PPROM: How long until labour?

PPROM is when the membranes around the baby rupture before labour starts and before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Some people develop contractions shortly after the fluid leak, while others have no contractions for a while. The care team balances the benefits of allowing more time for development against the risks of infection and other complications. Assessment may include your temperature, pulse, blood tests, fetal heart monitoring, ultrasound, and examination of the fluid. The exact plan changes with gestational age, signs of labour, the baby's condition, and whether infection is suspected.

Contact your maternity unit promptly if you think your waters have broken, even if the leak is small or stops. Use a clean pad to observe the fluid, and note its colour, smell, and when the leaking began. Avoid putting anything in the vagina, including tampons, and follow instructions about bathing, sex, activity, and examinations. Your team may recommend observation in hospital, antibiotics, medicines to support fetal lung development, or planning birth when continuing the pregnancy is no longer safer. Information about an antenatal steroid injection and induction of labour can help you understand options.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for fever or chills, feeling unwell, worsening abdominal or back pain, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling or green fluid, vaginal bleeding, regular contractions, or reduced fetal movement. These signs can indicate infection, labour, or a problem needing immediate review. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if symptoms change.

Ask how far along the pregnancy is, what monitoring you need, which symptoms would change the birth plan, and how fetal wellbeing will be checked. You can also ask why waiting or delivery is recommended, what medicines are being considered, and who to contact overnight.