What is prelabor rupture of membranes?
Before a baby is born, the amniotic sac breaks open. This causes amniotic fluid to either leak slowly or gush out. It's often called "having your water break." When this happens before contractions start, it is called prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM).
PROM can occur at any time during pregnancy before labor begins. Early PROM can happen before 37 full weeks of pregnancy. Then it's called preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, or pPROM.
Smoking while pregnant increases the risk of PROM.
How is PROM treated?
Your doctor will probably have you go to the hospital. If labor doesn't start in 12 to 24 hours, your doctor may want to induce. If your doctor is worried about infection, you may be given antibiotics.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.