pre-term premature rupture of membranes (pProm)

[bednobs]

Hiya, my friend is in hosp with pPROM. she is 19 weeks pg. She is not in labour (yet). Is there any hope that the drs can hold off labour in this scenario so that the pregnancy can limp along?

[ummmm]

Further Treatments: Steroids & Stopping Labour

Studies have looked at trying to stop labour when it starts after the waters have gone, but there is no real benefit in terms of significant prolongation of the pregnancy. Steroid injections are prescribed (usually in pregnancies before 34 weeks) to help mature the baby's lungs. They aren't the type of steroids that make you muscular, but they stimulate the babe's lungs to prepare for breathing air. Should you not go on to deliver, this doesn't do any harm, so there are really no draw backs to having them.

Sometimes drugs are used to stop labour to allow the steroid course to be completed; this normally takes about 24 to 36 hours. Also,labour may be stopped while mum is transferred to a hospital able to manage a premature infant.

From this link http://www.womens-health.co.uk/prom.asp

[kariah]

Mine went at 27 weeks. They kept me in hosp to term. Had steriod injections to develop his lungs incase he came. I had to stay on the bed, slightly tilted and I was very fortunate, although I kept leaking fluid, I seemed to keep replacing it. Other than rest and the injections, I'm afraid (I dont think) there isnt much more they can do:(

[kariah]

PS I didnt get any labour pains. I was very lucky.

[ummmm]

I think the risk is that labour can start at any time once the waters have gone.

[bednobs]

thanks for your help. The baby died on thursday and she had it on friday and is now back in hospital with infection

[ummmm]

I'm sorry to hear that :-(