|
Rupture of the Membranes
 |
The rupture of the membranes is the breaking
of the containing
the foetus and amniotic fluid, usually followed by the first stage of
birth: . This process is also
referred to as the water breaking or breaking
of the water.
Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) refers
to leakage of amniotic fluid in the absence of labor irrespective of gestational
age. PROM before 37 weeks gestation is referred to as preterm premature
rupture of membranes (PPROM ). Overall, about 10% of all gestations are
complicated by PROM. At term, the incidence of PROM varies from 6 to 19%.
Nearly all women with PPROM will eventually deliver before term, and the
majority of these women will deliver within one week of rupture regardless
of their gestational age at the time of membrane rupture.
Risk factors for PROM include:
- There is evidence to suggest that when the membranes are stressed,
either by internal pressure due to labor or by infection, they are weakened
and have an increased susceptibility to premature rupture. Examples
of some organisms commonly associated with PROM include bacterial vaginosis,
,
mycoplasmae, , , .
- Maternal and fetal "stress" may also lead to the release
of stress mediators which may lead to PPROM.
-
-
-
-
The consequences of PROM for the neonate fall into three major overlapping
categories.
- Significant neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with
- and delivery that increase the risk for neonatal resuscitation
- Infection
In 50% of cases, bed rest and fluids given intravenously
are enough to delay delivery. The other 50%, however, may need a drug
that inhibits contractions of the uterus.
For further, more detailed information on this topic,
please refer to the reference source for this page.
The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken
from the following source(s) :
1.
Hygeia Foundation :
|
|
|
 From
(websites)
From
(def;articles & more)
Recent articles
from
|  |
|
Introduction
