PROM
Also written as: PROM — Premature Rupture of Membranes
Premature rupture of membranes; rupture of amniotic sac before onset of labor.
Full Definition
Premature rupture of membranes refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac (bag of waters) before the onset of labor, regardless of gestational age. When this occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called preterm PROM (PPROM). PROM can lead to various complications including infection (chorioamnionitis), cord prolapse, and preterm delivery. Diagnosis is typically made through history, physical examination, and confirmatory tests. Management depends on gestational age, signs of infection, and fetal lung maturity. In some cases, expectant management with close monitoring is appropriate, while others require immediate delivery.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from PPROM (preterm PROM) and SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes during labor).
In Context
- "Patient presented with PROM at 35 weeks gestation, requiring admission for monitoring." — Labor and delivery admission note
- "The latency period following PROM was 18 hours before labor began." — Delivery summary