Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is the breaking of the
amniotic sac before labor begins. The sac contains amniotic
fluid and the developing baby. With PROM, the amniotic fluid
inside the sac leaks or gushes out of the vagina. This is also
known as your water breaking. PROM occurs during the third
trimester after 37 weeks of gestation. A related condition
called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs
before 37 weeks of gestation. PROM increases the risks of
certain pregnancy complications, including: - Infection in baby
- Uterine infection - Placental abruption —placenta separates
from the uterus before the baby is delivered - Prolapsed
umbilical cord —umbilical cord is squeezed between the baby and
the pelvis Call your doctor right away if you suspect that your
water has broken. The causes of PROM are not clearly understood.
Some of the possible causes are: - Early dilation of the cervix
(may be due to the weight of baby and placenta, or changes in
the cervix itself) - Infections of the v