Effect of self-care guidelines for pregnant women with premature rupture of membrane on pregnancy outcomes

Background: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the breaking of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor, occurring in approximately 8-10% of pregnancies. Complications associated with PROM include increased chances of infection, preterm labor, and adverse neonatal outcomes, such as low birth weight and respiratory distress syndrome. Aim: To evaluate the effect of self-care guidelines for pregnant women with premature rupture of membrane on pregnancy outcomes. Design: Quasi- experimental was utilized. Setting: Conducted at Maternity and Child Minia University Hospital in Minia governorate. Sample: A purposive sample of 80 pregnant women was gathered over a period of six months, starting on October 1, 2023, and ending on March 31, 2024. Tool: Three tools were used: A structured interview questionnaire, tool to assess women knowledge and self- care practices about PROM as well as a tool to assess maternal and neonatal Outcomes after delivery. Results: In this study premature rupture of membranes most common in the age group between 20 -35 years (81.2%), Primigravida (82.5%) and previous Caesarean section (46.2%), in addition 65% of pregnant women have good level of knowledge, 82.5% of the women have a satisfactory level of practices regarding PROM after program implementation. Conclusion: This result concludes that implementing self-care guidelines practices lead to better outcomes for both mothers and fetuses in cases of premature rupture of membrane post implementation program. Recommendations: It is recommended that these guidelines be incorporated as a standard protocol in maternity hospitals to support women with high-risk pregnancies and enhance overall outcomes.