The harms of premature rupture of membranes infection

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on February 11, 2025
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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.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Will the fetus still move if the membranes rupture prematurely?

Firstly, it is necessary to identify what the issue of premature rupture of membranes is. Premature rupture of membranes can occur during early pregnancy or the mid-to-late pregnancy stage and involves uncontrollable leakage of fluid from the vagina. If there is no umbilical cord prolapse after the rupture of membranes, the baby will definitely move. The most common issues following premature rupture of membranes are umbilical cord prolapse and infection, as well as a reduction in amniotic fluid. What should be done after premature rupture of membranes occurs? It is essential to remain in bed, raise the buttocks, and avoid getting out of bed. Getting out of bed increases the risk of umbilical cord prolapse, and following umbilical cord prolapse, fetal death in utero can occur, after which fetal movement will no longer be observed.

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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.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Can I have a bowel movement if my membranes rupture early?

According to the current situation, if premature rupture of membranes has occurred, it is first necessary to clarify whether the amount of vaginal discharge is within the normal range. If a large amount of amniotic fluid flows out of the vagina after activity, try to minimize movement as much as possible. Generally, it is necessary to adopt a left lateral recumbent position with the buttocks elevated, to reduce the outflow of amniotic fluid. It is also necessary to timely use antibiotics to control infection, assess the current progress of labor and the condition of the fetus, and decide on the specific mode of delivery. Normally, bowel movements can be performed, but try to minimize the number of times getting out of bed to avoid the continuous outflow of amniotic fluid or the occurrence of umbilical cord prolapse.

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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
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Can an ultrasound detect premature rupture of membranes?

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the rupture of amniotic fluid before labor. The most common diagnostic method for PROM is based on the clinical symptoms of the patient, mainly intermittent vaginal discharge. PROM can be confirmed using pH test strips specific for this condition. Ultrasound can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic method for PROM because most pregnant women with PROM will show a decreased amount of amniotic fluid during an ultrasound. However, the specificity of using ultrasound to determine PROM is not strong. Although the membranes may rupture, amniotic fluid can still be continuously produced, so some pregnant women may still have a normal amount of amniotic fluid during an ultrasound. Therefore, in most cases of PROM, a reduction in amniotic fluid can be observed through ultrasound, but there are cases where the amniotic fluid level appears normal. In such instances, it's essential to analyze the patient's clinical symptoms.