Premature rupture of membranes is what symptom?

Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
Updated on December 28, 2024
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Premature rupture of membranes occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before regular contractions start. The most obvious symptom of this condition is vaginal discharge, which is involuntary, meaning it cannot be controlled, and the amount of fluid discharged is typically greater than normal vaginal discharge. Often, the fluid released after water breaking is clearer and thinner than normal vaginal discharge, which is typically thicker. The fluid can be colorless and transparent, indicating clarity, but it might appear slightly yellow if the amniotic fluid is not in good condition. Therefore, with these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine if the water has broken.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is premature rupture of membranes dangerous?

When preterm premature rupture of membranes occurs, it can have certain impacts on both the pregnant woman and the fetus. The risks of preterm premature rupture of membranes primarily include the possibility of umbilical cord prolapse, preterm birth, or infection during pregnancy. If the presenting part of the fetus has not descended and the umbilical cord slips into the vagina, umbilical cord prolapse can easily occur, which is very dangerous and can lead to fetal hypoxia or even stillbirth. After the rupture of membranes, bacteria originally present in the vagina may take this opportunity to enter the uterus, causing chorioamnionitis or endometritis. If the infection is not controlled in time, sepsis may also occur.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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.

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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 Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How can premature rupture of membranes be detected?

In the late stages of pregnancy, if abnormal vaginal discharge occurs, it is necessary to consider whether there has been premature rupture of membranes. The symptoms of premature rupture of membranes include abnormal vaginal discharge, which sometimes can be heavy and, at other times, may be less. It is often accompanied by a feeling of warmth, without any pain symptoms. If it is unclear whether the condition is due to premature rupture of membranes or urinary leakage, it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination. Doctors can distinguish between premature rupture of membranes and urinary leakage using pH paper, and sometimes further ultrasound examinations are needed to monitor the amniotic fluid volume, which can determine if there has been a premature rupture of membranes.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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Premature rupture of membranes is what symptom?

Premature rupture of membranes occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before regular contractions start. The most obvious symptom of this condition is vaginal discharge, which is involuntary, meaning it cannot be controlled, and the amount of fluid discharged is typically greater than normal vaginal discharge. Often, the fluid released after water breaking is clearer and thinner than normal vaginal discharge, which is typically thicker. The fluid can be colorless and transparent, indicating clarity, but it might appear slightly yellow if the amniotic fluid is not in good condition. Therefore, with these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine if the water has broken.