Rupture of Membranes (amniorrhexis)

The membrane of the amniotic sac developed for the last 9 months can get ruptures and start leaking amniotic fluid. This rupturing of membranes named as amniorrhexis means that your water bag has broken:

?       ROM: Rupture of membranes

?       PROM: Premature Rupture of Membranes: Your water breaks before labor

?       PPROM: Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes - Your water breaks before 37 weeks

Causes of Rupture of Membranes

There is no specific cause of this loosening and falling out of the cervical plug. Most women don’t even see this plug. This may or may not result in the rupture of membranes when the labor is about to start. According to some researchers, the chemical reaction leading to the breaking of the water bag comes through the brain signals where it says that the baby is ready to come out.

Important Facts About Rupture of Membranes

The rupture of the membrane means that the baby is ready to come out. This doesn’t mean that the process should start immediately. After the water bag has ruptured, the risk of infection increases. The fluid will start to leak and flush out in a small gush. This leaking liquid occurs is amniotic fluid. It is clear and odorless. After the membranes have been ruptures, labor will start in 12 to 24 hours. If the labor doesn’t start within 24 hours, your doctor will induce labor for preventing infection to the fetus. Also, you don’t need to worry about leaking all the fluid as Amniotic fluid is replenishing.

Treatment for Rupture of Membranes

There is no treatment available for membrane rupture. For some women, this starts around the 38th or 39th week of pregnancy. In some other cases, the baby may wait until the 41st or 42nd week of pregnancy. You need to call your doctor immediately after the membrane rupture. Most doctors advise patients to wait for labor pains to start within 12 hours after the membrane rupture before they come to the hospital. If your membrane is ruptured before the 37th week of pregnancy, there will be an increased risk of infection and you need to see your doctor immediately.