Nursing for premature rupture of membranes

The fetal membrane is an important tissue that protects the normal development and growth of the fetus. Generally speaking, the fetal membrane will rupture only when the fetus is about to be born. However, it cannot be ruled out that the pregnant woman may have the problem of premature rupture of membranes. After premature rupture of membranes occurs, the pregnant woman must go to the hospital for medical treatment in time and remember the doctor's instructions, otherwise there will be signs of premature birth. Let us now learn how to care for premature rupture of membranes.

The following are some of the nursing measures that can be taken for premature rupture of membranes:

1. Reduce anxiety and cooperate with treatment

The doctor should explain the current situation to the pregnant woman and her family, and explain the purpose and significance of the treatment measures taken by medical staff, guide them to cooperate with treatment and monitoring, assist the pregnant woman with various life care, and reduce the anxiety of the pregnant woman.

2. Prevent umbilical cord prolapse and promote perinatal health

If the fetal membrane has ruptured, the umbilical cord may slip out of the external cervical opening along with the amniotic fluid from the gap between the fetal presenting part and the pelvic entrance and drop into the vagina or even the vulva. This is called umbilical cord prolapse.

After premature rupture of membranes, an anal or vaginal examination should be performed immediately to understand the height of the presenting part, the condition of the cervical os, and whether there is umbilical cord prolapse. If the cervix is ​​not fully dilated and the presenting part has not entered the pelvis, you should immediately lie in bed in a side-lying position with your hips raised. Do not give enema, and listen to the fetal heart rate in time and carry out close monitoring. If the umbilical cord is found to be prolapsed and the cervix is ​​not fully dilated, oxygen should be inhaled immediately, and the umbilical cord should be returned to the uterine cavity while the patient is in the chest-knee position, with sterile gloves on, and preparations for an immediate cesarean section should be made. If the cervix is ​​fully dilated, immediate delivery should be assisted.

3. Prevent infection

① Keep the vulva clean, scrub the vulva twice a day, and change disinfected sanitary pads frequently.

② Observe the amount, nature, color, and odor of the amniotic fluid, and pay attention to whether it is mixed with meconium, especially in cases of head first presentation.

③ Observe changes in body temperature and measure it 4 times a day. If the body temperature rises, the white blood cell count increases, and the serum C-reactive protein increases, it indicates intrauterine infection and should be treated early.

④ Absolutely stay in bed and rest, and try to avoid rectal or vaginal examinations as much as possible. If necessary, they must be performed under sterile conditions.