Dear danigirl12,

When a pregnant woman says that her water broke, she is referring to her "bag of waters" — the amniotic sac. During pregnancy the amniotic sac protects the fetus from infection. As the fetus grows, the woman's uterus stretches. After about nine months, the muscles of the uterus begin to push the fetus through the vagina. This is called labor. Usually, the bag of waters breaks when a woman is going into labor. The amniotic fluid then gushes out through the woman's vagina.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.