Premature rupture of membranes' impact on the fetus

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on May 09, 2025
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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 Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Can premature rupture of membranes lead to a vaginal delivery?

If symptoms of premature rupture of membranes occur, further examination is still necessary to determine the specific mode of delivery. If there is only an early rupture of the membranes without systemic infectious symptoms, a comprehensive assessment of the development size of the fetus inside the uterine cavity, the specific amount of amniotic fluid, and the condition of the birth canal should be conducted. If there are no abnormalities, it is possible to attempt vaginal delivery. During the trial of labor, it is also necessary to closely monitor the changes in the amniotic fluid and the condition of the fetal heart rate. If any abnormalities occur, there is also the possibility of switching to an emergency cesarean section at any time.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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 Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Will there still be fetal movement if the membranes rupture early?

When premature rupture of membranes occurs, amniotic fluid will leak intermittently, which can cause some pregnant women to worry about fetal hypoxia or even lack of fetal movement inside the womb. However, this concern is misguided. Although the amniotic fluid may leak intermittently when membranes rupture prematurely, new amniotic fluid is continuously produced to replenish it. Thus, the fetus will still be active within the uterus and fetal movements can still be felt. However, after premature rupture of membranes, it is crucial to monitor whether the frequency of fetal movements is normal. This is because the chances of fetal hypoxia or intrauterine infection can increase after membrane rupture, and monitoring fetal movements is one of the simplest and most effective ways to assess the fetal condition in the uterus. If a decrease in fetal movements is observed, it is imperative to promptly carry out fetal heart monitoring or assess the overall condition of the pregnant woman. If fetal hypoxia is confirmed, it may be necessary to terminate the pregnancy swiftly.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Premature rupture of membranes requires what examinations?

To diagnose premature rupture of membranes, first, a pH test of the vaginal fluid must be conducted. The normal pH value of vaginal fluid in women ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, whereas the pH of amniotic fluid ranges from 7.0 to 7.5. If the membranes have ruptured prematurely, the pH value would be greater than 6.5. Additionally, a smear test of the vaginal fluid can be done by placing vaginal secretions under a glass slide and examining them under a microscope. If fern-like crystals are observed, this indicates the presence of amniotic fluid. Furthermore, an ultrasound examination can be conducted. If the ultrasound shows a rapid decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid, this can assist in the diagnosis.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Premature rupture of membranes causes

Premature rupture of membranes is a common complication during pregnancy, which can easily lead to intrauterine infection of the fetus and preterm delivery. The main causes of premature rupture of membranes include the following aspects: First, the most common cause is an infection in the vagina, which then leads to an ascending infection, triggering chorioamnionitis. When chorioamnionitis occurs, the fragility of the membranes increases, making them prone to rupture, leading to the leakage of amniotic fluid. Second, the membranes can rupture due to a blunt impact on the abdomen, such as an accidental strong hit, which can cause the membranes to suddenly break, leading to premature rupture of membranes. Third, an excessive amount of amniotic fluid, due to various reasons, can increase the pressure inside the amniotic cavity, potentially leading to spontaneous rupture of the membranes. These are the various reasons for premature rupture of membranes.