Premature rupture of membranes requires what examinations?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to prevent premature rupture of membranes?

The prevention of premature rupture of membranes primarily involves preventing infection. This is because the main cause of premature rupture of membranes is likely due to infection, though it can also be due to pelvic issues and irregular uterine contractions that stimulate the rupture. Therefore, those with a history of premature rupture of membranes should undergo relevant examinations early in pregnancy and receive prenatal care routinely, including tests for vaginal secretions. Even if one feels no discomfort, it is advisable to conduct an examination for vaginal pathogens and, if necessary, begin medication early. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Will the fetus still move if the membranes rupture prematurely?

Premature rupture of membranes refers to the rupture of membranes before labor, with amniotic fluid leaking intermittently. Based on the timing of the rupture, it can be classified into term premature rupture of membranes and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Although amniotic fluid will leak after the membranes rupture, leading to a reduction in its volume, amniotic fluid continues to be produced. Therefore, the fetus will still continue to move actively inside the uterus. In most cases, there is no abnormality in fetal movements after membrane rupture. However, if the membranes have been ruptured for a long time, or if the fetus experiences intrauterine hypoxia due to other factors, a decrease or absence of fetal movements may occur. Thus, normally, fetal movements continue after membrane rupture, but they may decrease or disappear if hypoxia occurs.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What should I do if the membranes rupture prematurely?

If it occurs before the baby is full-term and there is premature rupture of membranes, efforts should be made to preserve the pregnancy and prolong its duration. It is necessary to rest in bed, maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia, and closely monitor the condition of vaginal discharge, contractions, and whether the mother has any infections. If more than 12 hours have passed since the rupture of membranes, antibiotics should be administered to prevent infection, which can help prevent neonatal pneumonia and also reduce the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage in the baby, as well as decrease the incidence of chorioamnionitis and postpartum endometritis. Medications that inhibit uterine contractions should be used if contractions occur. Additionally, medications that promote the maturation of the fetal lungs should be used to prevent preterm birth, which can lead to breathing difficulties.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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What will happen to fetal movement if the membranes rupture prematurely?

Generally, if premature rupture of membranes occurs, it is necessary to clearly determine the specific development of the embryo and the specific gestational age. If the fetus is preterm with premature rupture of membranes, it is necessary to promptly provide anti-infection treatment and promote fetal lung maturity among other symptomatic treatments. If the fetus is already at term, it is important to closely monitor the specific condition of cervical dilation and abdominal pain to decide on the mode of delivery. Normally, premature rupture of membranes does not affect fetal movement at all. A fetal heart rate monitoring test can be conducted to clarify the specific situation of the embryo's development within the uterine cavity and whether there is any fetal hypoxia, to comprehensively analyze the situation.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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Premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes means that the membranes have ruptured before the onset of labor, before the onset of regular abdominal pain, and the amniotic fluid has already flowed out. This condition is called premature rupture of membranes. Premature rupture of membranes can be harmful. Firstly, after the rupture of the membranes, the barrier of the membranes is gone, which can easily lead to infection. Additionally, after the rupture of the membranes, since the umbilical cord is still very slippery, it can easily fall out with the flow of the amniotic fluid. Once the umbilical cord prolapses, and if the fetal head compresses the umbilical cord, the fetus will not have blood supply, the fetal heart rate will slow down, or even cease, leading to fetal death in utero, etc. Therefore, after the occurrence of premature rupture of membranes, also commonly known as water breaking early, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.