck to you and I will be praying for you.
Well, that never happened to me, but I worried about it. I remember when I was in high school I took this Home Ec class on parenting (I think) and they addressed this. They suggested that you carry a bottle of apple juice in your purse and if your water broke just drop it. Well, when I was pregnant, that just made me laugh. With my luck it would just roll across the floor. Thinking about that just cracked me up every time.
Mine sort of broke in public. With my first baby, I was still working and planned to work until I had her. The day before she was due, my water broke, full gusher, in the bathroom stall, but AFTER I was done and ready to walk out. Thank God the flow was directly over the drain! But the I had to walk out with soaking wet pants and tell the nurse that I thought I peed myself while she laughed at me and said that really my water probably broke. I'm not normally that dense! Honest.
Amanda,
As we say here in the South, "God love ya, honey." I had the same fear. Unfortunately, when my contractions did start 25 minutes apart it was evening. I was so paranoid about waking up in a pool that I stayed awake all night. Of course, that didn't work well for laboring all day and all the next night, as well. I would say, wear the Depends if it makes you feel better. Put a towel under your side of the bed if it makes you feel better. Actually, let me just simplify. At this point, do whatever makes you feel good/confident. In the meantime, enjoy every moment of it.
I just wish I was like that anonymous Siesta who comes home the next day in her non-pregnant jeans. My baby fat is in 2nd grade.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
I dont have a water breaking story for you, but in light of the last comment that was up (at the time of this typing), I didnt go home in my regular jeans and I had very long labors, BUT, both my kids slept through the night by 6 weeks. And when I say slept through the night, I mean 10+ hours of continuous sleep. What mom doesnt want that?? I owe it all to the Babywise way of things. Check it out if youre not familiar - I highly recommend it!!
VVPG....it is indeed true that only 15% of waters break before the onset of labor. So...if you have any of the other little symptoms while you are out....high tail it home. I can tell you that there is a FABULOUS department store in England where I live that will give you a very generous gift certificate if your waters break in their store...I'm not kidding. You've never seen so many VVPGs in their baby department....just literally pacing back and forth HOPING their water breaks in public.
I've had 4 kiddos and only with my first did the waters break on their own and I was a fair way into labour by then and I could have cared less because I was too upset that my nail polish had been removed by the nurse. You heard me right...she REMOVED the polish off my perfectly manicured toes. Did she EVEN know how much effort went into that? I contorted myself into all manner of positions to accomplish that with a big tummy! BUT, in Kenya, where this birth took place, it was "hospital regulations".
Mine broke at work. It just felt like I peed my pants. I packed up my desk, I tied my coat around my waist, changed my email to say I would return 12 weeks from that day and walked out. I called my boss from the car and said I was starting my maternity leave. No one but one friend was the wiser... she brought me my coat!!
Amanda, you are going to be fine!
My story is - when my husband checked us in to the hospital, they didn't believe I was in labor.(Can you imagine? I had been keeping track all day and I KNEW I WAS IN LABOR). So, they wanted to send me around the hospital to do laps!!?? I'm thinking, are you kidding, there is NO WAY this pregnant woman is going take a hike and my water break in front of everyone. So I went to the bathroom to delay some time and all of a sudden - the gates opened!!! I was so embarrassed that I could make such a mess on the floor. I got down on my knees (yes while in labor - ON MY KNEES) pulling paper towels out on the floor trying my best to get the mess cleaned up. My husband came in and nearly died in his unbeleif (laughing b/c he couldn't believe me)! He met me on the floor to help VERY PREGNANT lady up and said "Baby - you cannot do this, you have to go get in bed so you can have the baby - someone else can do this!" I said to him that I would not let anyone clean this up, afterall -- I made the mess - I can do this. Well, let me just add there is NO PRIVACY in the hospital - NONE. The nurses came in and saw me on my knees and could not believe what I was doing. I mean how many VERY pregnant women, in labor - drop to their knees to clean up the water breakage??? Anyway - just thought I would try to make you laugh. You certainly do need some chuckles right about now. I am so excited and thrilled for you - praying for you all. Much love, Alisa in Cheraw, SC
Just wanted to say that I'm right there with you, Amanda! I'm due with our second baby boy at the end of February, so can totally relate to all the discomforts and uncertainties. My water didn't break until near the end last time when I was already in the hospital, but I hadn't thought about it happening in public. I think I'd be too happy that the end was in sight to feel embarrassed!! Hang in there!
I was at home with my first child in the morning and got up from bed to answer the phone. It was my Mom checking on me. As we talked I said, Uh Mom Uh ..what does it feel like to have your water break. ( I was 20 years old) Does it feel like you are peeing and can't stop it? We said YES and you will be in labor ( first grandchilda) But I had to be induced because I didn't go into labor. All the way to the hospital I had to use a pad because it came slowly. LOL Thinking back it is funny. Then it became a c-section. My second was a c-section also , so it didn't break then. Good Luck Amanda! I am sure you will be just great and we are all praying for you.
Jeani
I hear you, friend. I have never had my water break in public. However, I had other leakage problems and I didn't even plan on breastfeeding! My poor brother-in-law was the one that pointed it out to me when we were at a restaurant with them. I can laugh now. It has taken me several years! I hope all goes well for you. How exciting to be that close. One of my children was 3 1/2 weeks early. We weren't quite prepared, but all went well. He was over 7 pounds, so the doctor thought he would have been huge had I gone until my due date. God bless you!
My water broke while my husband and I were shopping for a rocking chair a week before my due date. It was my first baby so I was clueless! I said to my husband "Well, I have finally lost complete control of my bladder." My mom had to point out that maybe my water had broken. It wasn't the gush of the movies...more like a small steady stream.
My water didn't break in public but from 8 months on I kept having a dream it broke at work and I kept trying to clean it up. I worried myself sick over it! When it was actually broken I kept apologizing to the nurse for the mess. That was until the epidural wore off!
Jamie
From one VVPG to another VVPG...
I turn full term tomorrow, and we're having a little boy :) What I have been worrying about is my water breaking early on in the labor, because from what I remember with giving birth to my daughter, that the contractions were much stronger after the doctor broke my water (even though I was already at 7cm when she broke it). I'm hoping it doesn't happen until closer to the end!
And also, I second the "be ready for Baby Girl before you get a pedi" because I had one a couple days before my daughter was born. My sister is in massage therapy, and she says that there is a relation between the two. Not sure if I really believe it, but like I said, my first was born soon after my pedi.
Enjoy your time both before and after she comes! Maybe our babies will be born on the same day- I will let you know in a comment if that is the case! :)
I may be the only woman in the world who wasn't worried about her water breaking in public. I was told to carry a jar of pickles around, just in case it happened. How funny is that?! Like a 9 month pregnant woman walking around with a big jar of pickles everywhere wouldn't attract attention!
The second baby is such a different story than the first, isn't it? I wasn't prepared for missing my two year old SO much, while I was in the hospital meeting and falling in love with my son. Some wise person said that having a child was to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. Now your heart walks around in TWO directions! (And that's why mothers are crazy, most of the time.)
You and your little family are in my prayers, and I can't wait to hear the good news!
VVPG, come to think of it, I don't know anyone that's actually happened to.
I'm praying for you and Curtis to have a special date night.
Hello Amanda,
I really sympathize with you. When I was pregnant I was a teacher, and I was so afraid that my water would break in front of my students. It didn't!!! PTL!
I had to have my water broken...it was not a pleasant experience. I am very modest and I also felt like I lost all dignity.
I will be praying that you can keep your modesty and dignity as long as possible during the birthing process!
God bless you and keep you.
Ok Amanda,
My water broke in the hospital, I cried also more from being scared rather than embarassed!!
I must share that a gal on our church worship team broke hers, at church in between services. By that time there really isn't anything you can do, so she just went with it. We all prayed for her and celebrated with her! Remember it is natural, it is of God, nothing to be ashamed or embarassed of! Baby girl will only come once and it would make a great story later. Don't lock yourself away on a mabey go and live girl!!!
I just went to my DIL second baby shower for my first grand child. It will be a boy and is due March 4. So I know the excitement you have is also being felt in CA!!! Take care and I can't wait to see Jackson's baby sister.
PS Always take mints to the delivery room to give to other's who are breathing THEIR bad breath on YOU!
just felt like pressure for me and i made it to rest room from bed about 7a.m. about every 10 minutes, about 5 times then spent day buying groceries with slight cramps that i would stop in the aisle for. later took a bumpy jeep ride w/husband, visited my mother, watched man walk on the moon on tv and visited sister in law in the same hospital on different floor until cramps/labor pains prompted reporting to e.r. baby girl was born 1145 pm on the same tuesday night. they had to tell me to stop pushing so dr could get there n time for delivery. i think he did,but not sure i was able to stop pushing. i can smile about it now. "fear thou not for I am with thee. be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yes,I will uphold u w/My Righteous Rt Hand." smile. not recommending anything except the verse. all else was just the facts,ma'am. thanks for asking.
I guess I was lucky and didn't have a water breakage in public, but my twin sister's broke in the grocery store! It was so long ago, it doesn't matter any more.
May the Lord bless you in your birthing process!
