- Find a Doctor - Medical Services - Patients & Visitors -
Classes & Events - Health Library - Why Choose Sharp? Premature
rupture of membranes (PROM) is a rupture (breaking open) of the
membranes (amniotic sac) before labor begins. If PROM occurs
before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called preterm premature
rupture of membranes (PPROM). PROM occurs in about 8 to 10
percent of all pregnancies. PPROM (before 37 weeks) accounts for
one fourth to one third of all preterm births. Rupture of the
membranes near the end of pregnancy (term) may be caused by a
natural weakening of the membranes or from the force of
contractions. Before term, PPROM is often due to an infection in
the uterus. Other factors that may be linked to PROM include the
following: PROM is a complicating factor in as many as one third
of premature births. A significant risk of PPROM is that the
baby is very likely to be born within a few days of the membrane
rupture. Another major risk of PROM is development of a serious
infection of the placental