Understanding Water Breaking During Pregnancy: Causes & What to Expect

Question
I was wondering what causes your water to break. I realize some peoples water doesnt break, but what causes it, the baby kicking? Contractions? etc.?  

Answer
Hello Heide. Your baby is surrounded by a bag of membranes like a big balloon- inside is the amniotic fluid(water) and the baby. If you have eaten very well during pregnancy the membranes will be very strong and will stay intact until you are 8-10 cm. dilated. Once contractions begin, the membranes are strained each time you have a contraction and eventually they "pop" or tear under the pressure of a contraction- just as if you squeezed a balloon until it popped. We like to see them stay intact until very advanced labor so that the baby's head is well protected from the pressure of the contractions as long as possible - hope that helps- Cheri.