The management of preterm rupture of the membranes.

Little is known about the reasons for rupture of the fetal membranes before the onset of labour. When this occurs before term, there is an increase in perinatal mortality principally due to immaturity, less commonly due to infection, and rarely due to asphyxia as a result of cord prolapse. Management consists of delaying delivery until satisfactory levels of surfactant are present in the liquor amnii or until intra-uterine infection intervenes, in which case delivery is expedited. The care of patients with preterm rupture of the membranes should be conducted in a unit equipped with intensive perinatal care facilities.