What should you know about prolonged rupture of membranes complications?

Once the membranes have opened, the protective barrier around the pregnancy is no longer intact. Clinicians therefore watch for infection in the uterus, changes in your temperature or pulse, tenderness, and fluid that becomes foul-smelling or discoloured. Earlier rupture can also lead to preterm labour. A low fluid level may affect the baby's comfort or monitoring, while a cord slipping below the baby is an emergency. These complications are reasons for assessment and observation, not a prediction that they will happen. [Preterm Labour](/conditions/preterm-labour/) explains early labour in more detail.

Your team may check your observations, ask about the leak, examine the fluid safely, monitor the baby's heartbeat, and use ultrasound when helpful. They may recommend hospital observation or a planned review schedule. Antibiotics may be considered when infection prevention or treatment is needed. If birth is likely early, medicines to support fetal lung development may be discussed. The plan depends on pregnancy stage, infection concerns, contractions, bleeding, fetal movements, and the baby's condition.

Get urgent maternity help for fever, chills, worsening abdominal tenderness, feeling faint or unwell, regular contractions, vaginal bleeding, reduced fetal movements, green or bad-smelling fluid, or a cord-like structure at the vaginal opening. Call emergency services if you cannot safely travel or if heavy bleeding, severe pain, or collapse occurs.

Ask which complication you are monitoring for, how often observations and fetal checks will occur, what test results would change the plan, when antibiotics or steroids might be offered, and how to count movements. Clarify whom to call overnight and where to go if symptoms change.