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Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Pregnancy most often lasts 40 weeks. During pregnancy, the baby grows inside a special sac in the mothers womb. The sac is called the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac is a thin but strong membrane. The amniotic sac contains fluids that supply nutrients and protect the baby. The amniotic sac normally breaks when the baby is ready to be born. ‚  
Sometimes, the amniotic sac breaks or begins to leak before the 37th week of pregnancy. This is called preterm premature rupture of membranes. Doctors may refer to leaking as PPROM. There is no definite cause of PPROM. A few things may trigger the membranes to break early. Examples are: ‚  
  • Infection
  • History of premature labor
  • Dilation of the cervix

Treatment of PPROM is based on the period of pregnancy when the rupture happened. Treatment may include drugs or lifestyle changes. Sometimes, the patient is put on bedrest. Other times, labor is started and the baby is born early. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you get home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.

If delivery was delayed: ‚  
  • Your doctor may order full bedrest to help avoid premature birth.
  • Your doctor may give you drugs to prolong pregnancy.
  • Ask your doctor if you are allowed to get up to go to the bathroom. You may need to use a bedpan. Other times, the doctor will let you use a bedside commode. Find out what is best for you and your baby.
  • Avoid standing up or straining your lower belly until your doctor feels you may safely do so.
  • Take your drugs as ordered by the doctor. The drugs will help speed up the growth of your baby and prevent infection.
  • Lie on your left side. Use pillows to support your back.
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day to replace lost fluids in your body.
  • Tell your family and friends about your condition and how to help.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


If delivery was delayed, the doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help develop your babys organs, especially the lungs
  • Prevent or fight an infection

Will physical activity be limited?


Physical activities may be limited, especially if the doctor ordered full bedrest. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Eat a healthy balanced diet.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
  • Drink lots of fluids.
  • Avoid drinking beverages with caffeine or beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).

What problems could happen?


  • Premature birth
  • Separation of the placenta from the mothers uterus which is placental abruption.
  • The umbilical cord comes out of the birth canal before the baby which is a prolapsed umbilical cord.
  • Baby has underdeveloped organs or body system

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Visit your doctor regularly for prenatal check-ups.
  • Keep yourself healthy during pregnancy.
  • Quit smoking.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Very bad belly pain
  • You are not feeling better in 2 or 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my activities.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, vaginal bleeding, or bad belly pain.

Where can I learn more?


American Pregnancy Association ‚  
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/lowamnioticfluidoligohydramnios.htm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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