The Ultimate Guide: Understanding Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM) During Labor (2024)

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).

Guest UserJune 30, 2022Labor, labor and birth, AROM Comments

Cervical Effacement: What is it and how to measure (2024)

If you are someone who has used a “fertility awareness” method or “natural family planning/NFP” to either prevent a pregnancy or try to conceive (TTC), you may be familiar with your cervix.

Tracking your cervical position, texture, and cervical mucus can give you some insight about when you’re in the fertile window of your cycle. These cervical changes, along with some other subtle bodily changes, can point to signs and symptoms of ovulation.

Knowing what your cervix is doing is not only helpful when you’re trying to conceive, but it also provides valuable information during pregnancy, labor, and birth.

What is a Midwife and Why Do You Need One? (2024)

Hopefully by this time in your life you’ve seen a care provider for your routine gynecological needs. This person could either be a doctor or a midwife (yes, midwives do routine well visits, place birth control, and counsel you about treatment options!).

Then you get pregnant. Now what? Well, you have a few options!