In about 30% of preterm births, the waters will break before the labour begins. If the waters break before term (37 weeks) then it is often a case of 'wait and see' in regards to what will follow. If the pregnancy is mildly preterm, say 33 to 36 weeks, then it may be recommended that the labour be induced if the contractions do not start within 24 to 48 hours. If the baby is moderately or extremely preterm (less than 32 weeks) then it may be more beneficial to try and allow the pregnancy to continue for as long as possible (days or weeks) to give the baby(s) the best chance of maturing before being born.
The decision will also rely on whether there are any complications. If the baby or mother are unwell, an infection develops or there is heavy vaginal bleeding then the best course of action may be to deliver the baby(s) prematurely.
Some common treatments that may be used if the waters break preterm can include:
Antibiotics
Contraction suppressants
Steroid injections
Antibiotics. Probably the most common health concern for the mother and baby(s) when the waters break preterm is the development of an infection. If this happens then the baby(s) will need to be born sooner rather than later. To protect the mother and baby(s) from infection and to give the pregnancy the best chance of continuing for a period of time after the waters break, it is usually recommended that the mother have a course of antibiotics.
Giving antibiotics for preterm rupture of membranes has shown to: