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Complications - high risk

Premature Rupture of Membranes

When the bag of water (membranes) breaks before natural labor, it is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM). If this happens well before it is safe for the baby to be born, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Risks associated with pre-term premature rupture of membranes

infection
fetal stress from having too little amniotic fluid
potential for decreased oxygen to the fetus
with early rupture of membranes (between 26 – 28 weeks of pregnancy), the fetus is at increased risk for problems with bone and lung development.

If you suspect that fluid is leaking from the vagina, consult your physician. There is a simple test to determine whether it is amniotic fluid. A pH test will indicate a high or an alkaline reading in the presence of amniotic fluid, compared to the normal pH of low or acidic pH of vaginal secretions.

Treatment

monitoring for preterm labor
monitoring for signs of infection or fever
checking fetal well being (ultrasound and non-stress testing)
bed rest with limited activity
steroids may be given to help mature fetal lungs if premature delivery is anticipated.