Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancies after Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Determined by Single Deepest Vertical Pocket

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is defined as spontaneous rupture of the fetal membranes prior to 37 weeks of gestation in the absence of labor. PPROM complicates 2-3% of all pregnancies and is associated with 30-40% of preterm deliveries. This condition, therefore, is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality [1,2]. Amniotic fluid has a number of functions that are essential for normal growth and development of the fetus. It has been hypothesized that amniotic fluid possesses certain bacteriostatic properties that protect against infectious processes while in utero. In addition, it plays an important role in the development of the fetal thorax as it allows for normal lung development. Appropriate levels of amniotic fluid decrease the incidence of cord compression and fetal heart decelerations that may lead to an emergent cesarean delivery [3]. Amniotic fluid volume is an essential component in the assessment of overall fetal well being [4]. Low residual amniotic fluid after PPROM has been associated with complications such as short latency period, chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, low Apgar scores, cesarean deliveries, and neonatal death [1-13].