P.P.R.O.M.

         The membrane that ruptures during labor is the amniotic sac. Typically, it occurs when the mucus plug that acted like a dam is released and the amniotic fluid is released as well (See image below). This is what is referred to as a woman's water breaking. If nature's biological clock is on time, this would occur during the 40th week of pregnancy.

         

         If the amniotic sac ruptures between 37 weeks and 40 weeks, this is termed a Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM). If rupture occurs prior to 37 weeks, it is termed Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM). When there is not enough amniotic fluid during fetal development, the fetus is diagnosed with oligohydramnios. We will be going over PPROM with this case study.