What should you know about prolonged preterm premature rupture of membranes?

PPROM is a leak or gush of amniotic fluid before labour starts and before the pregnancy reaches term. Fluid may continue to leak or appear as dampness, and it can be difficult to distinguish from urine or normal discharge. The care team may assess the fluid, temperature, pulse, blood tests, fetal wellbeing, contractions, and signs of infection. The plan depends on gestational age, infection risk, bleeding, labour, fetal condition, and local maternity guidance.

Contact your maternity unit immediately and follow its instructions for assessment. Use a clean pad to observe colour and amount; avoid tampons, vaginal intercourse, and swimming until you have been examined. Do not insert anything into the vagina or rely on a home test to decide that care is unnecessary. In hospital, clinicians may discuss observation, antibiotics, an Antenatal Steroid Injection, and the timing of birth. Induction of Labour may be considered when birth is safer than continuing the pregnancy.

Go to urgent maternity care for fever, chills, feeling unwell, foul-smelling or green fluid, vaginal bleeding, abdominal tenderness, regular contractions, or reduced fetal movement. Seek immediate help for severe pain or if the umbilical cord or a part of the baby is visible or felt in the vagina.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, how infection and fetal wellbeing will be monitored, and what activity restrictions apply. Ask why medicines are recommended, what would trigger delivery, how neonatal care may be arranged, and whom to call if fluid, pain, temperature, or movements change.