water breaking in pregnancy early what is it called

water breaking in pregnancy early is called  Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), Namely is a condition that can occur during pregnancy. In summary It is defined as ruptures of membranes (breakage of the amniotic sac, more than 1 hour before the onset of labor. After rupture, the amniotic fluid leaks out of the uterus, through the vagina.

Women with PROM usually experience a painless gush of fluid leaking out from the vagina. Also known as the water breaking but sometimes a slow steady leakage occurs instead. its the amniotic fluid that protects the growing baby in the womb. Plus having enough waters inside helps the baby to develop.

When premature rupture of membranes occurs after 37 weeks’ completed gestational age (full-term or term), there is minimal risk to the fetus and labour typically starts soon after. 

 Before 37 weeks, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and the baby and mother are at greater risk for complications. PPROM causes one-third of all preterm births, and babies born preterm (before 37 weeks).

SIGNS of the water breaking

The main symptom of PROM  water breaking from the vagina. It may be a sudden, large gush or fluid, or it may be a slow, constant trickle of fluid. However complications that may follow PROM include premature labor and delivery of the baby. Therefore infections of the mother and/or the baby can occur.

chances of survival of the baby after water breaking

Increased gestational age at ROM (rupture of membrane) is associated with advanced age at delivery. However, 60% of surviving infants between 21-26 weeks had serious complications. Such as chronic pulmonary disease or retinopathy.

Recent advances in obstetric care have included the use of antepartum antibiotics, which may prolong latency to delivery in pregnancies with PPROM.

Concurrent developments in perinatal care have included administration of antenatal corticosteroids and use of surfactant in premature babies.

besides it has contributed to decreasing the gestational age limit of viability and improving outcomes in premature infants. By the way Since the mid-1980 s, there has been a concomitant trend toward consideration of conservative management in early PROM patients. . 

There is believed to be a correlation between volume of amniotic fluid retained and neonatal outcomes before 26 weeks’ gestation. 

Amniotic fluid levels are an important consideration when debating expectant management vs clinical intervention. Additionally, labour and infection are less likely to occur when there are sufficient levels of amniotic fluid remaining in the uterus.