Authors: Awadalla A*, Zainab H, Bashir A, Hajar S, Ayat Eltigani and Ahmed E
Background: Premature rupture of membranes at term management is a challenge, whether to induce labor or allow spontaneous initiation of labor with maternal and fetal surveillance. There is an increased maternal risk of morbidity, perinatal risk of morbidity, and mortality. Purpose: To identify risk factors and outcome of premature rupture of membranes at term in low-risk patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study. The study was conducted at Omdurman New Hospital during the period from March 2021 to September 2021. The study sample was 98 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire filled with women after taking informed consent. Results: The risk factors for premature rupture of membranes were vaginal discharge 39(39.8%), history of premature rupture of membrane 29(29.6%), polyhydramnios 21(21.4%), urinary tract infections 19(19.4%) and malpresentation 17(17.3%). The management received were expectant management 63 (64.3%), induction of labor 19(19.4%), and cesarean section 16(16.3%). Most of the women 68 (69.4%) had no complications. The reported maternal complications were postpartum hemorrhage 19(19.3%), labour dystocia 5(5.1%), perineal, vaginal and cervical trauma 3(3.1%), and sepsis 3(3.1%). The majority of babies 74 (75.5%) had no complications. The fetal complications were meconium aspiration 12(12.2%), birth asphyxia 10(10.2%), shoulder dystocia 1(1%) and perinatal death 1(1%). Conclusion: In low-risk women, factors such as polyhydramnios, vaginal discharge, and previous history of premature rupture of the membrane predispose to the development of premature rupture of the membrane. The majority of mothers and babies had no complications; however, postpartum hemorrhage was reported in some mothers, and birth asphyxia and meconium aspiration were reported in the neonates.
Keywords: Premature; Rupture; Membranes; Term; Risk Factors; Outcomes
