Prelabor Rupture of Membranes

Prelabor rupture of membranes, previously known as premature rupture of membranes, is breakage of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor, usually experienced as a painless gush or a steady leakage of fluid from the vagina. Complications in the baby may include premature birth, cord compression, and infection, while complications in the mother may include placental abruption and postpartum endometritis; risk factors include infection of the amniotic fluid, a prior episode, bleeding in later pregnancy, smoking, and being underweight. It occurs in approximately 8 percent of term pregnancies and roughly 30 percent of preterm pregnancies.