What Complications Can Arise From Premature Rupture of Membranes?

Reviewed by Suo Lee, MD

Internal Medicine

Complications from premature rupture of membranes can include infections for the mother and problems for the baby such as breathing difficulties and other issues related to being born too early.

Explanation

When your water breaks early, several problems might happen. First, the protective bag that kept the baby safe is no longer whole, so germs can get in more easily. This can lead to infections in the mother, like a condition called chorioamnionitis, which can make her feel sick with fever and pain. For the baby, being born too early can cause challenges like having trouble breathing because the lungs may not be fully developed. Other problems for the baby can include low birth weight or the risk of serious infections, sometimes called sepsis. In some cases, there can be issues with the umbilical cord, such as it slipping out too early, which might obstruct. All these risks are why doctors carefully monitor both the mother and baby if the water breaks early. They work to treat any infections quickly and help manage the timing of delivery to reduce these complications and keep both mother and baby as safe as possible.

(References)

Kilbride HW, Thibeault DW. Neonatal complications of preterm premature rupture of membranes. Pathophysiology and management. Clin Perinatol. 2001 Dec;28(4):761-85. doi: 10.1016/s0095-5108(03)00076-9. PMID: 11817188.
Al Riyami N, Al-Ruheili I, Al-Shezaw F, Al-Khabori M. Extreme preterm premature rupture of membranes: risk factors and feto maternal outcomes. Oman Med J. 2013 Mar;28(2):108-11. doi: 10.5001/omj.2013.28. PMID: 23599878; PMCID: PMC3628203.
Endale T, Fentahun N, Gemada D, Hussen MA. Maternal and fetal outcomes in term premature rupture of membrane. World J Emerg Med. 2016;7(2):147-52. doi: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2016.02.011. PMID: 27313811; PMCID: PMC4905872.
Bouvier D, Forest JC, Blanchon L, Bujold E, Pereira B, Bernard N, Gallot D, Sapin V, Giguère Y. Risk Factors and Outcomes of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes in a Cohort of 6968 Pregnant Women Prospectively Recruited. J Clin Med. 2019 Nov 15;8(11):1987. doi: 10.3390/jcm8111987. PMID: 31731659; PMCID: PMC6912547.

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