Is premature rupture of membranes dangerous?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on September 01, 2024

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When preterm premature rupture of membranes occurs, it can have certain impacts on both the pregnant woman and the fetus. The risks of preterm premature rupture of membranes primarily include the possibility of umbilical cord prolapse, preterm birth, or infection during pregnancy. If the presenting part of the fetus has not descended and the umbilical cord slips into the vagina, umbilical cord prolapse can easily occur, which is very dangerous and can lead to fetal hypoxia or even stillbirth. After the rupture of membranes, bacteria originally present in the vagina may take this opportunity to enter the uterus, causing chorioamnionitis or endometritis. If the infection is not controlled in time, sepsis may also occur.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

50sec

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Premature rupture of membranes' impact on the fetus

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor, primarily affecting the fetus in the following ways. First, PROM can easily lead to premature birth, which may cause immature development of the fetus, often requiring treatment in neonatology. Second, PROM can lead to infections within the uterine cavity, subsequently causing newborn infections that can lead to neonatal death. Third, during the treatment of PROM, complications such as placental abruption or umbilical cord prolapse may occur, which can easily cause intrauterine hypoxia or death of the fetus. For PROM, it is essential to undergo proper treatment and monitoring. If any abnormalities arise, it is crucial to terminate the pregnancy promptly.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min 25sec

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Precautions for Premature Rupture of Membranes

Premature rupture of membranes is a common condition during pregnancy, and the following aspects should be noted for premature rupture of membranes: First, it is essential to confirm the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes. Women who experience abnormal vaginal discharge should seek medical examination at a hospital to determine if there is premature rupture of membranes, as missed diagnoses that delay treatment are common in clinical practice. Second, it is crucial to follow standardized treatment for premature rupture of membranes. Depending on the gestational age, decisions on whether to attempt to preserve the pregnancy should be made. Generally, if the condition is stable before thirty-four weeks without fetal hypoxia or infection, it may be appropriate to prolong the pregnancy. After thirty-four weeks, since the viability of the fetus is generally higher, excessive prolongation of the pregnancy is not usually recommended. Third, it is important to prevent infection in cases of premature rupture of membranes. Once the membranes rupture, the amniotic cavity is exposed, making it easy for vaginal bacteria to enter and cause an intrauterine infection. Fourth, attention should be paid to rest in a recumbent position after premature rupture of membranes, as standing or being active might lead to prolapse of the umbilical cord.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

47sec

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Can premature rupture of membranes heal itself?

After the premature rupture of membranes occurs, it cannot heal by itself. Once premature rupture of membranes has occurred, there is no way to repair it. If a woman is already at term, she can give birth in a timely manner, choosing either a natural delivery or a cesarean section. However, if the membranes have ruptured prematurely and the baby is not yet full-term, conservative treatment is needed to extend the time the fetus can remain in the uterus as much as possible. At this time, it is also important to maintain local cleanliness and hygiene, and to regularly monitor the fetal heart rate to understand the safety and risk conditions of the fetus in the uterus.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

52sec

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Is it serious if the membranes rupture prematurely at 39 weeks of pregnancy?

At 39 weeks of pregnancy, if the membranes rupture suddenly, this condition is not serious. Membrane rupture at 39 weeks is also a sign of impending labor, and 39 weeks is already considered a full-term pregnancy. At this stage, the fetus is relatively large and mature, already considered a full-term baby, therefore, it is completely possible to give birth normally. For membrane rupture at 39 weeks, it is advisable to give birth as soon as possible. If natural labor contractions can be initiated, then one can wait to give birth on their own. If after observing for four to six hours, there are still no contractions, drugs can be used to induce labor to deliver the baby. In the vast majority of cases with membrane rupture at 39 weeks, the baby is fine, so the situation is not serious.

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Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

57sec

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Is the risk of infection high with premature rupture of membranes?

In general, after premature rupture of membranes, there is still a significant risk of intrauterine infection. Normally, after premature rupture of membranes, it is necessary to clearly determine whether the development size of the embryo inside the uterine cavity is mature, as well as the specific amount of premature rupture of membranes and vaginal discharge. If the rupture of membranes is severe and there is a large amount of amniotic fluid flowing out of the vagina, it generally may lead to a reduction in amniotic fluid and significantly increase the risk of infection. After confirming premature rupture of membranes, it is necessary to actively use antibiotics for symptomatic treatment to prevent infections, promote fetal lung maturity inside the uterine cavity, and reduce the risk of delayed lung function development in the fetus after childbirth.