Premature Rupture of Membranes　　

Posted by Healthfitline On Thursday, March 7, 2013
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is the breakage of the membrane that holds the amniotic fluid before 37th weeks of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that sorrounds the baby, with its main function been to protect and to cushion the baby. Premature rupture of membranes occurs in about 5% to 10% of pregnancies.
 
Causes of Premature Rupture of Membranes
What causes premature rupture of membranes is unknown but there are various risk factors that are associated with it.
  • Infection of amniotic membrane (chorioamnionitis). The most common cause.
  • Smoking
  • Previous history of uterine surgeries or uterine biopsies.
  • Previous history of premature rupture of membrane.
  • Poor nutritional status of the mother.
Symptoms of Premature Rupture of Membranes
  • Sudden flow of a clear liquid from vagina with consistent minimal leakage. This is usually the most noticeable sign.
  • Urinary incontinence, resulting from exertion of the ruptured membranes. Sometimes, a woman may confuse the amniotic leakage with urine.
Diagnosis of Premature Rupture of Membranes
In addition to taking the patient's history, the doctor may perform the following tests to diagnose a premature rupture of membranes;
 
  • A sterile vaginal examination to observe the amount of fluid flooded inside the vagina.
  • Testing of the amniotic fluid with a nitrazine paper. The paper appears blue if amniotic fluid is presence and yellow if urine is present.
  • Observation of the fluid through a microscope (ferning appearance).
  • A sonogram test to measure the amniotic fluid index.
  • A bacterial culture test may also be performed to access other possible causes, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Premature Rupture of Membranes Treatment and Management
If the labor does not begin within the next 24 hours and the baby is mature to survive outside the womb, the labor is usually induced (medications is administered to initiate labor). The longer the woman stays on the labor, the greater the chances of acquiring an infection.
 
If by the time when the membrane rupture the fetus is below 34 weeks and the fetus lung has not yet matured, the woman is put on bed rest in either the hospital or at home. A corticosteroid is then given to hasten the fetal lung maturity. During this time, antibiotic medications may also be given to prevent the women from acquiring an infection and to delay the labor. The mother and the fetus are then put under close monitoring and the baby is delivered as soon as the lungs have matured.
 
Complications of Premature Rupture of Membranes
Possible complications associated with premature rupture of membrane include;
  • Uterine and baby infection
  • The increased pressure from the leaking amniotic fluid may compress the umbilical cord leading to the baby not getting enough nutrients.
  • Lack of fluid is some areas sorrounding the fetus may lead to increased pressure on the baby, leading to abnormal fetal shape (fetal facial distortion).
  • Premature labor
Labels: home, Pregnancy, Premature Rupture of Membrane

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