Hi Amanda,
I am a Labor and Delivery nurse, and you will be just fine! You might have a big gush of fluid or a small trickle. And yes, you might come in with a big old towel between your legs but...you will fit right in with all the other ladies coming in with big old wet towels. I have been thinking of you, and will pray for you to have
a wonderful, blessed, happy birth experience with the best labor nurse on that shift.
Ok, I went everywhere with bedsheets covering the car seats because my husband and I were terrified that my water would break when in a car...I also had a baby diaper in the car (since they hold water better- lol). FYI, for my first daughter, my water broke in the middle of night in the bath room and it was a trickle to start with (no more details) ... for my second daughter, the water had to broken...
Let's pray Amanda that your water break does not happen at any place embarrassing and it is a trickle...
Blessings on you and baby girl!
I had to have my water broken by the doctor at the hospital.... BUT for some good news, I had a friend that was very worried like you and hers broke over the toilet! No mess! :)
Dearest Amanda,
You make me laugh so. I have two precious children and both time's I was in the hospital when my water broke. The dr. had to use that crochet needle looking thing both times. Yup, modesty out the window. But worth every second of it.
Praying for a healthy baby girl and Mama and a private water breakage.
God Bless.
I can so sympathize with your fear, but after having my water broken for me last time (after three tries!), I think I'd just about prefer to have it happen on it's own...wherever I am! And, yes, modesty is a thing of the past...as is alone time in the bathroom!
I'm a nursing student and we've been learning a lot about this lately. I'm actually very excited to experience labor and delivery as a nurse! I know that if you've felt her drop, she should be coming soon! And not all mom's have their water break completely. Sometimes it just sort of trickles out. But I personally don't know of anyone who has had their water break in public either. I bet you're real excited! Have you been nesting? :)
My water broke as the first indication of labor beginning for my first two pregnancies...and let me assure you, if you are in public, you are most likely going to be standing or sitting. If so, it will be like (can I be frank? LOL) a little pee. That's it. If you are laying down, that's when it's bad. :) And that's probably how it was in the hospital, right? Keep a plastic trash bag and a bath towel in your car, just in case, to protect your seat. But otherwise, don't worry. And get a pack of Poise pads to use if it makes you feel better. I did with my third, and naturally that's when my water DIDN'T break without help. :) Praying for a trouble-free delivery and a healthy baby and mom!!
And, yes, Jackson will suddenly be a very BIG boy in the blink of an eye as soon as your daughter is born. :)
I don't think I know of anybody whose water has broken in public, but I do have a good friend who wore Depends the last month, just in case! And I'm thinking that if anybody does see someone whose water has broke, they'll be more horrified/excited that there's a pregnant woman going into labor, than they'll think about the water. Right?
(And this is nuts, but I always hoped my water would break on its own--so much better than having the OB break it for me!)
Amanda... I did not experience this, but my sisters water broke on the NYC subway! Yep right their. She waddled her way up the stairs to the street with a trail of water behind her. I know it sounds like a movie but it is true! I only wish I was there to see it! H
I can honestly say - I know a LOT of women who have had babies and not one of them has had their water break in public. That should be of some comfort to you - I hope!
I had two babies and I had to be induced and have my water broke with both kiddos.
Hang in there - your gift is almost here!
God's blessings to you all
Kelli in Colorado
My doctor broke my water by accident when doing a pelvic exam at my 41 week checkup. (Yes, I was a week overdue--and my first child was born at 42 weeks!) The hard part at that point was putting my pants back on to go to the hospital. I did fine until I was getting out of the car at the hospital--then I had a huge gush all over myself! (At this point, I was beyond caring what anyone else thought.) Thankfully, the orderly was right there with the wheelchair and I went straight to my room; where I labored 9 hours to have my baby by emergency c-section.
Praying for a safe delivery for you!
Ok this is not my birth story, but I am sure she wont mind - We were in public but also at the hospital. She didnt want to be confined to the bed for a terribly long time so we walked on a beautiful day around and around and around the hospital while she had contractions. Then you guessed it, her water broke splashing onto the sidewalk and she squished a minute or two in her flip flops and decided it was time to go in the hospital. An hour later sweet baby boy (10 lbs 11 ozs.) was born. Yes we got a few looks from folks passing by.
Just carry a bottle of water and "accidentally" spill it on you if you need to hide the fact that your water broke.
When I had my first child my water broke while I was in labor. It was so forceful that is scared me to death. During my next pregnancy (twins) the thought of that happening again terrified me. I was always scared of it breaking when I was in bed and ruining my new mattress, so I put a big trash bag under the sheets on my side of the bed and a beach towel over that. I went into labor at home and the twins started coming so fast I had to call 911. I kid you not, the whole police squad and fire dept was in my house. As they pushed me out to the ambulance (at 9cm) I felt my water start to leak. I was so grateful I was on the gurney and covered up.
Chances are slim that it will break before you're in labor. But wouldn't that be a fun story to get to put in the baby book?
Mine broke at 3am.... I thought I had wet the bed... even thought it was a small spot.... then put on a BIG KOTEX PAD.... and went to the hospital b/c if you don't, you willl drip all the way to the hospital!!!!! OH GROSS!!! So I would say, if you must go out.... take a sanitary napkin with you.
I cried too when they broke my water at the hospital with my first one. I felt like I had wet my pants. But when they broke it with my second one I was completely okay. I had one friend whose water broke before labor began and she said it was a slow leak that only dampened her underwear. Not the gush we fear.
My water did not break in public, but boy, did it break, I was wearing my fourth pair of pants when I walked in the hospital (actually, my husband's sweat pants) and they were drenched. The nurse that checked me in said, "Um, I guess your water broke." It was more like a flood than anything. But I was five days over due and had been in labor 17 hours, so I was happy to just get in the door!
Ok, mine didn't break in public, but it did break at home. Conveniently however I was in the powder room and just thought I had to use the facilities! So I sat down to do that and then it stopped. I think the baby was acting like a cork at that point! so I stood up, and it started again! so I sat down and it stopped! lol, ok this happened about 3 or 4times before I finally realized it wasn't my bladder that was emptying and I had my husband call the doctor!
The doctor said to meet him at the hospital, that he was there already. So I decide to take a shower, we stopped and got dinner on the way and about two hours or so later saunter into the hospital! The doctor hadn't made it sound like there was any rush, but we got quite the tongue lashing when we finnally arrived!
My son wasn't born for another 13hrs! So I think we were doing ok on the time issue :D
Ok, mine didn't break in public, but it did break at home. Conveniently however I was in the powder room and just thought I had to use the facilities! So I sat down to do that and then it stopped. I think the baby was acting like a cork at that point! so I stood up, and it started again! so I sat down and it stopped! lol, ok this happened about 3 or 4times before I finally realized it wasn't my bladder that was emptying and I had my husband call the doctor!
The doctor said to meet him at the hospital, that he was there already. So I decide to take a shower, we stopped and got dinner on the way and about two hours or so later saunter into the hospital! The doctor hadn't made it sound like there was any rush, but we got quite the tongue lashing when we finnally arrived!
My son wasn't born for another 13hrs! So I think we were doing ok on the time issue :D
well, with my first child, i was 5 days overdue and was getting ready to go to the doc to see if i was progressing (b/c if not, i was going to be induced the next day.) i was on the back steps in my night gown petting my pups letting them know luke would be here soon. i stood up, and i felt the "balloon pop". i ran up the back steps into the bathroom and was just DELIGHTED!! i screamed to my husband "my water broke!! they HAVE to keep me today!!" to which he replied..."i can see that. i'm cleaning it up!" yeah, i leaked all the way down the hall and didn't even care. i have no shame. i own it.
Six babies and my water never broke in public. It did break at home once but it was nothing to write about.
I will tell you that the second time around wasn't nearly as tough as the first time giving birth, and the recovery was SO much quicker. I was so grateful.
Praying for you!
You are so dear to share your fears with us -- and feel safe. No apologies needed, precious one. Just hang in there and enjoy every moment until that water does break. Chances are it will be only minutes before the baby girl comes and by then you'll be safely in the maternity ward. Enjoy the evening with your man now!
I have birthed 4 babies, and praise the Lord I can say, my water did not break in public. I too have never known anywone who actually had that happen to them. But there are tons of things we women fear before, during and after birthing our beautiful sweet little babies.
19 day is not a long time, enjoy this bitter sweet time.
becky / brentwood
That post just cracked me up. You are definately your momma's girl. Makes me think of the same distress she would be in if her hair got wet before she got onstage or something!!! I had 4 kids and only one was a public waterfall. The third child. The water did not break in public but it continued leaking from the house, in the car, through the elevator and all over the hospital. I can't believe that there was room in there for the 9 lb 15 oz boy that came out because I had no idea that much water could possibly drool out of me. There was a puddle on the floor of the elevator and the wheelchair was soaked. Yuck. However, the embarrassment was gone as soon as the doctor had to straddle my belly and physically PUSH my son out of me. He wouldn't move and his heartbeat started to go crazy so it was important to get him out right then and there. That was humiliating. It just does not look right to have a male doctor sitting on top of your stomach and shoving downward. NOT an attractive sight!!!
