Premature rupture of membranes

PROM; PPROM; Pregnancy complications - premature rupture

Layers of tissue called the amniotic sac hold the fluid that surround a baby in the womb. In most cases, these membranes rupture during labor or within 24 hours before starting labor. Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) is said to occur when the membranes break before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Rupturing membranes

One of the first signs of labor starting is the appearance of a mucus plug, or what is sometimes called a bloody show. The bloody show is the discharge of a small amount of pinkish mucus that formed the barrier between the uterus and vagina during pregnancy. Shortly after the bloody show, another important event occurs: the amniotic sac ruptures and amniotic fluid begins to trickle out of the uterus and vagina. For some women, it can actually gush out in a stream. The rupturing of the amniotic sac, which surrounds and protects the baby, is commonly referred to as the water breaking. The combination of contractions, the bloody show, and water breaking indicates the first phase of labor starting.

What is PROM?

Why Does PROM Happen?

How do I Know I Have it?

What Will Happen?

What if I Have to Deliver My Baby Preterm (Early)?