T.A.C.O. - What to Note When Your Water Breaks

Think Your Water Has Broken? Remember This Acronym.

If you think your water has broken, a.k.a rupture of membranes, it’s important to remember this acronym and take note so you can share with your provider.

T - Time - What time did this occur?

A - Amount - Did you experience a movie-worthy gush of fluids or are you experiencing a slow trickle of fluids?

C - Color - What color was the fluid? Is there any greenish or brown/black color to the fluid? Amniotic fluid should be clear and if it isn’t , that could indicate that baby has passed meconium and your provider should be notified.

O - Odor - Does the fluid have a bad smell ? Amniotic fluid shouldn’t really have a smell , certainly not a bad smell. Let your provider know immediately if you notice an odor when your water breaks. This could indicate an infection.