PPROM risk factors: what to know

Your maternity team may ask about a previous preterm birth or earlier rupture of the membranes, vaginal or urinary infection, bleeding during pregnancy, cervical shortening or a procedure involving the cervix. Problems affecting the placenta, fluid around the baby or the uterus may also be relevant. Smoking and some underlying health conditions can affect pregnancy wellbeing, so share your full history without self-blame.

Having a risk factor does not confirm that PPROM will happen, and not having one does not rule it out. The cause is often not identifiable. A cerclage, which is a stitch placed around the cervix, is a separate part of the clinical picture and needs individual review if fluid leakage occurs.

Keep scheduled antenatal visits and tell your clinician about unusual discharge, pelvic pressure, bleeding, pain or suspected fluid leakage. Take prescribed medicines as directed and ask before using a new medicine during pregnancy. If you have had PPROM or a preterm birth before, ask whether your pregnancy needs extra cervical, infection or fetal monitoring.

If PPROM is diagnosed, the team may discuss an antenatal steroid injection and may later consider induction of labour when birth is safer or clinically necessary. See [Antenatal Steroid Injection](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-corticosteroid-injection/) and [Induction of Labour](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/induction-of-labour/).

Go to urgent maternity assessment if you notice a sudden gush or continuing trickle of fluid, fever, chills, abdominal tenderness, contractions, vaginal bleeding, offensive-smelling fluid or reduced fetal movements. These symptoms need assessment because infection, labour or fetal concerns can require prompt treatment, regardless of whether you know any risk factor.

Ask which factors apply to your pregnancy, whether you need additional monitoring, how infection is assessed, and what symptoms should trigger an immediate call. If you have a previous history, ask what early warning plan and birth plan are appropriate for you.