Prelabour rupture of the membranes (PROM) occurs in 6-19% of term pregnancies.
There is an increased risk of maternal/neonatal infection and cord prolapse
following term PROM. It is estimated that 36% of newborn deaths are due to infections
with the majority of those being due to sepsis and pneumonia.
Key messages
􀃎 Prelabour rupture of the membranes at or near term increases the risk of infection
for the woman and her baby.
􀃎 Evidence is insufficient whether routine use of antibiotic treatment for prelabour
rupture of membranes at or near term is beneficial.
􀃎 Large randomised trials are needed to assess the risks and benefits of routine
antibiotic prophylaxis for women with term PROM.