You will be just fine. Trust me. You will have that girl and you won't remember anything embarrassing. Your momma will make sure of it! Take care
Oh, and by the way, I loved the whole Sprite bottle idea. That was so funny!!!
The dr. broke my water for 2 of my babies. The 3rd actually broke at home. It wasn't dramatic or anything. I was already having contractions. Not to get to graphic, there was no major "burst." Just keep some p. liners in your purse to use if it happens.
Don't worry about the water breaking. Mine happened in bed before my labor really kicked in - but I will say...oooh...lots of water!
Pictures - we need pictures of the VVPG and the cute nursery!!
Jean
LOL@the Sprite!
My water never broke except in the hospital. No funny stories to share. Praying you through these last couple of weeks, though! :)
I had heard over and over "you will have other labor symtpoms before your water breaks". HA. No pain, no nothing. Thankfully I was laying in bed when the extra large water balloon seemed to pop in my underwear. It didn't stop until I was at the hospital. Next pregnancy I will for sure be carring around sprite, pickles and whatever other distraction items I can think of!
Amanda,
So glad to hear that you are filling these last few days with so many fun things! Have a great time on your date night, getting highlights and your pedicure too! It won't be "just the three of you" much longer! Have you thought about taking Jackson to a Build-a-bear place for him to make something for his sister and something for him as the Big Brother? That was a fun tradition that a friend of mine started and I plan on doing it with future children:)
My water "broke" but it was more like a trickle...As a matter of fact, the nurse questioned whether or not I had just not made it to the powder room... So it did not "gush" like I had expected it too. Even if it does break in public, I pray that it will just "trickle" for you too!
Much love and many prayers are being sent your way, my friend!
Love,
Tara
Oh, VVPG, how I wish I could revisit the place where you are in life!!!! I have to share - I had only one baby, and she was born...19 days early!! Because my water broke!!! In bed, thankfully, not in public. But my wonderful OB's nurse told me to always put a large jar of pickles in my grocery cart first thing, and to drop it quickly on the floor if my water broke. I faithfully carted those pickles around every time!
Thank you for bringing back such a precious time to my memory - my baby daughter is now a college sophomore and I miss her so! Enjoy every moment, sweet girl.
Right there with you! I am carrying my second child with now 13 weeks to go. The entrance into the third trimester I guess has shifted my point of view to "gotta get ready now" mode. I'm a stay-at-home mom and luckily my 18 month old has made me forget I was even pregnant much of the time by keeping me busy. I'm more worried about it breaking while I'm out somewhere during the day with her while my hubby is at work and hearing her shouting "peepee, mommy" as I'm franticly trying to figure out what to do. But from what I hear, it breaks only about 10% of the time for women who aren't already in labor and several of those aren't the big gushers that you're worried about, but more of the slow trickle that makes you question whether or not you are peeing on yourself.
Girlfriend, if we can not talk about water breaking HERE...Where under Heaven CAN we??? LOL ;)
Sweetie I will personally PRAY that God will take away all fear of humiliation and just give you peace that transends ALL understanding and sweet memories of Baby Girl coming into the world!
I wish I had a good story for you...but my three kids came to me not as babies but as 4, 5 and 5 year olds! LOL. There is a good story in there...just not about the waters breakin'!
Enjoy every second of your pamperings this week and relax, breathe deep! It is *ALL* in His Hands!!!
love you honey,
Trace
My water never broke in public, but it was always my fear too, since I was teaching high school at the time both my children were born! Can you imagine in front of a bunch of teenagers in their Family Living class?! At the end of my pregnancies, I could barely walk down the school hallway to go to the bathroom. I actually taught school the day my firstborn came--got home, cooked dinner, sat down and went into labor at 6:30 that evening. Now that was a full day!!
By God's sweet grace, my husband happened to be running late one evening as we were supposed to be meeting some of his work associates for dinner. I was 36 weeks pregnant with our first child and was completely not expecting to deliver early. We were literally getting ready to get in the car to leave, when my water broke. It was a total gully washer!! How thankful I was that my husband delayed us (completely out of the ordinary for him...so I knew it was totally God) When I called the DR, she didn't believe that it was my water that broke, since I was only 36 weeks and I was having absolutely no contractions. I told her that either way I needed to come to the hospital, because if it wasn't my water that broke, I had a major bladder problem. We arrived at the hospital with many, many towels to find that it truly was my water that broke and our precious daughter was born early the next morning.
Praying that the Lord will calm your fears and work out all things according to His perfect timing.
I LOVE this one! What a hoot you are! I just love it!
I've had two kids so far. My oldest will be 3 in March. My youngest is 15 months. Both girls. Is that ever fun!!! You're going to LOVE it! Anyway...with my first, my water broke in the hospital while I was sitting on the toilet, amazingly enough. It took me a bit to figure out what happened! Contractions hurt so much more after that. With my second, my water didn't break until about 15 min before she was born and since the epidural didn't work, I really could've cared less because I was in so much pain and just wanted her out!!!!
Since we're sharing birth stories here, with my second, the doctor didn't make it on time to deliver her. I had two nurses and an anesthesiologist (trying to fix the epidural) there for the birth...and my husband, of course, but he didn't know WHAT to do! The doctor got there about 5 min later and I'd been in the hospital in labor for 6 hours already. It wasn't as if it was sudden! :)
I can't wait to hear the blessed news of a new birth soon here on this blog! You're in my thoughts and prayers, VVPG, soon-to-be Mom to 2! :)
Just don't squat in public and you'll be fine.
The ONE person I know whose water broke in public squatted down in a Mervyn's.
Oh, and you might want to avoid Mervyn's!
Joanne
Hi Amanda~ I am a veteran mom . I have 5 children and guess what, my water had to be " broken for me" during labor at the hospital all 5 times! Both friends I have known to have water break before labor we both already at the doctor's office or waiting at the ER. I bet you will be fine! Also I cannot wait to hear what you name her. I have 4 boys and 1 girl, my youngest son is Jackson Joe! He is 2 and 1/2.
Good luck and enjoy this amazing time in life. My mom always says the way we feel about newborns is the closest thing she can think to compare God's love for us to. The baby does nothing to "earn " our love , yet we love the little miracle before we even meet him or her. Babies are such a gift.
My water broke 29 years ago sitting on my front porch. I knew immediately that my water had broken but it came as a steady trickle over a period of about an hour to two hours.
My water broke spontaneously with my second and third children.. but at home - so not actually in public. But the first time I experience it, let me just say I was shocked because it was like Niagara Falls!!!! I had no idea it could even be like that and was pretty freaked out ~ started shaking! Then with my third child, it was just a trickle after I got out of a nice, long, warm bath.. so I was wondering if I was just dripping a little, ya know? But since it continued, I figured out that it was the real deal. I've never known anyone that it happend to IN PUBLIC, either. Can't wait for BABY GIRL to get here!!!
Linda
Girl I am with you. I am preparing for my third and I never dealt with my water breaking with my first. They did it in the hosp. With my 2nd I woke up several times throughout the night thinking wow something feels slightly damp (can't believe I am sharing this) and changed clothes like 7 times. There was not ever that terrible rush that we see on TV so manyt times. With this child I have lost much modesty (I was very modest) and have realized that God will give me a sense of humor to deal with whatever happens. Don't sequester yourself for fear of nature kicking in. We can't wait to see pictures of this little beauty.
Amanda.. I love this post! I think it is great and just adore your openness! Plus.. what fun! The cat is away so the mice do play.
I had a C-Section so no fun water breaking story to tell... but ever want a C-section one I have a goody for ya!
Love ya!
Mine broke with both prenancies while I was safe and sound in the hospital. I will out my sister-in-law though - she was eating dinner in a restaurant and her water broke right there in the booth. I don't think she ever went back, and the restaurant later closed. We don't know if there's a connection.
Hehhe. My water broke with my whole family in the room. I was actually playing a very heated game of WI tennis with my twin sis. Fortunatley it started as a slow leak then a gush. It was hilarious. I had to say in front of my dad, sis, mom and hubbie. I either peed on myself or My water just broke. The funny thing was I couldn't figure out which.
My water broke 10 weeks early with my son on election night 2004 and I had to ride in an ambulance to a bigger city hospital to spend two weeks on bed rest and antibiotics before the child actually came (he was breach and was NOT coming out that way)but the emt's wanted to listen to election night coverage on the radio and asked if I minded and I said only if you guys are republican because I'm paying for this ride and I wanted the siren on at full blast!--even though it wasn't that much of an emergency. p.s. my son was fine he is four now.p.s.s--"water"-breaking has a sweet smell.
VVP Amanda-
You are so precious! I just love the honesty in your questions.
So...to the answer. I gave birth (with the Lord's help) to two precious princesses 16 and 14 years ago. While I would have counted it a blessing if my water would have broken in public with my first, instead my husband raced me in a wheelchair across the street from the Dr.'s office through busy traffic to the hospital, with the nurse chasing after yelling, "Don't push!" No sooner did they get me to a room, I stood up, my water broke, I fell over in bed and gave birth to the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on. It was so worth it...and she is so worth it! I would do it again in a heartbeat. What a sweet reward. Praise the Lord for His indescribable gifts.
