PROM Concerns

One of the major concerns with PROM is maternal infection. This is not a major concern in an UP/UC as evidence shows that infections are usually caused by vaginal examinations, introduction of pathogenic bacteria to the vagina, and any other medical interventions that involve inserting objects into the vagina. Those things are not routine in an UP/UC.

Research has shown the risk of infection is only increased in a woman with PROM after she has gone 4 days without labour starting. Perphas this is because women get lax in their precautions so be aware of this and be strict about your hygiene.

If the membranes suddenly rupture and fluid gushes out, there is a risk of cord prolapse where the cord is washed out with the fluid. This risk of prolapse is greater in women whose babies have not engaged yet. Cord prolapse is rare.

Babies may be born prematurely if PROM occurs preterm.

Care & Precautions

Commonsense precautions until labour starts and the baby is on the way include;

• Avoid vaginal & pelvic examinations
• Avoid perineal massage
• Avoid intercourse
• Avoid sitting in water
• Stay at home til labour starts
• Avoid contacts outside your usual contacts
• Check temperature regularly
• Watch for symptoms such as pain or soreness in the abdomen, fevers or bad smells from the amniotic fluid
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
• Avoid antibiotic use
• Get as much rest as you can

Treatment & precautions until labour starts can include;

• Taking a natural antibiotic that does not destroy your beneficial gut flora (Echinacea root infusion or tincture, Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) )
• Taking probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidis) and prebiotic foods (garlic, oatmeal, whole grains, greens like spinach, dandelion greens, collard greens, kale etc, berries, fruit, legumes like kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, lentils etc) to build up and maintain your beneficial gut flora which will defend against infection.
• Maintaining good nutrition, and increasing vitamin E, C and bioflavoid intake.
• The white stuff on oranges and citrus fruit is very high in bioflavoids and is said to strengthen your amniotic sac. (Most people peel it off.)

Antibiotics are usually the standard method of treatment for PROM within the medical model of health care. Antibiotics and induction of labour if the mother is close enough to term. If the mother is not close to term, antibiotics and strict bed rest is usually prescribed.

Unless you are showing signs of an infection and want to opt for antibiotics, it is not usually a good idea to take antibiotics as a preventive measure.

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