Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes

Published on 09/03/2015 by admin

Filed under Obstetrics & Gynecology

Last modified 22/04/2025

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Chapter 36 Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes

Definitions. Prelabour (premature) rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to membrane rupture before the onset of uterine contractions irrespective of gestational age. Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) refers to membrane rupture before the onset of uterine contractions in a pregnancy that is <37 completed weeks of gestation.

Incidence. PROM occurs in 10% of all pregnancies. PPROM occurs in 3% of pregnancies and is responsible for, or associated with, approximately one-third of preterm births.

Clinical significance of PPROM

Both mother and fetus are at risk from complications associated with PPROM.

Management of PPROM

The management of PPROM is determined by several factors, including:

These factors need to be considered in each case and a decision made as to whether conservative or aggressive management is most appropriate.

Delivery is indicated when the risk to the fetus of complications of prematurity are outweighed by the risks to the mother/fetus of complications of PPROM.