Recommendation ID
NG207/03
Question

Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes: What are the relative risks and benefits of induced labour versus expectant management in women whose membranes have ruptured spontaneously between 34 and 37 weeks?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:

Intrauterine sepsis is more likely to develop in pregnancies that continue after the membranes have ruptured, putting both the woman and the baby at risk. In some such pregnancies, labour begins spontaneously at a variable interval after the membranes have ruptured, avoiding the need for induction. The value of antibiotic therapy and the administration of corticosteroids to the woman is unclear in this situation. A randomised study of active versus expectant management, taking account of time since membrane rupture, gestational age and maternal therapy, would be valuable.


Source guidance details

Comes from guidance
Inducing labour
Number
NG207
Date issued
November 2021

Other details

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research? No  
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?   No  
Last Reviewed 30/11/2021