My water broke in the car on the way to the hospital to get checked out. It wasn't too bad though it got worse by the time we'd made it up to the right floor. Don't worry about it too much though. It's more likely that if it did break in public that no one would notice. Hope your labor goes smoothly!
I, too had my water broken in the hospital room. But, quite honestly it was one of the funniest things (and most humiliating ever). My mom, sister, and husband were in the room with me, and it's not that I'm especially modest but I think at that moment, I truly realized all modesty and dignity went out the door. At first, I started to cry just a little bit (not from the pain, although I thought it was painful) but from the humiliation of it......but then, almost immediately after I just started dying laughing. I mean hysterically laughing. I figured I might as well laugh, and the rest of my family joined in with me. For me, it really was a huge gush and I tried to stand up to go to the restroom and another huge gush came. I made joke references about the hoover dam (which is what I felt like). It ended up being one of my funnier memories from my pregnancy. My "little" 10 pounder came soon after. Don't sweat it, it's all good.....and it's all worth it!! Blessings on you & your little one to come!!
VVPG - I have been there! With my second pregnancy I was having a scheduled c-section and the thought that I would actually go into labor never entered my mind. So the Sunday before D-Day I went to church, even though I had back pain, stomach pain and mild incontinence. I was hugely pregnant right? I was supposed to be uncomfortable! But that afternoon I took my daughter to the playground at the park for some special mommy-daughter time, and as we sat there eating chocolate ice cream cones, my water broke. I was soaked, and there was no way to hide it! To this day I get a funny feeling when eating a chocolate ice cream cone. Praying for you and hoping that your birth story is beautiful, humorous and healthy!
Oh sweet Amanda!
You know one of the things that a growing baby who has turned inside of you does...is block the opening (at least a little) with their heads! God knew we would be utterly mortified so He planned that little detail too. He IS good!
Had to have my water broken in the hospital with both of my girls.
My husband was born Feb 12. It's a good day. I hope you won't be too uncomfortable if you have to wait till then.
God Bless you in these last few days as VVPG!
Melana in Wyoming
I've had six sweeties and all but one of them early by weeks--one was 12 1/2 weeks early! (He's 14 now and perfectly fine).
What I learned was that God is so in control! He loves these little ones way more than we ever will. He has never let my very quick and sudden labors ever happen while I was driving hours home from town on our rural mountain roads, never totally unattended (I had midwives or at least my husband when they couldn't get there quickly enough), and my water breaking was always my first sign of labor and it never happened in public.
God is so gentle and good. Of course, He also does have a sense of humor, and what better stories might there be in five years time than "remember when we were....and my water broke!" Either way, you are in good hands.
I can hardly wait for the details! I love birth stories!
Oh.. How I remember those last weeks.. In fact, with my first bubba I didn't eat 2 days before he was to arrive (scheduled induction) because I only wanted to push the baby out and nothing else. if you know what I mean. ;)
And, my water broke at home with my daughter while I was asleep... Thought I was 4 again, and wet my bed!! ;)
Know that we are all praying for you and the safe and blessed arrival of Little Miss. Wish I lived closer so I could offer you a free photography session! :)
Lord willing, your water won't break in public. I just thought about what I would do at the end of my pregnancy to deal with that touchy situation and had a couple of ideas that might provide some extra security if you have to go out. If you have to go somewhere in public for an extended period of time, maybe you could wear a maxi pad and carry a change of clothes with you in your car.
I love knowing that God cares about the little details that matter to us. Praying He brings comfort to you in the uncomfortable things (acid reflux, swollen ankles, etc.) over the couple of weeks.
With my first I was so nervous about my water breaking, my husband and I didn't go to a friend's house for thanksgiving- my son was born Christmas eve!
Three babies (6,4,1) all had my water broke at the hospital.
Kiss jackson's fingers and toes, they will seem soooo big when you come home from the hospital with a super tiny girl! Go ahead, take a picture. I wish I had taken a picture of my older kids' hands with the baby's hands when I came home!
Ooohh how GOd blesses us with the sweet smell of a new baby straight from a bath, all snuggly and sweet. It is so you can make it through the sleepies sanely! GOd Bless,
Christina
cypress
Fortunately, I was at home the night my water broke, but I did have a girl tell me once that hers broke while she was in KMart.
Sheila,TN
It really only happens in the movies. So if it does happen to you just consider yourself a movie star. Pick your favorite one and in the meantime...maybe consider where you want to be when it happens. Starbucks, the Mall, etc...not church. It's probably carpeted.
Hang in there. Can't wait to see pictures of that beautiful girl.
My water broke at the hospital, so nothing too exciting there. But, it did break while we had company - our pastor and another guy friend of ours. When it broke, I told my husband. He said, "Are you sure?" as he proceeded to lift up the sheet to take a look. It's pretty hard to embarrass me, but that did it. Thankfully they were both dads and it didn't bother them too much! :-)
well, i'm not married nor have i experience such a blessed event as water breaking beneath me :) ...but i did have a friend that had a baby a few years ago...sweet hailey grace began her decent into this world in a booth at Ruby Tuesdays when her mom (ellen) got tickled at her sister (bailey) and laughed so hard that she burst. literally. she threw her dad's coat around her waist, they through some money on the table, and apologized to the waiter for the mess as they ran out the door. :)
so maybe if you get the urge for pappasitos just send someone out to get it ;)
So glad to see a post from you! I was wondering how VVPG was doing :) Don't you worry about that "water breaking in public thing"—you deserve to get out and enjoy yourself before the precious little one gets here. Have fun on date night and be sure to keep us posted ... we can't wait to see pics of the newest edition :)
Praying for you,
Melissa
Atlanta, GA
My third baby I heard my water pop and it was totally gross. The painkillers they gave me didn't work I almost had Him in the bed and the nurse delivered Him. Lets just say when My fourth one came and I had a section I was so glad. Oh and by the way He was four days late 8'10. Hugs Amanda You'll be alright and I don't think your Mom or your Sister will mind us sharing with ya!
Having your water break in public isn't as bad as it sounds! It has happened to me TWICE; once in Church (fortunately at a ladies meeting), the other at a soccer game! AND I was on the opposite side of the field from my car. As we raced for the car, I announced to my husband that I had to go home first and change clothes; I absolutely refused to go to the hospital with wet clothes again! We now laugh at my vanity, but it does make a great story...
Hi Amanda,
I am single, so I have no experience with this kind of baby stuff.
But, I just thought I would tell you that I will be praying for you and baby girl, and the doctors, when the time comes.
Do you have any names chosen for this little darling, yet, if you do not mind my asking ?
In Christ's Love,
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
You may have lost your modesty and your lap, but you did not lose your sense of humor!!
My water did not break in public, but it did break when I was on the phone talking with my DAD!!!! I was HORRIFIED!!! What timing!!
I used to be very modest until after I gave birth to my son. Oh my granny! Can you believe that I was one of those that nursed her baby in public one time!!! Very discrete and covered up, mind you. Sheesh!!! That boy was hungry!! What's a new, nervous mom to do!??!?
I will be mindful to pray for you-especially these last 19 days before BABY BLESSING #2 makes her debut!! I pray she has your good looks, her dad's cute smile, her brother's BEAUTIFUL blue eyes, and her FATHER'S love, compassion and mercy.
God bless you all!
Love you, Amanda!
Roxanne
Amanda- I just had my first child 5 months ago. I also was afraid that my water would break in public. It did not. However, I do not know if anyone has mentioned this to you, but you may want to purchase some Depends. If your water breaks at home and your doctor wants you to wait to head to the hospital you will want to protect your furniture. Or as someone mentioned their husband was worried about the car seats. I was actually mortified when I went to the store to buy them, but so thankful I had them when my water broke!
My babies went up a POUND with each successive pregnancy. So by the time my 9 1/2 lb 3rd was due, I waddled around thinking he might FALL out, he was so heavy!! In all my pregnancies the dr had to break my water on the table. Although my aunt has a nice Kmart story - carry a water bottle!! :)
You're in all our prayers!
Anne
Our childbirth coach said it's pretty unlikely that your water will break in public (have you ever seen it happen? it's usually only in TV and movies, which do it either for comedy or drama). But that she did know women who wore super pads everywhere they went for the last few weeks of their pregnancy.
Also, most of the time, "the waters" don't gush out--it's usually a trickle, so even if it does happen in public, you're likely to be able to get out of wherever you are without anyone knowing.
I also was fortunate enough to not have my water break in public...it broke while I was sleeping in the middle of the night.
Believe me when I say I woke up immediately!
And what came next was worse for me than my water breaking, I went to the hospital at 4 am without eating anything before I went.
I really didn't know/believe that they wouldn't give you anything to eat at all at the hospital. I didn't give birth till 9 pm and I am telling you...I was starving and cranky!!!!!
And I just kept mumbling about how was I supposed to get through labor with not even a crumb...a morsel!
The ice chips kept coming though...
You will be great no matter how it happens!!!
Blessings,
Michelle in VT
Praying for you and your family.
Keep pampering yourself.
