Induction of Labor Compared with Expectant Management for Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes at Term

• Published in: The New England journal of medicine Vol. 334; no. 16; pp. 1005 - 1010
• Main Authors: Hannah, Mary E, Ohlsson, Arne, Farine, Dan, Hewson, Sheila A, Hodnett, Ellen D, Myhr, Terri L, Wang, Elaine E.L, Weston, Julie A, Willan, Andrew R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston, MA Massachusetts Medical Society 18-04-1996
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Delivery. Postpartum. Lactation; Disorders; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Medical procedures; Medical research; Medical sciences; Membranes; Premature labor; Human; Infection; Controlled delivery; Pregnancy disorders; Risk factor; Premature rupture of membrane; Delivery
• ISSN: 0028-4793; 1533-4406
• DOI: 10.1056/NEJM199604183341601

In approximately 8 percent of women with pregnancies at term, the fetal membranes rupture before labor begins.
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If labor is not induced, over 60 percent of these women begin labor spontaneously within 24 hours and over 95 percent begin labor spontaneously within 72 hours.
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,
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As the time between the rupture of the membranes and the onset of labor increases, so may the risk of maternal and fetal infection. For this reason, many physicians recommend that labor be induced if the pregnancy is at term and labor does not begin spontaneously shortly after the membranes rupture.
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,
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Others believe that . . .