Expectant management of rupture of membranes at term.

We conducted a prospective randomized study involving 317 patients with term gestations (greater than 36 weeks) and premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Eighty-five percent of the 167 patients managed conservatively began labor within 48 hours. The cesarean section rate in this group was 7% as opposed to 21% in the group managed by oxytocin induction. There were no neonatal infections, and the maternal intrauterine infection rate was lower in the group managed expectantly, 4% vs 12%. There was no difference in the average time of hospitalization for the two groups. Conservative management of patients with PROM at term will significantly reduce the incidence of cesarean section without placing the mother or infant at a higher risk of infection.