O42.1: Premature rupture of membranes, onset of labour after 24 hours

Premature rupture of membranes refers to a situation where the amniotic sac, which surrounds and protects a developing fetus in the womb, breaks before labor starts. This condition is denoted as 'premature' when it occurs more than 1 hour before the onset of labor. The 'after 24 hours' classification in the title refers to the beginning of labor following this premature breaking of the amniotic sac. It's significant to note that this situation can put both the mother and baby at risk for infections since the amniotic sac is a crucial barrier to bacteria. Symptoms may include a sudden rush of fluid from the vagina, a steady leakage of fluid, or a feeling of wetness in the perineal area. Moreover, some mothers may start to experience contractions, indicating the initiation of labor. While this condition can occur due to various reasons, some common causes include trauma to the abdominal area, bacterial infection, and certain medical procedures. It's also more common in women who smoke, have had previous episodes of preterm birth, or are carrying more than one fetus.