Premature rupture of the amniotic membrane is not necessarily a problem if it occurs late in pregnancy. However, when it happens before week 37 of gestation, certain steps should be taken to ensure that your fetus has enough time for development in the womb.

PPROM may occur in women at risk for preterm labor. Other possible causes of PPROM include cervical incompetence and vaginal infection. If PPROM occurs prior to week 32, bed rest and frequent fetal heart monitoring may be recommended in an effort to prolong pregnancy until the fetal lungs mature. Antibiotics are administered to ward off infection in both fetus and mother, and steroids may be prescribed to speed lung surfactant production in the fetus.

If PPROM occurs after weeks 34 to 35, your physician will probably recommend inducing your labor since the risks of infection are usually higher than the risks of a premature delivery.