What is premature rupture of membranes?
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is a rupture (breaking open) of the membranes (amniotic sac) before labor begins. If PROM occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is called preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). PROM occurs in about 10 percent of all pregnancies. PPROM (before 37 weeks) occurs in about 2 percent of all pregnancies.