Premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes is actually a common phenomenon before delivery. Female friends should not panic too much at this time. It may cause premature birth, but it does not mean that your baby will be in danger. You should still keep calm and give birth in time, so that your baby will not suffocate in the abdomen or even cause compression of the limbs.

Premature rupture of membranes is the spontaneous rupture of the fetal membranes before labor begins. Premature rupture of membranes at a gestational age of <37 weeks is also called premature (preterm) premature rupture of membranes. Premature rupture of membranes is the most common complication in the perinatal period, which can lead to an increase in premature birth rate, perinatal mortality, and intrauterine infection and puerperal infection rates. The causes of premature rupture of membranes include: trauma, relaxation of the internal cervical os, infection, increased amniotic cavity pressure, poor connection between the fetal presenting part and the pelvic entrance, and poor development of fetal membranes.

After the amniotic membrane ruptures, the pregnant woman may suddenly feel a large amount of fluid flowing out of the vagina, and the amount of fluid flowing may vary. If the rupture is large and the position is low, there will be more vaginal fluid flowing out. When the abdominal pressure increases (coughing, weight bearing, etc.), the amniotic fluid will flow out. A pool of fluid can be seen in the posterior fornix. The anterior amniotic sac cannot be palpated during vaginal examination. When the presenting part of the fetus is pushed up, amniotic fluid can be seen flowing out of the vagina. If the rupture is small or the membrane ruptures at a high position, the clinical manifestations will be atypical. It may be manifested as only a small amount of intermittent vaginal discharge, which may be mistaken for increased vaginal secretions.

Premature premature rupture of membranes basically makes premature birth inevitable, and can increase the chances of intrauterine infection and puerperal infection. The longer the time from premature rupture of membranes to delivery, the higher the chance of intrauterine infection. After the amniotic fluid flows out of the uterus, the amount of amniotic fluid is significantly reduced and cannot play a buffering role, which will lead to fetal growth retardation and fetal distress; local limbs are compressed, leading to abnormalities.

Premature rupture of membranes at full term generally does not affect the progress of labor. If the fetus is in an abnormal position or the pelvis is narrow, the presenting part cannot be connected to the pelvis, and the chance of umbilical cord prolapse increases when the amniotic fluid flows out. If the amniotic fluid flows out, the cervix may dilate slowly and the labor process may be prolonged; the uterine wall will stick to the fetal body, affecting the placental blood circulation and causing fetal intrauterine distress. If the fetus inhales infected amniotic fluid, pneumonia may occur.

It is important to attach importance to health guidance during pregnancy and prenatal examinations, and to detect and treat lower reproductive tract infections early. Strengthen health care during pregnancy, avoid weight bearing and trauma, prohibit sexual intercourse in the late pregnancy, and those with loose cervical os should undergo cervical cerclage around 14-16 weeks of pregnancy. If an abnormal fetal position is found, it should be corrected promptly if conditions permit and vigilance should be increased.