Premature rupture of membranes occurs when the amniotic sac is torn, causing the amniotic fluid to leak out.
Prematurity is much more common in multiple pregnancy and for mothers who have a history of miscarriages or who have given birth to a premature infant in the past.
Maternal toxemia is blood poisoning and may cause premature birth.
Only if the premature birth was enough to affect developmental or other functions in the child.
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity. Preterm birth can be caused by premature rupture of the membranes, strep b infections, smoking, and a variety of other causes.
Placental abruption is a medical condition in which the placenta detaches from the uterus.
Smoking is know to cause premature birth, low birth weight, and premature rupture of membranes, but can possibly cause more serious birth defects.
Minor disabilities like learning problems, poor coordination, or short attention span may be the result of premature birth, but can be overcome with early intervention.
Risk factors depend on weight at birth and if breathing problems exist. Premature boy babies have a lower survival rate than premature girl babies. Infection or a birth defect can also affect outcomes.
The latest research is a new medication (17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate) which may help to prevent spontaneous premature births.
Prematurity is diagnosed by determining the gestational age of the baby using ultrasound imaging, calculating from a date of conception, using the Dubowitz exam, electronic fetal monitoring, blood samples.
PROM occurs in about 10% of all pregnancies. Only about 20% of these cases are preterm PROM. Preterm PROM is responsible for about 34% of all premature births.
Anxiety r/t threat to maternal or fetal well-being secondary to risk for infection or preterm birth Risk for infection: maternal or fetal r/t premature rupture of membranes Risk for injury: maternal or fetal r/t tocolytic drugs used to delay birth