An Assessment of the Prevalence and Risk Factors for Premature Membrane Rupture

Abstract Background: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is characterized by the rupture of fetal membranes prior to the onset of true labor pain and is one of the most frequent pregnancy complications. It is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors associated with PROM among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. During this period, 8,117 antenatal patients were admitted. Among them, 665 cases were diagnosed with PROM at a gestational age of >28 weeks. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and checklists through interviews. Results: PROM was observed in 9.3% of the cases. The highest prevalence (53%) was found in women aged 21–25 years. Most of the patients were housewives (71%), and the majority (61%) had an education level up to secondary school. PROM was more common among women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (49%), multigravidas (67.2%), and in cases of term PROM (56.3%) compared to preterm PROM (43.6%). Risk factor analysis indicated that the causes were unknown in 48% of cases. Other associated factors included anemia (16%), urinary tract infections (19%), lower genital tract infections (7.2%), a history of PROM (26.3%), malpresentation (15%), multiple pregnancies (6.7%), and diabetes or gestational diabetes (10.5%). Conclusions: Identifying and managing the risk factors associated with PROM early can help reduce the incidence of preterm delivery and associated complications, as well as prevent maternal complications like chorioamnionitis. Keywords: Premature rupture of membranes, Risk factors, Pregnancy.