Premature rupture of membranes complications

Written by Su Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on December 24, 2024

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The complications of premature rupture of membranes mainly include two aspects. The first is the impact on adults, that is, on the mother. It can lead to chorioamnionitis, causing severe infection, sepsis, and an increased chance of cesarean delivery. The second is the impact on the fetus. If premature rupture of membranes occurs, it may lead to fetal distress in utero, fetal death in utero, and neonatal infection. For instance, pneumonia caused by inhalation, neonatal asphyxia, and severe cases leading to death, etc. Once the symptoms of premature rupture of membranes are detected, it is necessary to be hospitalized as soon as possible to take the necessary treatment measures.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

57sec

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How long can premature rupture of membranes last?

When premature rupture of membranes occurs, it can last up to 24 hours. If labor has not commenced 24 hours after rupture, pregnancy termination becomes necessary, and one can either induce labor to facilitate a vaginal delivery or opt for a cesarean section. For ruptures occurring between the 28th and 35th weeks of pregnancy, as the baby's lungs are not yet fully developed, it is crucial to administer medication promptly to help mature the fetal lungs and extend the gestational period as much as possible. Once the fetal lung development is adequate, pregnancy should be terminated in a timely manner. For cases of premature rupture of membranes occurring after 36 weeks of pregnancy, where fetal development is generally mature, pregnancy can be terminated more promptly.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

43sec

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Can you still have a natural birth if the membranes rupture prematurely?

Whether a natural delivery is possible after premature rupture of membranes depends on the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus. If the woman's pelvis is normal and there are no signs of intrauterine hypoxia in the baby, then a natural delivery can be conducted. If, during natural delivery, the baby shows signs of hypoxia or the woman's pelvic conditions are not favorable, a cesarean section should be performed promptly after the premature rupture of membranes. If delivery cannot be achieved naturally within 24 hours after the premature rupture of membranes, it is crucial to prevent infection.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

52sec

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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 Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

1min 4sec

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What should I do if the membranes rupture prematurely?

If it occurs before the baby is full-term and there is premature rupture of membranes, efforts should be made to preserve the pregnancy and prolong its duration. It is necessary to rest in bed, maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia, and closely monitor the condition of vaginal discharge, contractions, and whether the mother has any infections. If more than 12 hours have passed since the rupture of membranes, antibiotics should be administered to prevent infection, which can help prevent neonatal pneumonia and also reduce the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage in the baby, as well as decrease the incidence of chorioamnionitis and postpartum endometritis. Medications that inhibit uterine contractions should be used if contractions occur. Additionally, medications that promote the maturation of the fetal lungs should be used to prevent preterm birth, which can lead to breathing difficulties.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min 6sec

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Premature rupture of membranes how is it shown on ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a commonly used auxiliary method for diagnosing premature rupture of membranes. After the membranes rupture prematurely, amniotic fluid intermittently leaks out from the uterine cavity, but the production of amniotic fluid often cannot keep up with the leakage. Therefore, the majority of pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes will experience a reduction in amniotic fluid volume. Ultrasound will reveal that there is still a small amount of amniotic fluid in the amniotic cavity, but the volume is much lower than the normal range; the maximum depth of the amniotic fluid should be less than three centimeters, and the amniotic fluid index should be less than eight centimeters, which is a common occurrence. However, sometimes, if not much amniotic fluid leaks out after premature rupture of membranes, the ultrasound may sometimes show that the amniotic fluid volume is normal. In such cases, it is necessary to combine this finding with the patient's clinical symptoms to jointly determine the presence of premature rupture of membranes.