Learning About Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PROM)

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.

What happens when you have PROM?

• Labor usually starts soon after PROM. If it doesn't, your doctor or midwife may induce labor (use medicine to start it).
• The amniotic sac protects the baby from infection. After the sac is torn, the risk for infection is much higher. If you think your sac has broken open, avoid letting anything enter your vagina. Don't have sex or flush your vagina with fluid (douche).
• After the sac ruptures, the baby moves down into the pelvis. The baby may press on the umbilical cord. This is not common, but it can cut off the baby's oxygen and blood supplies. In that case the baby must be delivered quickly.

What are the symptoms?

• When your water breaks, it often feels like a large gush of water. Or it may feel like you're leaking a small amount of water.
• Water from the amniotic sac is usually clear or light yellow. Tell your doctor or midwife about any water you're leaking. Tell them right away if you have a fever and your water is dark or greenish, bad-smelling, or bloody.

How is PROM treated?

Your doctor or midwife will probably have you go to the hospital. If labor doesn't start on its own, you may be given medicines to start labor right away or after 12 to 24 hours. If your doctor or midwife 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.