Premature rupture of the membranes: the enigma of the obstetrician.

Decisions in regard to the management of patients with premature rupture of the membranes depend on the relative risks of prematurity, infection, and hypoxia for the fetus or neonate and infection and cesarean section for the mother. These risks vary primarily with gestational age. Because of the many variables and new technologies involved, the management of these patients is extremely controversial. In this article, the controversies are reviewed and management plans are presented for several different gestational age groups.