What are the potential outcomes of a preterm rupture of membranes for the baby?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This can lead to early delivery and increases the baby's risk of serious complications, including:

Infections in the mother or baby
Breathing problems due to underdeveloped lungs
Prematurity-related complications, such as feeding difficulties, low birth weight, and developmental delays

Because these risks can escalate quickly, early recognition is critical. If you're pregnant and noticing unusual symptoms like fluid leakage, cramping, or contractions, don't wait to find answers. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be happening, assess urgency, and guide your next steps—whether that's calling your OB, heading to the ER, or simply gaining peace of mind. Taking a few minutes now could protect both you and your baby.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

When amniotic fluid breaks too early, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This can lead to the baby being born before it is fully ready. Because the baby is born early, its lungs may not be mature enough to work properly. This can cause breathing problems that require care in a special unit (NICU). Also, an early birth increases the chance of infections, which can make the baby very sick. Infections may require urgent treatment. Babies born after PPROM can also face difficulties with feeding, keeping warm, and fighting off germs because their bodies are still developing. Some babies may have longer hospital stays and may need extra help as they grow up to reach normal development milestones. It is important to have careful monitoring and medical support to give these little ones the best chance for a healthy start in life. If you have concerns or notice signs of early water breaking, you can check your symptoms and contact your healthcare provider right away.

(References)

Dayal S, Jenkins SM, Hong PL. Preterm and Term Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PPROM and PROM) [Updated 2024 Oct 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Chandra I, Sun L. Third trimester preterm and term premature rupture of membranes: Is there any difference in maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes? J Chin Med Assoc. 2017 Oct;80(10):657-661. doi: 10.1016/j.jcma.2016.12.006. Epub 2017 Apr 18. PMID: 28431858.
Boettcher LB, Clark EAS. Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes Following Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2020 Dec;47(4):671-680. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2020.09.001. Epub 2020 Oct 7. PMID: 33121652.

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