What it means
Also read as preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Once the sac is open, germs can reach the uterus and the baby, and labor often follows, so the main risks are infection, preterm birth and cord compression. Care depends on how far along the pregnancy is: it may include antibiotics, a corticosteroid to mature the baby's lungs, and magnesium sulfate to protect the baby's brain when birth is expected very early.
For the nurse
Check temperature, fetal heart rate and the color and smell of the fluid, and report fever or foul-smelling fluid. Avoid finger vaginal exams unless the provider orders them.
At a glance
| Also written | preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes |
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Related terms
preterm labor
Labor that begins after 20 weeks and before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
rupture of membrane
The breaking of the amniotic sac, the bag of fluid around the baby, before or during labor.
premature rupture of membranes
Breaking of the amniotic sac (the "water breaking") before labor has started.