How Is Premature Rupture of Membranes Defined in Medical Terms?

In medical terms, premature rupture of membranes means that the water, which is the fluid inside the amniotic sac surrounding the baby, breaks or leaks out before a woman starts having regular contractions that indicate the start of labor. When this happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). If the rupture occurs at or after 37 weeks, it is simply called PROM, even though labor may not immediately start. This definition helps healthcare providers decide on the best way to manage the situation based on how far along the pregnancy is. For example, if the rupture happens early, doctors carefully monitor for signs of infection or labor complications, while if it occurs at full term, they may wait to see if labor starts on its own or decide to induce labor if necessary. Understanding this definition is important so that both the mother’s and baby’s care can be planned and managed in the safest way possible.