What are the risks of premature rupture of membranes?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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After premature rupture of membranes, the amniotic cavity is directly connected to the woman's vagina at this time, which primarily poses the risk of infection. If the fetus becomes infected, it is easy to lead to sepsis after birth, resulting in an increased mortality rate for the fetus. Additionally, it can cause bleeding in the fetus. Moreover, for the mother, there is a likely risk of placental abruption, which is due to the reduced abdominal tension after membrane rupture, making placental abruption more likely to occur. Furthermore, the mother is also prone to infections, which can easily lead to chorioamnionitis under these circumstances.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Does premature rupture of membranes require a cesarean section?

Premature rupture of membranes refers to the rupture of the membranes before labor begins, causing amniotic fluid to leak periodically from the uterine cavity. Pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes can choose either vaginal delivery or cesarean section. Simply having a premature rupture of membranes is not an indication for cesarean section, but in some special cases of premature rupture of membranes, a cesarean section may be necessary. First, if the mother has previously had a cesarean delivery and experiences premature rupture of membranes in a subsequent pregnancy, a cesarean may be chosen; second, if the fetal position is abnormal, such as breech or transverse lies, after the rupture of membranes, a cesarean may be necessary; third, cesarean can be considered if fetal hypoxia occurs. For typical cases of premature rupture of membranes, a vaginal delivery can be attempted, but during the process, it is important to enhance fetal heart monitoring. If severe complications such as fetal hypoxia or placental abruption occur, it may be necessary to switch from vaginal delivery to cesarean section.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can premature rupture of membranes recover?

Premature rupture of membranes cannot be reversed. This means that the patient's membranes rupture before labor begins, and the ruptured membranes cannot be restored to their original, unruptured state. When the membranes rupture, most patients will feel fluid leaking from the vagina, and the patient does not experience abdominal pain or any sensation of being about to give birth; this is referred to as premature rupture of membranes. Upon discovering this condition, the first step is to have the patient rest in bed, as this situation can easily lead to the exposure of the fetal umbilical cord, which can endanger the child's life.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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How is premature rupture of membranes diagnosed?

Premature rupture of membranes refers to the rupture of the membranes before the onset of labor, followed by the leakage of amniotic fluid. It is necessary to distinguish premature rupture of membranes from increased vaginal discharge and urinary incontinence. The methods to diagnose premature rupture of membranes include the following aspects: First, symptomatically, after the rupture of membranes, a clear liquid intermittently leaks from the vagina, accompanied by mild abdominal pain or bloody show. Second, after the rupture of membranes, the liquid leaking from the vagina can be tested with pH paper, which in most cases will change color, confirming the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes. Third, an ultrasound can be used to observe a reduction in the amount of amniotic fluid within the amniotic cavity. Fourth, the leaking fluid can be examined under a microscope to observe "fern-like" crystallization, which can also confirm the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What fruits are good to eat when membranes rupture prematurely?

When premature rupture of membranes occurs, pregnant women can moderately consume some fruits that have a low sugar content. It is also important to eat fruit between meals in appropriate amounts, not excessively, as it might affect normal eating. Neutral fruits are recommended, including pomegranates, lemons, oranges, grapes, apples, olives, pineapples, and bananas, all of which are suitable to eat after premature rupture of membranes. Additionally, fruits such as kiwis, cherries, crabapples, and loquats can be consumed to supplement vitamins and folic acid. Fruits rich in Vitamin C such as tangerines, and also oranges and grapefruits, are also good options.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long can premature rupture of membranes last?

When premature rupture of membranes occurs, it can last up to 24 hours. If labor has not commenced 24 hours after rupture, pregnancy termination becomes necessary, and one can either induce labor to facilitate a vaginal delivery or opt for a cesarean section. For ruptures occurring between the 28th and 35th weeks of pregnancy, as the baby's lungs are not yet fully developed, it is crucial to administer medication promptly to help mature the fetal lungs and extend the gestational period as much as possible. Once the fetal lung development is adequate, pregnancy should be terminated in a timely manner. For cases of premature rupture of membranes occurring after 36 weeks of pregnancy, where fetal development is generally mature, pregnancy can be terminated more promptly.