Michigan Premature Rupture of Membranes Lawyer
Premature Rupture of Membranes/PROM
The amniotic sac is designed to rupture at the onset of labor, via the activation of catabolic enzymes and mechanical action. Premature rupture of membranes/PROM is the term used to describe the rupture of the amniotic sac prior to the onset of labor. PPROM refers to preterm premature rupture of membranes and is the leading cause of premature delivery.
Causes
Premature Rupture of Membranes/PROM is likely caused by the same mechanisms that cause amniotic membranes to rupture at the onset of labor, but it also appears to be linked to pathological processes resulting from inflammation and/or infection of the membranes. Preterm labor history, low body mass index, vaginal bleeding during the pregnancy, urinary tract infection, cervical insufficiency, an incompetent cervix, and amniocentesis are all factors that raise the risk of PROM.
Managing PROM and PPROM
In 10 percent of pregnancies, PROM occurs at or beyond 37 weeks of gestation and can be managed in one of two ways—with expectant management, where the mother is admitted to the birth suite while waiting for the onset of spontaneous labor, or by the induction of labor. There is a risk of infection with expectant management, but this risk is low if the onset of labor occurs within 24 hours of the rupture of membranes.
When PPROM occurs, managing the situation depends on how close to term the pregnancy is. The initial evaluation should include a sterile speculum examination. Digital examination of the cervix has been shown to shorten latency and increase the risk of infection and should be avoided. Ultrasound of the uterus should be performed.
Cultures should be taken, maternal vital signs should be documented, and continuous fetal monitoring should be utilized to establish fetal status. There are situations when expectant management and antibiotic administration can be safely undertaken. There are also times when the risk of fetal death or the deteriorating health of the mother outweighs the benefits, and labor should be induced and the baby delivered immediately.
What to Expect
As an expectant mother, any situation that puts your unborn child at risk is distressing. The last thing you need to do is make a choice based on incomplete information, or worse, have a poor choice made for you.
You have placed your trust in your doctor and the team of medical professionals. It is their responsibility to make certain that you and your family are fully informed of any and all treatment options and their risks and to help you make the best decision for the health of you and your unborn child.
Legal Assistance
If you or your loved one has experienced premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy, and you believe that medical mismanagement or negligence contributed to an undesirable outcome, call Thurswell Law. We have extensive experience in obtaining compensation in cases like this, and we want to help you and your family get the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Call Thurswell Law at 1-866-354-5544 for free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our caring and compassionate staff. We will come to you if you are unable to come to us. And we never charge a fee unless we succeed in obtaining a settlement for you.