I heard a funny story of a woman whose water broke while she was in the grocery store...even though it was just "leaking" she freaked out and pulled a huge jar of pickles off the shelf in front of her and threw it on the ground by her feet! There was pickle juice everywhere!!!!! She realized she over-reacted but it goes to show you....you're not alone, Sista!
My personal experience with water breaking was "leaking" too, not Niagara Falls! So be encouraged! :)
I was dialated to 7 with twins and my amniotic sac was still intact.
I am now a Nana of 4 precious grandbabies, and I always get a pedicure shortly before their due date in either a darling shade of pink or blue; whichever color is appropriate. A girl (no matter how old) should get to celebrate such a sweet time!
I laughed so hard at your line about losing all modesty and dignity! I just had a baby at the end of October, and am SO modest. It about killed me. Didn't help I had about 15 hospital staff watching it happen (doctor, nurses, nicu nurses, post labor nurses, med students). Criminy! My water gushed and gushed out at 5:55 that morning in bed. I woke to it happening. I can't imagine if it happened in public! Maybe you can wear a Depends around for the next 3 weeks! (sorry I don't have an "in public" story).
for all four of my kids, my water had to be broken at the hospital!! and my kids came way past their due dates!
Amanda,
My water broke while I was lying down on our new carpet in our new home. My husband was mortified and insisted on cleaning the carpet before we left for the hospital. Two kids later, we are no longer neat freaks :)
Rebecca
Amanda, sorry you couldn't be at the concert. Hang in there! I didn't have my water break with my son - they had to break it in the hospital! Yes - all dignity goes after that, you are so right. With my second child - I was awake in the middle of the night, and I felt her kick - and heard a slosh. She actually kicked and broke my water! Probably not what you want. I got to the hospital at 6 am and she was born at 6:18. Here's praying that you will have a wonderful, normal labor and delivery!
Amanda,
I've never commented before, but had to regarding this post. I had a baby girl almost 18 months ago and they had to break my water at the hospital. Let's just say I had the opposite experience of the post by kittyhox. Not only was it much more than I EVER expected but ...how do I put this.... it continued on with every contraction and/or each time I got out of bed, etc. I think you know what I'm talking about here based on your traumatizing experience. Enough said. On a different note, I have heard what Stephanie Arnett's doctor told her - that only 15% of women actually have their water break at all, so cast that fear directly onto God because it most likely will NOT happen. However, of the friends I have whose water did break, most of them were in bed sleeping. Moral of the story: get a water-proof mattress pad asap if you don't have one already! Praying for a smooth delivery and healthy baby!
Melissa
My water broke just with a small trickle with my first, however, with my second baby.....well....I was walking down the hall in my house and felt like I was peeing on myself. I went and hopped in the shower and then, it exploded!!!! I yelled for my husband to come upstairs, he thought I my water breaking and pouring in the bathtub was actually the shower running! It was so exciting even though I was leaking all over the tub!! Look at it this way.....you will know to head to the hospital and not have to worry about timing contractions, etc,just get that epidural and have a pain free delivery!!! Take care now.
You can always wear Depends! :)
Totally kidding-I've never known of anyone whose water broke in public. You are gonna be fine Sister Friend!
My son came 5 weeks early. My water broke when I was at work in an office in downtown Dallas. I was MORTIFIED. I had to walk across the street with a trash bag wrapped around my waist to get to my car. I insanely drove myself home to change clothes (which, btw, is pointless because they will just get wet again--found that out the hard way), while frantically calling every family member I could think of to come and help. I was soo glad when I finally got checked into the hospital and I could just sit on the potty in my hospital gown. Sorry if that's TMI! :-)
I'm snickering out loud at the tips about carrying a Sprite and/or "accidentally" dropping a jar of pickles. Now THOSE are some ladies with some forethought.
Like you, I've NEVER known a woman who's water broke in public, at least not in a way that was noticeable. I think this is one of those fears foisted on us by old wives tales and movies. What happened with Jackson? If your water didn't break before you went into labor with him, chances are good it will happen the same way.
Mine didn't break in public either... I was asleep in bed when it woke me up.
My husband did the car thing too. We only bought it 3 weeks before my daughter was born, so I sat on a towel every day... just in case. :)
Out of 3 pregnancies, my water only broke spontanaeously with one - and I was asleep. (Of course it woke me up!) For a second I was irritated because I thought I had peed the bed, which was just all I needed on top of my misery...but the immediate contractions let me know it was definitely my water and one hour later I was holding my little Dillon.
Prayers for you, Amanda, and your brand new precious one!
My water broke with my second in the church parking lot! Thankfully, it was a Wednesday night, and there were only a few people left. I survived, though, and it makes a great story (but not quite as great at my husband having to finish putting the rock in our front yard before he would take me to the hospital with our third!) Good luck and I will be praying for a safe delivery!
My water broke with my 2nd baby when I finally got set up on the side of the bed to go to the bathroom early that morning. I thought I was wetting the bed so I walked all the way across the bathroom to the toilet and left a trail behind me. When my husband was cleaning it up (only because I couldn't bend over to) he asked me why I didn't stand in one place! I also decided to take a shower before leaving for the hospital and almost had her in the car! So if it does break get on to the hospital. Good luck!!!!
Cheryl
With my first, my water broke at home, right after my labor started. I just grabbed a pad. TMI? My 2nd I had it broken at the hospital. If you wear a pad for the next two week that might help ease your fears.
I'm so excited for you! I have two girls and love, love, love having girls. :)
wow, i'm sorry you couldn't go to the concert. The Lord will have your water break at just the right time just pray about it!: ) Bless you and your child!
When our second child was born and we brought him home from the hospital our daughter, not quite two years old, seemed so big! I remember changing his newborn diapers and marveling at how small his bottom was compared to her toddler bottom! LOL
Many prayers for you and yours, Amanda. Keep us posted. This is such a precious time.
julie
Mine too, was in the hospital.
But I have a friend who carried around a bottle of apple juice with her the last couple weeks for THIS VERY REASON.
Should her water break in public, her plan was to drop it and then act like it was the apple juice all over the floor.
Then make her hasty exit from wherever she was....
:)
My water broke on its own only with baby #2. I was at the mall taking toddler #1 to play at the playground, and something popped, and then I was wet. I was so confused and wondered if I peed in my pants. But when it happened again while I was sitting on the bench while she was playing, I was pretty sure what it was. My skirt was a mess.
In fact these were fairly small breaks, though they were messy, and it kept breaking over and over again! Did you know it could do that? I had no idea, but since the amniotic fluid keeps producing it can happen. And then in triage while I was waiting the BIG break happened, and there was no mistaking that at all. It felt so disgusting. I was just so thankful that the big one didn't happen at the mall. That would have been horrifying!
I'm praying for a safe and wonderful labor and delivery for you and baby girl!
The day I lost my plug (how's that for modesty?!)my sister and I walked the mall (which happened to be the day after Christmas) to encourage labor. My sister took me to all the nicest stores she could think of hoping my water would break in them! They ended up having to break mine at the hospital. I hear that water breaking on it's own is more of a "peeing your pants" trickle than a gush. So you can probably escape public before anyone else knows what's going on. Will pray for your dignity to be kept in tact!!! The nice thing is if it does break in a public place, you will (most likely) never see those people again!!
Lucky for me, my water broke in the hospital with my daughter. But I too was terrified that it would happen in public. So I took a towel everywhere I went (church, work, car etc.) AS IF a beach towel would have actually helped if that had happened! I did have a friend, however, whose water broke while she was writing on a blackboard in front of a classroom full of 2nd graders...imagine the explanation on that one!
Both of mine were c-sections, so no water breakage. However, I lurve the Sprite idea. How clever was that?
Well, my water did not break in public, but it did break unexpectedly about 3 weeks before my due date. This was with my first child, and it was quite a surprise. Some of the things I learned---if you are in a standing position, the head of the baby will kind of act as a plug and will minimize water "leakage." This can work to a lesser extent if you are sitting down as long as you are sitting up board straight. But, if you are laying down or reclining--its a gusher. So, bottom line, don't lay down or recline in public and you should be fine. Another thing I learned is that when your water breaks on its own in this fashion, you are usually in pretty hard labor within 15 to 30 minutes. So, you don't have a lot of time to waste if this should occur. But, as I am sure you can see by the posts, it is a pretty rare thing. Best of luck on a smooth and wonderful delivery!--And no public water breakage!
Blessings.
Well, I will tell you my water-breaking story!! I was on bedrest with our first (and only) baby. He wanted to come a little early, and I was having preterm labor for about ten weeks. I was put on bedrest at 28 weeks, and by God's perfect design, I was able to hold Grant until 37 weeks. And yes mam, my water broke in public. I was taken off of bedrest at 36 weeks, and decided to start returning some shower gifts, and do a little shopping for Grant. I had a checkup on Monday, and on Wednesday, I went for lunch with my mom. She lived with us for ten weeks, and took wonderful care of us!! Ok, so we went to lunch,and I was feeling yucky. No "regular" contractions, just yucky. I then went to get my eyebrows waxed. We then decided to visit Kohl's and return a few more shower gifts. I was at the front of the store, bending over to check out some really cute plaid shorts, when it happened. I looked at my mom, and told her my water just broke. I wasn't sure if I had wet my pants or my water broke, until I moved. Then we casually exited the store, and took off!!
