Premature rupture of the membranes with routine cervical exams

Premature rupture of the membranes at term occurs frequently in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies. Several theories have been postulated as to the cause of this complication, including the practice of routine prenatal cervical examinations. A randomized prospective study was done to determine if prenatal cervical exams did increase the risk of premature rupture of the membranes. Fifty-six women were examined intracervically every week from 37 weeks' gestation until delivery, and 45 women received no cervical examinations until labor began. Premature rupture of the membranes occurred in ten women (18%) who were examined and in six women (13%) who were not. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of women, leading to the conclusion that prenatal cervical examinations do not cause an increase in the frequency of premature rupture of the membranes.