Barometric Pressure Drops and Premature Rupture of Membranes

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Environmental Health
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• Patient and healthcare provider beliefs suggest barometric pressure drops may increase premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
• Previous studies have not conclusively investigated this potential association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between atmospheric pressure changes and the incidence of PROM.
• To determine if a substantial drop in barometric pressure precedes an increase in PROM rates.

Main Methods:

• A cohort chart review of 189 cases of PROM between 24 and 42 weeks gestation.
• Analysis of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) barometric pressure data from the 24 hours preceding each PROM.
• Statistical analysis with 91% power to detect a two-fold increase in PROM rate.

Main Results:

• The PROM rate within 24 hours following a substantial pressure drop was 9.5%.
• This rate was not significantly different from the predicted rate (10.8%, P=.64).
• Similar non-significant findings were observed for 3, 6, and 12-hour intervals.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) does not appear to increase following substantial atmospheric pressure drops.
• This study provides evidence against a direct causal link between barometric pressure changes and PROM.