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What Is Prelabour Rupture of Membranes (PROM)?
PROM means your waters have broken before labour starts.
The bag of fluid around your baby now has a hole, so the water will keep leaking until your baby is born.
- About 60 in 100 women go into labour within 24 hours after PROM.
- If labour does not start, we usually recommend induction (starting labour) after 24 hours, but you can choose to start sooner.
Once your waters break:
- there is an increase in the risk of infection for you and your baby.
- the risk is very low in the first 24 hours but increases the longer you wait.
- serious infection in the baby happens in about 1 in 100 cases (compared to 1 in 200 if waters are intact).
If we use oxytocin to start labour, you may need:
- an epidural for pain relief
- an assisted birth - forceps or ventouse (suction cup)
- a caesarean section
These are only needed if labour does not progress or the baby becomes distressed.
If you and your baby are well, you can go home or stay in hospital while waiting for labour to start.
Research shows it is safe to go home if you prefer.
If you go into labour within 24 hours and there are no signs of infection, you can follow your birth plan, including using the midwifery-led unit.
- You will be asked to return to hospital about 24–36 hours after your waters broke.
- If you change your mind and want to come back sooner, call MAMAS line 0300 013 2004
- If labour still hasn’t started, we recommend induction with oxytocin drip to reduce infection risk.
- You may also need antibiotics if your waters have been broken for 48 hours or more.
If you choose to wait longer than 24 hours, you must still come for a check-up at the agreed time to make sure you and your baby are well.
- Wear a sanitary towel and change it every 4 hours during the day (even if it’s dry). Do not use tampons.
- Check the colour of your waters:
- it should be clear or very pale pink.
- if it is green, yellow, brown, or red, or foul smelling, call MAMAs line 0300 013 2004 and go back to hospital.
- bring the pads with you so the midwives can check them.
- Keep your normal routine:
- eat and drink as usual.
- you can shower or bathe, but do not use bubble bath or bath oils.
- do not have sex (it can cause infection).
- take your usual medicines, but ask your midwife about dalteparin (blood-thinning injection).
- Be aware of your baby’s movements:
- your baby should move as normal.
- if movements change, call MAMAs line 0300 013 2004.
- Check your temperature every 4 hours while awake:
- if it goes above 37.4°C, call us.
- Contractions:
- if you have regular, painful contractions (1 contraction every 5 minutes); call MAMAs line 0300 013 2004 and return to hospital.
If your waters were broken for more than 24 hours before birth:
- you will stay in hospital for at least 12 hours after birth.
- your baby will be checked for:
- general wellbeing
- breathing and chest movements
- skin colour
- feeding
- muscle tone
- temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate
If you have any concerns about your baby in the first 5 days, especially the first 12 hours, call MAMAs line 0300 013 2004 immediately.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/056
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.