Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) at Term: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a common obstetric complication that significantly influences maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with PROM at term. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at Cosmopolitan Hospital, Trivandrum, over 19 months, from July 2015 to January 2017. The study included 200 pregnant women diagnosed with PROM after 37 completed weeks of gestation. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected and analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 20. Results: The study observed a higher incidence of maternal complications such as chorioamnionitis (6%), puerperal fever (15%), and postpartum hemorrhage (5%). Neonatal complications included birth asphyxia (10.5%), meconium aspiration syndrome (7%), and NICU admissions (12.5%). The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.4 days for mothers and 4.48 days for neonates. Conclusion: PROM at term is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. Prompt diagnosis and management, including appropriate use of antibiotics and timely induction of labor, are essential to reduce complications.