The Facts..
• Miscarriage is a possibility if PPROM occurs
before 20 weeks of pregnancy
• Premature delivery is a viable consequence if
PPROM occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy
• When membranes rupture, labor usually ensues.
The closer the due date, the sooner labor is likely
to begin
• PPROM poses a greater risk if it happens preterm,
before baby is ready to be born. Since the fetus is
not ready to live in the outside world, efforts will
be made to keep the pregnancy going
• The mother needs to be hospitalized if premature
rupture occurs irrespective of her being in labor or
not for the medical staff to determine the cause and
if delivery is imminent
• PPROM usually is a result of weakened membranes
that have lost its elasticity
• The probable but not conclusive cause is bacterial
infection; common invading bacteria are thought to be
group B streptococcus (GBS), bacterial vaginosis (BV)
among others
• If baby is 26 weeks or older the survival rate
is high; a course of corticosteroids will be given to
mature up baby's lungs quicker while it is still inside
• Delivery may be postponed anywhere from a few
hours to a few weeks
• A close watch will be kept in a hospital setting
with total bed rest |