| Risk Factors Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is
when the amniotic sac breaks before 37 weeks of gestation. The
sac contains amniotic fluid and the developing baby. In PPROM,
the amniotic fluid inside the sac leaks or gushes out of the
vagina. This is also known as your water breaking. Fetus with
Amniotic Sac Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. PPROM
increases the risks of certain pregnancy complications,
including: Call your doctor right away if you suspect that your
water has broken. The causes of PPROM 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 vagina,
uterus, or membranes surrounding the fetus - Premature labor
(occurring previously in the same pregnancy) The following
factors may increase your chance of PPROM: - PPROM in earlier
pregnancies - Infection in the amniotic sac Other infections in
mother ( - Preterm labor - Bleeding during the