Around 12 days after conception, an amniotic sac forms in your uterus. This amniotic sac will house your baby for the duration of your pregnancy. The amniotic sac is full of water (amniotic fluid), which helps to cushion your baby and the umbilical cord.

At some point toward the end of your pregnancy, your amniotic sac may “rupture.” We usually hear this referred to as your “water breaking”. Sometimes this happens before labor, sometimes it happens during labor, during pushing, and sometimes it doesn’t happen until after your baby is born. If your water doesn’t break on its own, your baby can either be born in the amniotic sac, referred to as “en caul”, or your provider can break your water at some point during labor. This process of your provider breaking your water for you is referred to as “artificial rupture of membranes” (AROM).

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