Bulging Bag of Water at 40 Weeks: What Does It Mean?

Question
Hi Andi!

I am currently 40 weeks pregnant. I was due 8/20. I went to the dr today, and during the check, he said my bag of water was bulging. What does that mean? This is my first pregnancy, and am pretty new to everything. Any input would help. Thank you!

Answer
HI Amanda,

WOW congratulations!

it is completely normal for the bag of water to be bulging now, you are totally ready and it is just a sign that labor will eventually begin. The baby is out of room! It is time for you to deliver soon. The baby is putting pressure on its bag of water (the amniotic sac) and forcing the bag to bulge into your cervix. Its a good sign!

Unfortunately it doesnt necessarily mean you will go into labor immediately; but it could  happen any minute now. No one but the baby knows!

Not that having sex is on your top list of favorite things to do right now, but if your doctor says it is OK,  it can help speed things along. Sperm has prostaglandins in it which can help soften your cervix and promote labor. It may or may not work, but your husband will be happy :-)

Also try lots of walking and make sure you stay hydrated... check with your doctor on this of course.

Also with a bulging bag of waters, the baby may be a little higher up, and if your water breaks (it may not!) it may gush out. My water never broke at all, they always had to break it at the hospital. So you could very well go into labor and start having contractions  and no water breaking, this is normal too. Early contractions may feel like strong menstraul cramps.

Good luck! I promise it wont be too much longer now, and soon you will be holding your baby in your arms. Trust me although it feels like the baby is never going to come out, it does!
I hope you have a good, painless speedy delivery!
andi