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

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on June 20, 2025
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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 Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
58sec home-news-image

What are the risks of premature rupture of membranes?

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor, resulting in intermittent discharge of amniotic fluid from within the uterine cavity. PROM carries the following risks: Firstly, once rupture occurs, pathogens within the vagina can enter the uterine cavity through the cervix, easily leading to infections within the uterine cavity. Severe cases can cause maternal infections, leading to sepsis or septic shock. Secondly, an infection in the uterine cavity can easily cause fetal hypoxia in utero, or even stillbirth. Thirdly, when PROM occurs, the intermittent outflow of amniotic fluid can lead to prolapse of the umbilical cord. Fourthly, PROM can cause a decrease in the pressure within the uterine cavity, which may lead to the detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall, causing placental abruption.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can premature rupture of membranes recover?

Premature rupture of membranes cannot be reversed. This means that the patient's membranes rupture before labor begins, and the ruptured membranes cannot be restored to their original, unruptured state. When the membranes rupture, most patients will feel fluid leaking from the vagina, and the patient does not experience abdominal pain or any sensation of being about to give birth; this is referred to as premature rupture of membranes. Upon discovering this condition, the first step is to have the patient rest in bed, as this situation can easily lead to the exposure of the fetal umbilical cord, which can endanger the child's life.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Can an ultrasound detect premature rupture of membranes?

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the rupture of amniotic fluid before labor. The most common diagnostic method for PROM is based on the clinical symptoms of the patient, mainly intermittent vaginal discharge. PROM can be confirmed using pH test strips specific for this condition. Ultrasound can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic method for PROM because most pregnant women with PROM will show a decreased amount of amniotic fluid during an ultrasound. However, the specificity of using ultrasound to determine PROM is not strong. Although the membranes may rupture, amniotic fluid can still be continuously produced, so some pregnant women may still have a normal amount of amniotic fluid during an ultrasound. Therefore, in most cases of PROM, a reduction in amniotic fluid can be observed through ultrasound, but there are cases where the amniotic fluid level appears normal. In such instances, it's essential to analyze the patient's clinical symptoms.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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 Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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Premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes means that the membranes have ruptured before the onset of labor, before the onset of regular abdominal pain, and the amniotic fluid has already flowed out. This condition is called premature rupture of membranes. Premature rupture of membranes can be harmful. Firstly, after the rupture of the membranes, the barrier of the membranes is gone, which can easily lead to infection. Additionally, after the rupture of the membranes, since the umbilical cord is still very slippery, it can easily fall out with the flow of the amniotic fluid. Once the umbilical cord prolapses, and if the fetal head compresses the umbilical cord, the fetus will not have blood supply, the fetal heart rate will slow down, or even cease, leading to fetal death in utero, etc. Therefore, after the occurrence of premature rupture of membranes, also commonly known as water breaking early, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.