Contents:
- Medical Video: Ruptured Membranes
- Why can KPD occur?
- Know the dangers of KPD
- Is it true that mothers with KPD must always have a caesarean section?
- Does premature rupture of the membranes mean that you have to give birth immediately?
- How can you be sure if it is the amniotic fluid that comes out?
- Can KPD be prevented?
Medical Video: Ruptured Membranes
Early rupture of membranes (KPD) is a term used for pregnant women who experience premature rupture of the membranes to give birth. The KPD itself is divided into two. The first is KPD which occurs at the age of 37 weeks of gestation, known as Preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM). The second type of KPD occurs when the gestational age is above 37 weeks which is called Premature rupture of membrane (PROM).
Pregnant women who experience KPD will generally feel the discharge of fluid that occurs suddenly, can not be arrested, and not accompanied by heartburn in the stomach. Normal amniotic fluid is generally clear and does not smell.
Why can KPD occur?
KPD can occur due to decreased levels of collagen which serves to maintain the structure of the membranes. However, some things like infection and trauma can reduce collagen levels in the membranes.
Know the dangers of KPD
KPD increases the risk of chorioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic fluid) by 70 percent. This is because the membranes have broken so that the access of bacteria to the amniotic fluid will become easier. Chorioamnionitis is very dangerous, both for the mother and the fetus.
Symptoms include fever (more than 37.5 degrees Celsius), abdominal pain, abnormal discharge from the vagina, very fast heart rate (more than 100 times per minute), the baby's heart rate is very fast (more than 160 times per minute ) and increased leukocyte levels.
This infection can cause death, both for the mother and the baby. Babies born to mothers with this infection will also have a higher risk of sepsis and pneumonia (pneumonia).
Is it true that mothers with KPD must always have a caesarean section?
If the gestational age is over 34 weeks, it is recommended to give birth, especially in KPD that occurs for a long time, which is more than 12-24 hours. The method of labor that is often chosen is indeed a caesarean section. This is because it is not yet time for a normal vaginal delivery.
Also keep in mind that the longer the KPD occurs, the greater the risk of the mother experiencing chorioamnionitis.
However, if the gestational age is still very early (eg less than 34 weeks), it is feared that your baby's lungs are not yet mature. So, mothers may be given antibiotics, such as Ampicilin and Erythromycin. Giving antibiotics is useful to help reduce the risk of infection so that the labor process is expected to wait until the lungs of the fetus are mature.
In addition, therapy can also be given which serves to help the baby's lung maturation, such as giving corticosteroids (eg dexamethasone). Corticosteroids will trigger the production of surfactants that play a role in lung development.
Does premature rupture of the membranes mean that you have to give birth immediately?
No, because it turns out that only 50 percent of women experience premature rupture of membranes that will give birth spontaneously within the next 12 hours. While as many as 95 percent will give birth within the next 72 hours.
How can you be sure if it is the amniotic fluid that comes out?
To be sure whether or not the amniotic fluid is correct, you can use the Litmus paper method. Litmus paper will change when exposed to a liquid with an alkaline pH. Paper that is originally colored red will turn blue, if exposed to amniotic fluid (alkaline pH). Vaginal fluid will have a pH of 4.5-5.5 while the amniotic fluid will have a more alkaline pH, which is 7.0-7.5.
Can also be done by checking using inspekulo (a device that is inserted into the vagina and shown to see the condition of the inside of the vagina). By using inspekulo, you will see fluid coming out of the vagina.
Can KPD be prevented?
Decreasing collagen levels that cause KPD can actually occur due to many factors. There are even KPDs that are idiopathic (no known cause). However, it never hurts to apply a healthy lifestyle and maintain health during pregnancy.
Keep your feminine area clean, drink enough water, and don't get used to too often holding back bowel movements or urinating. You also should regularly check the womb to the doctor.
