12/06/2025
FAQ! Let our experienced midwives answer your questions 👇🏼
Yes, your waters can break in the pool, just as they can anywhere else.
The amniotic sac can rupture spontaneously when your body is ready, regardless of whether you’re in water, exercising, resting etc. However, this is uncommon; it usually only happens if your body is already preparing for labour. Exercise does not cause the waters to break, but if they are going to break soon, the physical movement and pressure from exercise (especially bouncing) might trigger it.
It may be harder to notice in a pool, as the fluid can mix with the water around you, making it less obvious. So, if you think your waters have broken, stop exercising and inform your instructor.
Here are five ways you can do in this situation:
1. Try to think back if you felt/feel a sudden sensation of a “pop” or release or shift (even if you don’t see fluid)
2. Get out of the pool, rinse, and dry your lower body well. Monitor for a warm gush of fluid, or an ongoing trickle.
3. Visually inspect your swimsuit for any fluid that is pink, red, green, or black. Assess any smell that may be different from chlorine or urine. Amniotic fluid may have a sweet or neutral smell
4. Monitor any other signs of labour - if your waters have broken, you might also notice the onset of contractions, backache, or a change in pelvic pressure soon afterwards.
5. Once you arrive home, lay comfortably with your feet propped up for around an hour. This will allow any fluid to gather, allowing for a trickle or gush when you stand.
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If you suspect you waters have broken seek medical advice immediately. Once the amniotic sac has ruptured, the protective barrier around your baby is gone, increasing the risk of infection for both you and your baby, especially since this may have happened in the pool.
Amniotic fluid should be clear or slightly pink. Green, brown, or foul-smelling fluid could indicate meconium, a sign your baby may be in distress and needs monitoring.
