For most full‑term pregnancies, labor starts soon after the water breaks and birth usually happens within about 24 hours, but it can be up to 48 hours in many cases. Health providers generally aim to have the baby delivered within 24–48 hours after the membranes rupture because infection risk slowly rises over time.

Typical timing

• Around 70% of people give birth within 24 hours of their waters breaking, and about 90–95% within 48 hours at term.

• If labor does not start on its own, many providers will recommend inducing labor after about 24 hours at term, sooner if there are risk factors like Group B Strep or signs of infection.

Factors that change this

• Gestational age: If water breaks before 37 weeks, doctors may try to delay delivery with close monitoring, steroids, and antibiotics, so the baby may remain inside days to weeks depending on the situation.

• Health status: Fever, foul‑smelling fluid, uterine tenderness, or abnormal fetal heart rate usually push doctors to deliver sooner because they suggest infection or distress.

When to seek urgent care

• Go to the hospital or call your provider immediately if your water breaks and the fluid is green/brown, there is heavy bleeding, the baby is not moving normally, or you feel severe pain.

• If your water has broken and contractions have not started within a few hours (especially at term), contact your maternity unit or provider for individualized advice, as local protocols vary.