We made it to the hospital (after going home to change and pick up my husband, who was taking a nap!!), and had Grant 28 hours later. Even though my water broke, it didn't cause me to go into active labor. Even though my water broke in public, I was so thankful Grant was about to be here, I was only thinking of him!!
If you have a moment and would like, my wonderful sister in law posted a blog about the journey- www.meetthebakers.com . Look under May 2008.
Good luck- we are thinking and praying for you!!
Dear VVPG!
I do not remember where I read this, but the visual stuck with me, nonetheless. IF you happen to be at the grocery store and your water breaks, just make sure you have a jar of pickles in the basket that you can drop on the floor! (clean up on aisle 7) Apologize and head for the exit!!! Hmmm, that just made me wonder, could you carry a jar in your purse to the mall?!
With prayers,
Pam
It's been twelve years since I was in your shoes - I had my youngest daughter on the day I turned thirty seven weeks.
At that point I was a desperate woman! EVERYTHING below my bellybutton hurt - even my toes. The last thing I cared about was whether or not my water broke! I would have rejoiced in the streets if it had meant labor was imminent and my misery was ending soon!
I'm with the first post and I want you to remember that only in 15% of the women does their water break before labor.
I was the un-lucky 15%. My husband and I just got a BRAND-NEW-CAR the day before. Because my car didn't fit the car seat properly when installed correctly by the CHP office. I had just met my husbands family for a weekday lunch and decided to skip my trip to target and just go home. I wasn't feeling all that well. By the way I was at 39 weeks. As soon as I got out of the car at home. And I mean as soon as I put both feet on the pavement there was a gush. Not a little gush. A GUSH. I ran inside. Called my husband, and my mother from on the toilet. And honestly I should have stayed there because it just kept gushing....okay I'll stop explaining. You probably already know. BUT just pray about. God totally took care of me and made sure it didn't happen at TARGET or inside my BRAND-NEW-CAR. God will take care of you!
I agree that the majority of women won't experience their water breaking until they are in labor and in the hospital. I have had a few friends whose water broke at home, but it was no big deal to them.
With my firstborn the doctor went to break it but nothing happened. She asked me if it had already broken before I got there, but I told her it had not. There wasn't even a gush when my son was born so I have no idea what that was about. With my second, I knew I was in labor but wanted a natural childbirth so spent most of the day walking the neighborhood. I thought things felt moist but I never felt a gush, or even a trickle. When I rushed to the hospital to have my baby girl, there was no big splash again. I guess my water tends to leak a little at a time while I am in labor, but I am none the wiser. Blessings to you and your family as y'all welcome a new little one. I am excited for y'all!!
Hey, Amanda--Just checking in on the Moore clan and found your very funny post.
The funniest water breaking story I have ever heard was one a wonderful lady told Lee and me years ago. Years before the telling of the story her husband was being interviewed for a position at the Baptist Sunday School Board (now known as Lifeway). Well--This brave young couple invited the very distinguished potential boss and his extremely gracious wife to their home for dinner. The fact that she was great with children--twins--didn't seem to discourage them.
As this precious lady was preparing to serve dinner she felt her water break. SO--she grabbed a water pitcher that was on the table and "accidently" DUMPED THE WATER ON THE FLOOR. It promptly landed on the shoes of the potential boss-- right where her, ahem, "water" had already splashed! Needless to say, dinner was over and they all went to the hospital.
BTW, the new dad got the job--and continued to serve the Lord in that and other capacities for many years. They went on to have a total of five children!
Our friend told us the story because we were a young couple and Lee had recently taken that same editorial position at BSSB. Lee's boss was the boss in the story and I was--very pregnant! We tried to avoid dinner with the boss!
I can't wait to see pictures of Baby Girl! I'm praying for a safe and uneventful delivery--and now I will be praying that your water doesn't break in public. But, I guess it would be OK for it to break while you are having dinner with your husband's "boss.":-)
Love you all!
Amanda-with my firstborn, I was way overdue-like almost 2 weeks....so excited and nervous I went to bed trying to "will" my youngster out.
I awoke to a bed that was soaked..woke up Richard, grabbed our bags and rushed our 40 minute trip to the hospital. I was elated.
We arrived at the hospital-I proudly told the front desk, "I am in labor, my water has broke(little did I know) and I think I am feeling some contractions." They rushed me back to my room, the nurse came in....Richard and I smiled at one another with an intense smile..after all WE ARE FINALLY GOING TO SEE THIS PRECIOUS BABY!!!
The nurse said, "Sweetie, how did you know your water broke?" I smiled and said, "I woke up in a very wet bed..Thank God it didn't happen in public!!" She smiled at me and gave me the look like she felt sorry for me. She had this puzzled look on her face and went and got the Dr. He came in and examined me and said, "I hear you think your water broke"...I proudly said, "yes sir"....He looked at me and said, "honey, your water didn't break" I looked at Richard confused and then glanced back to the Dr. and said, "sorry, I am really confused" He smiled and said, "well, honey, I think the baby is really low and you urinated in the bed"
I closed my eyes and wanted to find the closest exit, Richard wanted to vomit, the nurse wanted to laugh, and the doctor told me to go home and come back on Friday and we would coax this baby out.
We left, I was humiliated, Richard was grossed out, and our firstborn waited to come on Friday-
Blessings,
Jen
With my first, I woke up to the sound of what sounded like the loud pop of a cork from a wine bottle...I stuck a pillow between my legs, rolled over onto my back, sat up in bed, and immediately KNEW what had just "uncorked."
With my second (my 13" head boy whose eyeballs--the "white part"--were purple for 3 weeks postpartum), his head was so big that enough water couldn't get underneath it to build up enough pressure for a "water break," so the midwife finally "broke it" for me at the hospital when I was 6 days past my due date. There was very little water when she did that...she said to prepare for a large gush when he did finally come out because there had been so little...but we all forgot about what she had said, and 4 hours later when he did finally "exit," there wasn't a big gush. But--when I got back home...3 days later!!!!!...I squatted down to get the baby wash out from under the kitchen sink, and apparently a second sac had formed..and then MY WATER BROKE!...and I REALLY DID NOT want to try to explain that to my two year old...given that I didn't understand it myself at the time...anyway, we lived through it, and all was well.
I pray that baby girl's delivery will be an intimate time with God, and without complication.
I have 3 little boys and my water broke the first 2 pregnancies while I was sitting ON THE TOILET! Can it get more perfect than that?! The first time I had just woke up in the morning and was amazed by how much urine (I feel strange typing that word) was coming out of me. I quickly realized it was definitely something else. The second time I was going to the bathroom one last time before going to sleep when it happened again. I thought I was dreaming. Isn't that strange?
Amanda,
I about fell over with the post about Sprite! Could work! Prayers are with you that everything goes without any problems! You are such a sweet person! Can't believe it is almost time! Though I know from your stand point it has been a long time! This was probably one of the most fun posts to read! VVPG!!!
love you guys!
Delilah
My mother took me on some errands one day at the end of my pregnancy with #3. The dr. had to break my water with #1 and #2, so I had no fears that my water would break before getting to the hospital with #3. But, my mother thought I should sit on a towel in their car, "just in case". I obliged. All errands done...I was brought back home...and got into the house to get the kids to bed for a nap. I was going to take one too! I leaned forward to untie my shoes, and "pop", my water broke. Naptime was nixed, and I grabbed th blanket from the bed and waddled out to the car for my husband to get me to the hospital. So, not public, but 30 minutes earlier and a bendover to the floor and it would've been!
Pam in Rochester
I was just like you and terrified of my water breaking. It just sounded so dirty and gross. Everyone kept reassuring me that it only happens to like 15% or whatever, but it happened to me! I was 8 days past due and was just getting in to bed one night and my hubby was making so much fun of me grunting like a fat man and all of a sudden, the flood gates opened! It truly was a gully washer, but like a lot of people have said...the best thing you can do is stand up. When I stood up, it almost stopped completely. The baby truly does act like a plug...it's crazy! I'm at 35 weeks with baby boy #2 and so curious if my water will break again this time. It really is not that bad...we got such a great laugh out of it! The funniest part is that we didn't check in to the hospital until 4 1/2 hours later after I had washed the sheets, hung some frames in the nursery, yatta, yatta....Many Blessings to you!!
I've had 2 boys and 1 girl. My water broke with both boys. First time at 1 in the morning. I mostly had one burst, got to the hospital but at 6:46 that night when I delivered my baby the water came rushing. It was all behind him. Second time I went to the bathroom and while going I felt an unusual pop. I didn't say anything but while watching TV with an out of town guest I kept feeling like I was leaking. Finally decided it was time to pack. He wasn't due for 2 more weeks. Had him the following morning at 4:13. He is 21 today Jan 24. My daughter was induced so they eventually ruptured the membrane. I believe that if your water does break it won't be a whole lot. The baby will be blocking the majority of it.
BTW Feb 11 is a great day to have a baby, the day I was born. Amethyst is also a great birthstone.
Can I just say to the lady that had ten hours total of labour and went home in her pre-pregnant jeans..."PRAY for me"...I want that! ;)
And to VVPG...WAIT for your mama to come home before you have that precious bundle, okay!!
