Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) occurs when the amniotic sac (the membrane that surrounds the foetus) breaks before the start of labour. In Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), the membrane ruptures after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Meanwhile, the Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) is a membrane rupture that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature rupture of membranes is responsible for 40% of all spontaneous preterm births.

The exact cause of prom is unknown but it has been linked to infections in the uterus. Other risk factors for Premature Rupture of Membranes include a history of sexually transmitted infection, smoking during pregnancy, strenuous activity during pregnancy, low level of education, being of African ethnicity and difficult working conditions.

The symptoms of premature rupture of membranes are fluid leaking from the vagina, abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pressure and vaginal bleeding. Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) poses a greater risk of preterm delivery. The complications associated with it are neonatal death, learning disabilities, neurological problems, respiratory distress syndrome, umbilical cord compression, placental abruption and postpartum infection.

The Laboratory diagnoses of Premature Rupture of Membranes are the pH test of the vaginal fluid, Nitrazine test tape and the Microscopy and Culture of vaginal fluid or high vaginal swab.

Premature Rupture of Membranes can be managed by delivering the baby when labour comes itself or by inducing labour. To reduce the risk of Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM), minimal exercise should be done, smoking must be avoided and infections must be treated properly.

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References:

www.emedicine.medscape.com

www.healthline.com

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov