About 1 to 2 percent of women have preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) during their pregnancy. Although this is not a frequent occurrence, you are wise to seek information before another pregnancy. PPROM is considered to be "high-risk," so prevention and early intervention are important. As you no doubt learned with your first pregnancy, PPROM could lead to preterm labor and / or birth. You were probably placed on bedrest, given drugs to prevent uterine contractions or to help the baby's lungs mature, and monitored very closely for infection. The exact cause of PPROM is not certain, although increasing evidence indicates that infection and inflammation of the membranes of the amniotic sac (chorioamnionitis) are the primary causes. Factors such as an incompetent cervix, a multiple gestation, the production of too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), or smoking may also contribute. PPROM does tend to recur in subsequent pregnancies (one research study showed a 32 percent recurrence rate), so consult your health care provider early in pregnancy so he or she can observe you closely and help you adapt your activities to avoid having this complication again.
