Symptoms of premature rupture of membranes infection

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Premature rupture of membranes refers to the breaking of the fetal membrane before the onset of labor, followed by the leakage of amniotic fluid. The greatest risk of premature rupture of membranes is the potential to cause an infection in the amniotic cavity. The symptoms of infection due to premature rupture of membranes include the following aspects:

First, the smell and color of the amniotic fluid will change. The amniotic fluid may become purulent and have a foul smell, which suggests an infection within the amniotic cavity.

Second, blood tests can reveal elevated infection markers, primarily an increase in white blood cells and C-reactive protein well above the normal range.

Third, the patient may experience contractions or lower abdominal tenderness and rebound pain. When there is an infection in the amniotic cavity, symptoms of peritonitis may occur, along with manifestations of contractions, presenting as episodic pain in the lower abdomen. These are the symptoms of infection from premature rupture of membranes.

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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Premature rupture of membranes symptoms

Premature rupture of membranes refers to the rupture of the membranes before labor, and the symptoms of premature rupture of membranes include the following aspects: Firstly, a large amount of fluid will flow out of the vagina. Once the membranes rupture, amniotic fluid will flow out intermittently, releasing a colorless and odorless fluid, which will wet the underwear. Secondly, there may be a small amount of bleeding. When the membranes rupture, the capillaries at the edges of the membranes may bleed slightly, mixing with the amniotic fluid, resulting in some spotting or slight bleeding. Thirdly, there may be abdominal pain and the sensation of contractions. After the rupture of the membranes, this can stimulate the cervix, causing the release of inflammatory mediators from the cervix and inducing uterine contractions, leading to contractions and the sensation of abdominal pain. These are the symptoms of premature rupture of membranes.

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Can you walk with premature rupture of membranes?

In general, if premature rupture of membranes has already occurred, it is normally necessary to rest, avoiding standing and walking. Premature rupture of membranes mainly refers to the situation where the water breaks before the onset of labor pains. This means that the membranes have ruptured and amniotic fluid may leak out at any time. Standing or walking can easily lead to continuous leakage of amniotic fluid, resulting in a reduction of the fluid or prolapse of the umbilical cord due to the leakage. If the prolapsed umbilical cord causes compressive symptoms, the fetus can quickly die within the uterine cavity. Therefore, after confirming premature rupture of membranes, it is necessary to rest in bed with the buttocks elevated and closely monitor specific fetal heart changes.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Is the risk of infection high with premature rupture of membranes?

In general, after premature rupture of membranes, there is still a significant risk of intrauterine infection. Normally, after premature rupture of membranes, it is necessary to clearly determine whether the development size of the embryo inside the uterine cavity is mature, as well as the specific amount of premature rupture of membranes and vaginal discharge. If the rupture of membranes is severe and there is a large amount of amniotic fluid flowing out of the vagina, it generally may lead to a reduction in amniotic fluid and significantly increase the risk of infection. After confirming premature rupture of membranes, it is necessary to actively use antibiotics for symptomatic treatment to prevent infections, promote fetal lung maturity inside the uterine cavity, and reduce the risk of delayed lung function development in the fetus after childbirth.

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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.