Midtrimester premature rupture of the membranes

Midtrimester premature rupture of the membranes is an uncommon adverse complication of pregnancy with an occurrence of approximately 0.65%. Significant perinatal and maternal morbidity includes pulmonary hypoplasia, restriction deformities, and sequelae of prematurity as well as maternal chorioamnionitis and endometritis. Moreover, 31% of survivors are affected by long-term complications such as chronic lung disease, neurological and developmental abnormalities. Fetal survival is evident with increasing latency and good residual amniotic fluid (largest vertical pocket > or = 2 cm). In this article, we review the relevant literature regarding prognosis, counseling, and management of the patient with membrane rupture in the midtrimester.