What is premature rupture of membranes (PROM)?
Premature rupture of membranes [2] is when your water breaks before labor contraction. If this happens, it is essential that you immediately contact your doctor or midwife. It is shown to occur in 8 to 10 percent of pregnancies.
The exact cause of PROM is still unknown. There’s usually no risk associated with it. Some possible causes of PROM include:
- If you have an infection in certain parts of your body, such as the vagina, uterus, or cervix
- If you overstretch the amniotic sac. This can happen if you have more than one baby or too much fluid.
- If you experienced PROM in your previous pregnancy
- If you have had surgery on your cervix in the past
- If you smoke cigarettes.