Can premature rupture of membranes lead to a vaginal delivery?

Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

Updated on September 15, 2024

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If symptoms of premature rupture of membranes occur, further examination is still necessary to determine the specific mode of delivery. If there is only an early rupture of the membranes without systemic infectious symptoms, a comprehensive assessment of the development size of the fetus inside the uterine cavity, the specific amount of amniotic fluid, and the condition of the birth canal should be conducted. If there are no abnormalities, it is possible to attempt vaginal delivery. During the trial of labor, it is also necessary to closely monitor the changes in the amniotic fluid and the condition of the fetal heart rate. If any abnormalities occur, there is also the possibility of switching to an emergency cesarean section at any time.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min 3sec

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Can premature rupture of membranes be detected?

Premature rupture of membranes refers to the rupture of membranes before labor, manifested as vaginal discharge and abdominal pain, among other symptoms. The diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes is primarily conducted through the following methods: First, based on the patient's symptoms. The most typical symptom of premature rupture of membranes is the discharge of clear fluid from the vagina. This can generally be identified as amniotic fluid by the naked eye, which helps in diagnosing premature rupture of membranes. Second, if the amount of vaginal discharge is minimal, PH test strips can be used for detection. A change in the PH strip may indicate a diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes. Third, an ultrasound can also generally assess premature rupture of membranes, as the amount of amniotic fluid will decrease when the membranes have ruptured. These methods combined can confirm the presence of premature rupture of membranes.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

52sec

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Premature rupture of membranes requires what examinations?

To diagnose premature rupture of membranes, first, a pH test of the vaginal fluid must be conducted. The normal pH value of vaginal fluid in women ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, whereas the pH of amniotic fluid ranges from 7.0 to 7.5. If the membranes have ruptured prematurely, the pH value would be greater than 6.5. Additionally, a smear test of the vaginal fluid can be done by placing vaginal secretions under a glass slide and examining them under a microscope. If fern-like crystals are observed, this indicates the presence of amniotic fluid. Furthermore, an ultrasound examination can be conducted. If the ultrasound shows a rapid decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid, this can assist in the diagnosis.

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Written by Su Wen

Obstetrics and Gynecology

50sec

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Premature rupture of membranes complications

The complications of premature rupture of membranes mainly include two aspects. The first is the impact on adults, that is, on the mother. It can lead to chorioamnionitis, causing severe infection, sepsis, and an increased chance of cesarean delivery. The second is the impact on the fetus. If premature rupture of membranes occurs, it may lead to fetal distress in utero, fetal death in utero, and neonatal infection. For instance, pneumonia caused by inhalation, neonatal asphyxia, and severe cases leading to death, etc. Once the symptoms of premature rupture of membranes are detected, it is necessary to be hospitalized as soon as possible to take the necessary treatment measures.

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Written by Liu Wen Li

Obstetrics

42sec

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Can premature rupture of membranes be repaired?

The amniotic sac, once ruptured, cannot be repaired. It is a membrane that envelops the fetus and the amniotic fluid, providing protection against microbial invasion from the outside and preventing infection of the fetus. Once ruptured, not only can the amniotic fluid leak, leading to a decrease in its volume, but it can also lead to infections and the possibility of umbilical cord prolapse. Typically, rupture of the amniotic sac naturally leads to contractions. Therefore, if it is not yet full-term, it is important to prevent the rupture of the amniotic sac.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

55sec

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The harms of premature rupture of membranes infection

After premature rupture of membranes, because the amniotic cavity is open, some pathogens can cause intrauterine infections through ascending infections. If an infection occurs after premature rupture of the membranes, the harm caused mainly affects the mother and fetus, divided into the following two aspects: First, the impact on the fetus is that it is easy for the fetus itself to become infected, which can lead to congenital neonatal infections after birth, and in severe cases, it may cause fetal death. Second, it can cause maternal infection. If the infection is only limited to the amniotic cavity, sometimes the impact on the mother is not significant. However, if the infection spreads locally, such as into the pelvic cavity, or spreads through the bloodstream, it can cause a systemic inflammatory response, sometimes causing high fever, and in severe cases, it can lead to septic shock.