| The rupture of membranes (also known as water breaking due to the large amount of fluid released) may be the first sign of labor. When this occurs, the patient should come to the labor and delivery suite immediately, even if contractions are not occurring. [8]
If the membranes rupture prematurely, then infectious microorganisms can ascend from the vagina into the amnion and chorion, causing a serious maternal infection known as chorioamnionitis. After rupture of membranes, vaginal examinations should be minimized to avoid the risk of infection to the fetal membranes. Another risk of rupture of membranes is the possibility of prolapse of the umbilical cord through the vagina, cutting off the fetal blood supply. This will result in severe neurologic defects if the fetal hypoxemia is not addressed immediately. |