Have an exceptional date night!!
As a regular follower of this blog, I HAD to smile at all the posts. Especially thought it interesting the ladies who said they had never responded before. A common experience that resonates gets us siestas every time.
I absolutely never gave this crisis a thought during my pregnancies. All occasions were in the hospital with the crochet hook so God was merciful on my ignorance.
My only observation is: it would seem to me far easier to clean up a bottle of water intentionally spilt vs a bottle of Sprite or (heaven forbid) a jar of pickles with juice and glass. Horrors!
My other thought: How many of us bloggers are going to check the blog BEFORE church or AFTER church to see how the big night turned out?
May God bless you and your family these coming weeks as a new life is added.
Hi Amanda!
I have never seen it happen in person or know anyone that has. It does always happen in public on TV though. When I was pregnant with my first child, my water did break on my grandparent's dining room floor. I was on the phone, talking about how overdue I was (11 days). I was too scared to be embarrassed.
My bouncing, kicked-her-covers-off-in-the-warmer daughter was 9 lbs. 14 oz. My prenatal care was at an office that had a team of four doctors and whoever was on call when you went into labor was going to deliver your baby. They were all wonderful and I was not worried. However, this doctor had just made it back from Africa one day before I was in labor (you think he'd take vacation). Needless to say, I could not get any real meds. He arrived in the nick of time. My second child birth was completely different. One doctor, epideral, average weight.
I will say they have not changed much since they entered the world. Adra is still kicking the covers off, independent as ever. One can actually feel the independent vibes coming from her and Michael is just this little calm, quiet thing that talks about staying home until he's 26. Oh, he can hold his own, but he prefers peace, while Adra likes action at all times.
I have been thinking about you lately. I knew you're time was coming soon. This sounds like a contradiction...I keep wondering what you will name baby siesta, but I'm glad you are keeping her name a secret because it is much more fun to be surprised.
I think it would be fun to play a guessing game on the blog. I'm a geek and maybe I'm the only one who would think this is fun. I just think it would be cool to let everyone throw-out whatever they think you might name her or their favorite girl name and just see if anyone gets it right. I don't know, I just love girl names. There are sooo many beautiful names. If my Michael would have been a girl (and I was sure I was having a girl), the name would have been Emma Grace or Sarah Grace. If my mom had her way, my name would be Laura Ann right now, but my dad would not stand for anything but Barbara.
It would not be hard to guess in our family because we all pass names down to this day. My husband named Michael, he would not have any other name and I could not imagine any other name for him.
Amanda, it was really good to hear from you. I will be in prayer for you all. Praise God that it is Jan/Feb and not summer in Houston!
OOH Alisa...What a precious story ..thank you for sharing.
Praying for you and your beautiful family, Amanda.
Amanda,
After reading the comments, I just have to say WHAT A BLESSING!! Who knew that a massage/pedi could induce labor. Seriously! This post can't disappear now b/c it was meant to be.
If you are really worried about this, I think the Sprite idea is awesome and so funny. I can just see you dumping Sprite on yourself, seriously, you may not care at that point.
Catrina's post was so dang hilarious!!!!!
Unfortunately, I need to care more about what people think or getting embarrassed. I have no problem going out without make-up, bandana on head, ripped jeans, whatever works for me at the moment. I agree with all of the siestas...there is no such thing as modesty after baby. Heck, our modesty goes out the door after our first "yearly." Yuk, I still hate that worse than anything and act like a total baby. I'd rather have a colonoscopy any day. Okay, that's it for me. I'm supposed to be cooking something for Sunday School tomorrow and here I am sharing too much information. I never thought I would post this kinda' stuff on a blog, but I do feel like "we are family, I got all my sisters with me." Cheesy, I know. It's waayyy past my bedtime.
OH my goodness. Just one more comment. These posts are cracking me up. I am rolling on the floor!! You have caught onto something here Amanda! This is the funniest stuff I think I've seen. Oh and I love your song "Amanda" by Boston. You have a beautiful name, can't wait to see what sweet baby girl's name is!
Oh my word, these husband stories are killing me. I'm beginning to think that all men are wired equally. These are classic. This will have me laughing for days, thanks Amanda, I needed a good laugh!
I agree with the other siestas, get out and enjoy yourself!!!!!
I've had two kids and was never worried about my water breaking in public. And I have not a shred of modesty left in most situations thanks to the births of my two children.
You cracked me up when you said it would stink carrying a 7 pounder around for a whole pregnancy. Both of my children were over 9 pounds - one 9'15" - so I think I know all too well what you're imagining.
BTW - I can't wait for the arrival of your daughter. I'm dying to know her name. I have her name all picked out in my mind (first only, I'm not that strange . . . .). I'm excited to see if I'm even close. If I have so much as one vowel right, I'll be amazed at myself - lol.
I have had 5 kids born in 5 different states (California, West Virginia, Oregon, Texas but we were just in Florida a few days before she was born, and last one born in Washington) and my water did not break with any of them in public. The closest I came to this was when I was in labor with the 4th one, the nurse was finishing the preparations of the bed, while we were waiting for the doctor to arrive, she puts my legs over her shoulders and tells me to lift my lower body up and while my bottom half is hovering over the bed, she was placing the blue and white pads on the bed to catch the fluid once my water broke. Well, I had a contraction and my water broke all over the nurse and the baby came shortly after I was flat back on the bed and the doctor was not in the room until the nurse was almost done with all the baby prep work.
Hi there! Well, I was one of those whose water broke in public, but by the grace of God it wasn't so bad. I was 37 weeks (1 day shy of 38) and was about to walk into Barnes & Noble when it happened. Thank God I had just gotten out of the car and was still in the parking lot when I felt a gush. Suddenly I was wet. I looked around and no one was nearby...I kind of sloooowly backed myself over to the car and then thought, "what do I do now?" I had no towels or old clothes or anything of the sort in my car and didn't just want to sit down. This is so pathetic, but the only thing I saw was a packet of my daughter's preschool papers so I spread them out and sat on them! Of course everything was ruined but thankfully there was no treasured art projects in there. The seat still did get wet but with just some minor cleaning everything was fine. I was so glad to not have to bring the car back to the dealership and try to explain what any "stains" were to ensure we got it cleaned under warantee. The mortification! I guess the lesson here is you may want to have some old blankets or towels in the car, just in case :) Hang in there! My son is 14 months old now and I know those last few weeks can go by soooo sloooowly!
Doctors had to break my water - all FIVE times!! Don't worry. Even if it did happen in public, people would be VERY understanding. It's an exciting thing! ;D
I was 38 weeks and decided to go on a very slow walk with my grandmother and husband around the neighborhood. Just as I reached the furthest point from my house I felt a really weird sensation and then it happened...I felt a pop. Like a bubble bursting. I told my husband, " I think my water broke." He said, "how do you know." My reply was "just look down." I was drenched. My pants, socks, sneakers all wet. My husband ran home to get the car and there I sat on the side of the curb waiving at all the neighbors as they came home from work. It seems like everyone drove by at that moment. Needless to say for my 3rd I was so scared this would happen again. I bought doggy diaper sheets to put in my car and I put a change of clothes in the car. On the positive side...if your water breaks at least you know you are in labor and the hospital can't send you home. It did not happen with my 3rd.
God bless you and your family.
Mine broke at home with our first son. Had woken up about 4:00 am with back pain. Took a while to relize it was back labor. Trickle at first. Was on my way to the bathroom, stopped to holler at my husband to get up because my water just broke. He asked if I was sure cause he wasn't getting up for a false run. About that time - SWOOSH- it BROKE. Rode on a towel to the hospital. On the way he asked if he could stop at Wal-Mart to get some hunting magazines. NOOOOO! of course we could have, baby came by c-section 14 hours later. Second one was scheduled c-section. Honestly don't remember ever worrying about it. Taught high school science till the Friday before. Now milk coming in - COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BALL GAME! Excited & praying for you!
Amanda I never had my water break in public; however, I thought my water had broken, went to the hospital ready to have a baby. They did a test on me and told me I had just peed in my pants!! Talk about embarrassing. . . the worst if it was it was with my 3rd child -you'd think I'd known by then what it felt like!
Enjoy these last few days/weeks until baby girl gets here.
Amandda,
We are having the first of our baby showers for my daughter-in-law today and we are so excited we can hardly contain ourselves!!! She has five weeks to go - Lord willing. When I had my baby - who is now almost 13 - I just knew I was going to have her during spring break - I teach high school - So being the Type A that I am everything was wrapped up at school as I knew I would not be back. WRONG! I was right back the week after spring break. With a bad attitude and scared students!The following Monday I awoke to my alarm angry again that I would be returning to school. I went to the bathroom and - ahem! examined the after effects - pregnant women do that - and told my husband to come look something looked weird. He was lying in bed and could see me and promptly said I had lost my mind if I thought he was coming to "look" but he said "Look at your leg" Water was running like a faucet!!!!!! I just started jumping up and down saying It's time I don't have to go to school today!!! Yes we teachers are worse than our students. I would have been mortified had that happened at school as well as my students being traumatized but once again the Lord worked it all out for good! I am praying for you and your precious girl. Enjoy the last few moments in your condition. It is such a wonderful completely unexplainable joy to carry a child. We are blessed to be - even though it is tough (I am doing Esther)- women.
