Rupture of membranes

The rupture of membranes is a term used during pregnancyof the reproductive femaleto describe a rupture of membranes. A premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a rupture that occurs prior to labourin childbirth.

Maternal risk factors for a premature rupture of membranes include chorioamnionitisor sepsis. Fetal factors include prematurity, infection, cord prolapse, or malpresentation.

Assessment of a rupture of membranes involves taking a proper medical history, a gynecological examusing a speculum, nitrazine, cytologic(ferning) tests, and ultrasound.

In terms premature rupture of membranes situations, spontaneous labour should be permitted, with an induction of labour at approximately 6 hours if it has not already begun, and Group B Streptococcalprophylaxis at 18 hours.

In premature birthpremature rupture of membranes, antibiotictherapy should be given to decrease the risk of sepsis. Ampicillinor erythromycinshould be administered for 7 days, and antenatal steriodsif the gestational ageis less than 30 weeks. Tocolysisis also used, though its use in this context is controversial. The mother should be admitted to hospital and put under careful surveillance for preterm labour and chorioamnionitis. Induction of labour should happen at around 36 weeks.

Types

• PROM = prelabor or premature rupture of membranes
• PPROM = preterm, prelabor rupture of membranes
• AROM = artificial rupture of membranes
• SROM = spontaneous rupture of membranes

External links

• Merck Manual: Premature rupture of membranes

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It uses material from the Wikipedia article Rupture of membranes.