Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)

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Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)

Before a baby is born, the amniotic sac breaks open, causing amniotic fluid to either leak slowly or gush out. When this happens before contractions start, it is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

PROM can occur at any time during pregnancy before labor begins. Early PROM (before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy) may be referred to as preterm premature rupture of membranes, or pPROM.

PROM is typically unexpected, and the cause is often difficult to identify. Known causes of PROM include uterine infection; overstretching of the uterus, such as by twins or more or by an excess of amniotic fluid; and trauma, such as from a vehicle accident.

Labor usually begins shortly after PROM occurs. If PROM occurs after 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy and labor does not start within 12 to 18 hours, labor may be induced to reduce the risk of infection.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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