Dear Amanda,
No baby story from me - just a lot of loving compassion and prayers that all will go well for you and sweet Baby Girl!
love,
Sister Lynn
My water broke at church with my firstborn son. We were singing "Come thou fount" - NO LIE! I was thinking - I wet myself, but *I* did NOT do it! What in the world? Oh yeah....God has a sense of humor fo' sho'! Don't be afraid girl!
Not in public but my water broke at home....it isn't really all that bad but you will feel like you are T-T-ing on yourself which after several trips to the potty (thinking you are crazy) will be followed by a more dramatic amount of water.
Just keep a beach towel with you at all times and if it happens you can wrap that around yourself and head to the hospital.
It was sort of cool to go into labor the old fashioned way!
Can't wait to see her face and know her name~~blessings, J
Odds are in your favor that your water won't break in public :) I remember with my first being worried about my water breaking in the church pew. My friends who sat around us were freaked out the day I told them I was having contractions right there in the service.
I have three wonderful sons and only had my water break spontaneously with one of them. With my oldest, my midwife broke my water when I was about 8 cm (and had been laboring for many hours). With my middle son, my water broke all on its own when I was in the midst of transition. Now that was a huge gush!! And with my youngest son, my water never broke at all. He was born with the sac still completely intact. Amazing....
Me too Amanda, I'm 38 weeks today and scared of being in public if my waters break. I have only experienced the breakage at the hospital-with both of my girls- so I'm super nervous this time around for some reason.
My water broke while I was writing on the board in an 8th grade Math class! 8th grade boys do NOT handle that well!! I called my husband and told him, and he said, "Now hunny, did your water break, or are you just peein' on yourself?" I said, "I don't know...but it's still going." I had a doctor's appointment in 30 minutes anyway, so we just waited until then...and sure enough, our first child arrived that evening!"
What an exciting time for you.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
Oh how our Lord cares about all the details, even when the water breaks. He will guide you through this process. He is with you.
Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda
Oh.. I love these stories. It's important to remember to laugh. My water never broke in public.. but at home both times. The first time it happened, I was laying on the couch. I felt a trickle and hopped up (well as best I could being VVPG). My hubby asked if I was OK.. and I said I think my water just broke. We live an HOUR from the hospital I delivered at.. let me just say that I was not prepared for an hour drive. It was my first baby.. how was I to know?
The second time my water broke, it woke me up in the middle of the night. This time I new exactly what happened. I had to wake my loving husband up and tell him my water broke... to which he replied, "did you get the bed wet?" (It still makes me laugh to think about his question.. and the answer turned out to be no.) This time I prepared for the hour drive to the hospital.. but it still wasn't enough. The car never got wet however.
My fear was not making it to the hospital.
Praying for you and the baby girl.
My water broke (slight tear, actually) at home on the morning of my husband's very important meeting. I kept this a secret, unsure of my water had actually broken. I then proceeded to go on a three mile walk with my mom before telling her. After calling the doctor, I was told to come in for a check up. While in the restroom at the doctor's office, my water broke completely (apparently it can have a tear and then break completely...who knew?). Fortunately my mom had made me wear black pants as opposed to the khaki pants I intended to wear, so it wasn't terribly noticeable. Unfortunately it was August so I did not have a jacket to tie around my waist to conceal what had just occurred.
All of this to say, that my water did break in public and I survived. I was so terribly excited to be having my baby, it just didn't matter at that point! And I had my mom along who reassured me no one could tell (aren't moms the best?)
I've given birth five times, and not even once has my water broken in public. In fact, four of those times the doc needed to break my water for me; the other time it happened as the baby's head was emerging. No worries, girl!
About the ankle massage - this is true. But at 37 weeks and after you don't really need to worry about it. In fact, my prenatal massage therapist used to use those pressure points intentionally for me from 38 weeks (but there were ALL still late)!
Another thought that I didn't see in the comments yet (though I may have missed it), is that the nurses will need to be able to see you nail beds. So if you don't want them removing your new toenail polish, you'll want to keep your finger nails unpolished. In my experience, they will even remove clear polish. (Apparently they can tell when your oxygen levels are dropping by the appearance and colour of the nail bed.) Who knew? Until they ruined my pedicure!
Bless you!
I have not known of anyone's water to break in public. However, my sister (also named Amanda, if that makes any difference...) went into labor several hours after having a pedicure. She was at about 39 weeks, I think.
Hey Amanda: I didn't get to experience this phenom in public, but vividly remember our childbirth instructor jokingly suggesting that we grab a pickle jar whenever we were in a supermarket, and use it as "wet breakage in aisle 3", if the situation should occur! Hope you do not have the need, but thought this tip quite helpful.
"How much would it stink to carry around a seven pounder for several months?"
I'm sure it would stink! You are too funny!! I just had a chunkle...
I'm excited for you!..wow...a new little life about to hit the scene...wow how wonderful.
Allison
Amanda,
You have definitely been on my mind lately and I'm praying for you. Keep in mind that the baby's position can affect how your water breaks. It may not necessarily be a tidal wave event, if it even breaks a all this time.. Also, I don't know if you'll consider this good news or bad news, but the way your labor goes with the first baby is usually a lot different with the second baby. Enjoy those last few days of feeling that precious baby inside you. You will cherish it forever. And God bless you your friend for making sure you'll have pretty toes!
4 babies of my own - never had the water break on its own. It was actually never even a fear for me because of the bizarre experience of my friend . . . Right around my girlfriend's due date, she was at home alone when her placenta started leaking (detaching, or whatever placentas do that's not so good) She called 911, then proceeded to wander through every room in the house - with the exception of the living room - dripping blood on the cream-colored carpet wherever she went. Choosing a CRAYON to write with, she left a scribbled note for her husband, who was away at a hockey game. In the very few minutes before the ambulance arrived, she managed to make her house look as though there had been an axe murder committed there (which her husband claims was his first thought when he came home an hour later and saw blood and a note scribbled in crayon!!)
I always considered this possibility to be much more dire than the possibility of my water breaking (and the huge expense of having ALL the rugs in the house cleaned!) I think you would freak out WAY more people in a grocery store with blood than with the water - and I must wonder what on earth you would drop on the floor to disguise it . . .? Pickles just wouldn't do it!! :-)
Blessings to you,
Colleen in Canada
The doctors had to break my water during labor because it didn't, but I thought of something. What if, just in case, you had one of those pads they use for bladder leaks? Not the Depend, but those things that look like sanitary napkins?
My water didn't break in public, but we were in childbirth class the evening before our son was born, and the exercises they were making us do made me get the giggles so bad that I *completely* wet my pants! I was saved from being utterly embarrassed because the room was darkened "for relaxation" and because I had a sweater to tie around my waist as we made our quick exit.
with my 2nd mine broke at home while I was sleeping, and it was a lot. I am due the 13th of Feb and am also a little worried it may happen in public this time. Depends are looking good right now!
It did not happen to me.....I was 2scheduled C-Sections. However, it did happen to a friend of mine.....in the middle of Babies R Us of all places. According to her it wasn't all that awful. Think of it this way, if it starts a conversation with someone, it may lead to a testimony. I got to share mine after hitting a deer one time. (how's that for remission of sin after shedding of blood?) I"m sure there is some type of spiritual application that could be made with this too.
I definitely had the same fear with both pregnancies - and I too had a towel in the car to sit on! With my daughter they broke my water about 20 minutes before she was born. With my son (who is nearly 3 months old), the towel proved to be a blessing as my water started breaking with every contraction about 2 minutes away from the hospital. I stood up out of the car, and the baby dropped (like, really dropped!) and there was a moment of realizing we might not make it inside! Yikes! So there's giant me (two weeks overdue) waddling through the emergency room with said towel stuffed down my pants - but honestly, I didn't really care about anything except not having the baby in the parking lot (or hallway, or anywhere that the frightened security would be involved!). And of course when I told the story to my parents (whose car I was driving), my dad interrupted to ask "You didn't wreck my car seat, did you?". Didn't matter his grandson was just about born in a deserted parking lot at 5 am in winter! Ah, gotta love it! Oh, and we did make it to maternity floor with about two minutes to spare - and a whole lot of adrenaline and thankfulness that God gave me the strength not to have the baby two minutes earlier!!
Do you think the percentage of waters breaking in public is so low because hugely pregnant women usually stick around home? :)
I lived out your fear 4 years ago when my daughter was born. I had been Christmas shopping all day with my mom and we met my husband for dinner that night. It was still 3 weeks away from my due date (Dec.8) and this was my first child. My husband and mom kept saying I should go ahead and have the baby since my mom was staying with us that night (she lived out of town). As soon as I finished my last bite of food, it happened. At first I wasn't sure what it was, but quickly realized my water was breaking. It was like a faucet had been turned on and would not stop. By the time I stood up my pants were soaking wet. Fortunately, the restaurant was dark so my mom got behind me and we made a quick exit to the car while my husband paid the bill. It makes for quite a story to tell.
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