What should you know about preterm prelabour rupture of membranes?

The membranes are the fluid-filled sac around the baby. A sudden gush is possible, but some people notice a slow, ongoing leak that can be mistaken for urine or discharge. Clinicians may examine the fluid, check your temperature and pulse, monitor fetal wellbeing and assess for contractions, bleeding or infection.

Management depends on gestational age, infection signs, bleeding, fetal condition and whether labour has begun. The team may discuss observation, antibiotics, corticosteroids or delivery when that is safer. Preterm labour can occur with membrane rupture, but leaking fluid itself does not show how labour will progress.

Contact your maternity unit immediately if you think your waters have broken before your due date. Use a clean pad to note the fluid's colour, smell and amount; do not use tampons or put anything into the vagina. Avoid sex until a clinician has assessed you, and bring your maternity records.

Tell the team about fever, pain, bleeding, contractions and fetal movement. Follow instructions about monitoring and medicines, and ask which changes require you to return without delay.

Seek urgent care for fever, chills, foul-smelling fluid, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, regular contractions or reduced fetal movement. Call emergency services for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe illness or a feeling that the baby is coming now.

Ask how the fluid loss was confirmed, whether infection is suspected, how your baby will be monitored, which medicines are recommended and what findings would make delivery safer than continuing the pregnancy.