Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes

Abstract

Premature rupture of fetal membranes increases maternal morbidity and perinatal mortality when labor does not ensue promptly. Two schools of management of this problem have developed: the activists, who favor induction of labor if it does not occur spontaneously within 24 hours, and the conservatives, who prefer close clinical observation with no manipulation until onset of labor. Both approaches are evaluated, and the cause, diagnosis and effects of premature rupture of membranes are discussed.