PROM & PPROM Flashcards
Rupture of the amniotic sac (chorion & amnion)
Membranes
Before labor begins, regardless of gestational age
Prelabor
Before 37 weeks AOG
Premature
Also known as bag of water or panubigan
Amniotic sac
Spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of labor at greater than or equal to 37 weeks of gestation.
PROM (Prelabor Rupture of Membranes)
Spontaneous rupture of membranes before 37 weeks gestation, before labor begins.
PPROM (Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes)
Ideal time for SROM to occur
- during active labor
- just before delivery
Risk Factors of PROM & PPROM
- Maternal infections
- Chrorioamnionitis
- History of PROM / PPROM
- Smoking, illicit drug use
- Polyhydramnios or multiple gestation
- Cervical insuffiency, history of cervical procedures
- maternal nutritional deficiency
- Trauma or invasive procedures
- Fetal malpresentation
Why is cervical insufficiency, or history of a cervical procedure a risk factor of PROM & PPROM
A weak cervix can’t support the weight of the amniotic sac leading to rupture
Signs & Symptoms
- Gush or leakage of fluid from the vagina
- Pool of amniotic fluid in the lower part of the vagina
- Most accurate sign to diagnose PROM
- Amniotic fluid leaking out from external os as per speculum examination.
Pool of amniotic fluid in the lower part of the vagina
If Diagnosis is still uncertain, these tests will help
- Nitrazine test
- Fern Test
- Ultrasound
Vaginal fluid pH test
- If paper turn blue, fluid is alkaline = amniotic sac
- There are other alkaline secretions that may interfere with results: blood, semen, meconium
Nitrazine Test
Microscopic crystallization pattern or a ferning pattern of dried amniotic fluid
Fern Test
Assess AFV 🡪 Oligohydramnios
Ultrasound
Why are routine vaginal exams avoided after PROM?
Risk of infection increases significantly
Maternal Risks
- Infection
- Placental abruption
- Maternal sepsis
Why is Placental abruption a maternal risk?
AF is decreased, cushioning effect is lost 🡪 fetus can put pressure on placenta
Fetal Risks
- Infection
- Preterm birth
- Cord prolabse / Cord compression
- Neonatal sepsis
- Placental abruption
- Fetal demise
Management for Term PROM (≥ 37 weeks)
- Expectant management (watchful waiting)
- Induction of labor - oxytocin admnistration
- Antibiotics
Management for PPROM (<34 weeks)
- Expectant management
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- Tocolytics is generally not recommended
What are corticosteroids for (ex. betamethasone or dexamethasone)
To enhance fetal lung maturity
Managment for PPROM (34-36 6/7 weeks)
- Delivery is usually recommended
- GBS prophylaxis if indicated
Management for Signs of infection or fetal distress
Immediate delivery of the baby