Will the fetus still move if the membranes rupture prematurely?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on October 25, 2024
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Premature rupture of membranes refers to the rupture of membranes before labor, with amniotic fluid leaking intermittently. Based on the timing of the rupture, it can be classified into term premature rupture of membranes and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Although amniotic fluid will leak after the membranes rupture, leading to a reduction in its volume, amniotic fluid continues to be produced. Therefore, the fetus will still continue to move actively inside the uterus. In most cases, there is no abnormality in fetal movements after membrane rupture. However, if the membranes have been ruptured for a long time, or if the fetus experiences intrauterine hypoxia due to other factors, a decrease or absence of fetal movements may occur. Thus, normally, fetal movements continue after membrane rupture, but they may decrease or disappear if hypoxia occurs.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the risks of premature rupture of membranes?

After premature rupture of membranes, the amniotic cavity is directly connected to the woman's vagina at this time, which primarily poses the risk of infection. If the fetus becomes infected, it is easy to lead to sepsis after birth, resulting in an increased mortality rate for the fetus. Additionally, it can cause bleeding in the fetus. Moreover, for the mother, there is a likely risk of placental abruption, which is due to the reduced abdominal tension after membrane rupture, making placental abruption more likely to occur. Furthermore, the mother is also prone to infections, which can easily lead to chorioamnionitis under these circumstances.

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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.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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Premature rupture of membranes is what symptom?

Premature rupture of membranes occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before regular contractions start. The most obvious symptom of this condition is vaginal discharge, which is involuntary, meaning it cannot be controlled, and the amount of fluid discharged is typically greater than normal vaginal discharge. Often, the fluid released after water breaking is clearer and thinner than normal vaginal discharge, which is typically thicker. The fluid can be colorless and transparent, indicating clarity, but it might appear slightly yellow if the amniotic fluid is not in good condition. Therefore, with these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine if the water has broken.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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What will happen to fetal movement if the membranes rupture prematurely?

Generally, if premature rupture of membranes occurs, it is necessary to clearly determine the specific development of the embryo and the specific gestational age. If the fetus is preterm with premature rupture of membranes, it is necessary to promptly provide anti-infection treatment and promote fetal lung maturity among other symptomatic treatments. If the fetus is already at term, it is important to closely monitor the specific condition of cervical dilation and abdominal pain to decide on the mode of delivery. Normally, premature rupture of membranes does not affect fetal movement at all. A fetal heart rate monitoring test can be conducted to clarify the specific situation of the embryo's development within the uterine cavity and whether there is any fetal hypoxia, to comprehensively analyze the situation.

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Can premature rupture of membranes be repaired?

The amniotic sac, once ruptured, cannot be repaired. It is a membrane that envelops the fetus and the amniotic fluid, providing protection against microbial invasion from the outside and preventing infection of the fetus. Once ruptured, not only can the amniotic fluid leak, leading to a decrease in its volume, but it can also lead to infections and the possibility of umbilical cord prolapse. Typically, rupture of the amniotic sac naturally leads to contractions. Therefore, if it is not yet full-term, it is important to prevent the rupture of the amniotic sac.