What is premature rupture of membranes? What causes premature rupture of membranes?

Under normal circumstances, the fetal membrane will rupture naturally before delivery, and the amniotic fluid will flow out. However, in daily life, due to physical reasons of the pregnant woman or external factors, the fetal membrane ruptures prematurely. What should we do? What does premature rupture of the fetal membrane mean? Does premature rupture of the fetal membrane mean that the amniotic fluid has broken?

What is premature rupture of membranes?

After 30 weeks of pregnancy, as the fetus continues to grow, the enlarged uterus presses on the bladder and causes frequent urination, which is normal. However, if bedwetting occurs, you should be alert to the possibility of premature rupture of membranes. Premature rupture of membranes is a common complication of delivery, which may cause various inflammations and needs to be vigilant.

Premature rupture of membranes, also known as broken water, refers to the spontaneous rupture of the membranes before labor. Premature rupture of membranes with a gestational age of <37 weeks is also called premature birth (preterm). The incidence of premature rupture of membranes before 37 weeks of pregnancy is about 2.0% to 3.5%. Preterm rupture of membranes (PPROM) is the most common complication in the perinatal period and can cause serious adverse consequences to pregnant women, fetuses and newborns. Premature rupture of membranes can lead to an increase in premature birth rates, perinatal mortality, and increased intrauterine and puerperal infection rates.

Symptoms of premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes is characterized by vaginal discharge without pain, which often occurs during sleep, coughing, or after urination or defecation. When premature rupture of membranes occurs, a large amount of water suddenly flows out of the vagina, which can soak underwear and comes and goes. The water that flows out is colorless, non-viscous, usually thin, and may be mixed with meconium or vernix caseosa.

Types of premature rupture of membranes

1. Premature rupture of membranes: The spontaneous rupture of membranes before delivery. Premature rupture of membranes at a gestational age of <37 weeks is also called premature (preterm) premature rupture of membranes.

2. Premature rupture of membranes at term: If it occurs after 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called premature rupture of membranes at term.

Common causes of premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes often occurs in the middle or late stages of pregnancy or before delivery, so every expectant mother should understand and master the knowledge of preventing premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy. Premature rupture of membranes often occurs in the following 7 situations:

1. The expectant mother has cervical insufficiency, which is mainly manifested by relaxation of the cervical opening.

2. Hypoplasia of fetal membranes.

3. Abnormal fetal position, cephalopelvic disproportion, twin or multiple pregnancy, or excessive amniotic fluid.

4. Sexual intercourse in late pregnancy.

5. The pregnant mother's abdomen is directly hit or squeezed or she coughs violently, the pregnant mother with constipation exerts too much force when defecating, does heavy physical work, etc.

6. The expectant mother suffers from reproductive tract inflammation, such as vaginitis, cervicitis, etc.

7. The expectant mother smokes, abuses drugs, and is malnourished. Generally, when premature rupture of membranes occurs, the expectant mother will suddenly feel a large amount of amniotic fluid flowing out of the vagina. The flowing amniotic fluid is slightly turbid and may be mixed with meconium or vernix caseosa. It comes and goes, and there is no pain.