Spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes after amniocentesis

Three hundred eighty amniocenteses in 200 parturients were reviewed for success or failure in obtaining amniotic fluid, number of attempts for each amniocentesis, premature rupture of the fetal membranes, presence of blood, and the perinatal outcome. The highest success rate was in cases in which amniocentesis was performed between the symphysis and the presenting part of the fetus. The total incidence of spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes within 5 days after the last amniocentesis was 13.5%. When the amniocentesis was performed behind the fetal neck, the membranes ruptured significantly more frequently (P less than 0.05) than after amniocentesis at other sites. It is concluded that the area behind the fetal neck should be avoided if possible at amniocentesis. There were no severe be avoided if possible at amniocentesis. There were no severe fetal or neonatal complications from amniocentesis in these patients.