PDF Maternal and Fetal Outcome in Premature Rupture of Membranes

Abstract

Background: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common obstetric complication characterized by the rupture of fetal membranes before the onset of labor. It is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-resource settings. Objective: To determine the frequency and nature of maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women presenting with PROM at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Divisional Headquarters Teaching Hospital, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir from October 2024 to March 2025-. A total of 135 pregnant women aged 20–40 years with singleton pregnancies and diagnosed with PROM were included using purposive sampling. Data were collected through clinical history, examination, and ultrasonography. Results: The mean maternal age was 28.6 ± 4.7 years, and the mean gestational age was 36.2 ± 2.1 weeks. Chorioamnionitis occurred in 17.8% of cases, postpartum hemorrhage in 11.9%, and retained placenta in 14.1%. Fetal distress was noted in 14.8% of neonates, low birth weight in 37.8%, and 21.5% required NICU admission. Preterm PROM was significantly associated with fetal distress and low birth weight (p < 0.05). Maternal complications were more common among women of lower socioeconomic status. Conclusion: PROM is associated with increased risk of both maternal and fetal complications, particularly when occurring preterm or among women from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Early identification, adequate antenatal care, and timely obstetric intervention are essential to improving outcomes.