O30-O48: Maternal care related to the fetus and amniotic cavity and possible delivery problems

O42: Premature rupture of membranes

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to a group of conditions where the amniotic sac, or the protective layer around the baby in the womb, breaks before labor begins. It's pivotal to note that this scenario can occur at any point during pregnancy after 28 weeks. Generally, the breakage usually prompts labor in most ladies within a few hours because when the sac ruptures, an enzyme that induces labor gets released. Some common signs of this condition include a sudden gush of fluid or steady leaking of fluid from the vagina. Furthermore, various aspects can cause PROM, such as infections, inflammation, stretching of the amniotic sac, and other medical procedures. Premature rupture of membranes can lead to complications both for the mother and the baby and notably increases the risk of infection.