What are PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes) and PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes)

A sac made up of membranes surrounds your baby in the womb (uterus). Rupture of membranes is when this sac breaks open. This is also known as your “water breaking.” When this sac breaks before labor starts, it is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM). If this happens before 37 weeks of being pregnant, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). PPROM is serious. It needs medical care right away.

What increases the risk of PPROM?

PPROM is more likely to happen in women who:

• Have an infection.
• Have had PPROM before.
• Have a cervix that is short.
• Have bleeding during the second or third trimester.
• Have a low BMI. This is a measure of body fat.
• Smoke.
• Use drugs.
• Have a low socioeconomic status.

What problems can be caused by PROM and PPROM?

This condition creates health dangers for the mother and the baby. These include:

• Giving birth to the baby too early (prematurely).
• Getting a serious infection of the placenta (chorioamnionitis).
• Having the placenta detach from the uterus early (placental abruption).
• Squeezing of the umbilical cord.
• Getting a serious infection after delivery.

What are the signs of PROM and PPROM?

• A sudden gush of fluid from the vagina.
• A slow leak of fluid from the vagina.
• Your underwear is wet.

What should I do if I think my water broke?

Call your doctor right away. You will need to go to the hospital to get checked right away.

What happens if I am told that I have PROM or PPROM?

You will have tests done at the hospital.

• If you have PROM, you may be given medicine to start labor (be induced). This may be done if you are not having contractions during the 24 hours after your water broke.
• If you have PPROM and are not having contractions, you may be given medicine to start labor. It will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

If you have PPROM:

• You and your baby will be watched closely to see if you have infections or other problems.
• You may be given:
  • An antibiotic medicine. This can stop an infection from starting.
  • A steroid medicine. This can help your baby’s lungs develop faster.
  • A medicine to help prevent cerebral palsy in your baby.
  • A medicine to stop early labor (preterm labor).
• You may be told to stay in bed except to use the bathroom (bed rest).
• You may be given medicine to start labor. This may be done if there are problems with you or the baby.

Your treatment will depend on many factors.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your water breaks and you are not having contractions.

Get help right away if:

• Your water breaks before you are 37 weeks pregnant.

Summary

• When your water breaks before labor starts, it is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
• When PROM happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
• If you are not having contractions, your labor may be started for you.