What If My Amniotic Sac Breaks Early?

PROM, or Premature Rupture of Membranes, occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins. This sac, also known as the “bag of waters,” holds the amniotic fluid that surrounds and protects the baby during pregnancy. PROM can happen near full term or earlier in pregnancy, and it often signals that labor may begin soon. Early diagnosis and proper care are essential to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Common Causes

The exact cause of PROM is not always known, but several factors can increase the risk, including:

Infections of the uterus, cervix, or vagina
Overdistended uterus, often due to multiple babies or excess amniotic fluid
Smoking during pregnancy
History of PROM in a previous pregnancy
Short cervix or cervical insufficiency
Invasive procedures, such as amniocentesis or cerclage
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Poor nutrition or lack of prenatal care

Symptoms

The main symptom of PROM is a sudden gush or constant trickle of fluid from the vagina, which may feel like leaking urine but is actually amniotic fluid. It may be:

It’s important to note that PROM is different from normal discharge or urinary leakage. If you suspect your water has broken, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Diagnosis

To confirm PROM, your healthcare provider will:

Ask about your symptoms and examine the fluid
Perform a speculum exam to look for fluid in the vagina
Use pH tests or special paper strips to confirm if the fluid is amniotic
Possibly perform an ultrasound to measure the amount of amniotic fluid
Check for signs of infection or labor

Accurate diagnosis is important to determine next steps and minimize risks.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how far along the pregnancy is and whether complications are present.

If PROM occurs at 37 weeks or later (term PROM):
- Labor usually begins soon after
- If it doesn’t, labor may be induced to reduce the risk of infection
If PROM occurs before 37 weeks (preterm PROM or PPROM):
- Hospitalization may be needed for monitoring
- Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection
- Steroid injections can help the baby’s lungs mature if early delivery is likely
- Labor may be delayed (expectant management) unless signs of infection or distress occur

In either case, careful monitoring of the baby and mother is essential.

Take control of your health

with Advanced Women's Care

PROM is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications. With early diagnosis and proper care, most women go on to have healthy deliveries. If you experience sudden fluid leakage during pregnancy, don’t wait—contact your provider right away to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.