Choices for Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PROM)

What Is PROM?

In some cases, your water breaks before contractions start. This happens in about one in 10 pregnancies, and most people (60–90 percent) go into labor within 24 hours.

It’s normal to feel both excited and nervous if your water breaks before labor. Most people do very well after their water breaks, and many go into labor on their own.

If you think your water broke, call us right away at 617.414.2000. We’ll help you make the best plan for you and your baby.

What Are My Choices?

Start Labor Right Away (Induction)

Starting labor right away is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Specifically, it’s recommended if:

You or your baby have health problems
You have pregnancy complications
It’s before 37 weeks
You tested positive for GBS

If you start labor, you’ll get medicines to start contractions. Learn more about induction of labor.

Wait for Labor to Start (up to 24 hours)

If you decide to wait, you can go home until contractions start. You’ll need to wear a pad (fluid will keep leaking) and you cannot put anything in your vagina.

While you’re home:

It’s safe to take a bath for comfort.
Take your temperature every four hours. Call us if it’s more than 100°F.
Check your water color. It should be clear or pink.
Check baby’s movements.

Return to the hospital if:

Labor starts
You have bleeding
Your water is green or yellow
24 hours pass and labor didn’t start

How Are the Choices Different?

Medicine to Start Labor	Wait for Labor
Labor may be shorter	Labor may be longer
More medicines or procedures	Fewer medicines or procedures
Lower infection risk for you (4% in labor, 3% after birth)	Higher infection risk for you (9% in labor, 4% after birth)
Lower infection risk for baby (1%)	Higher infection risk for baby (2%)

How Are the Choices the Same?

There are also some things that are the same about both your choices. No matter what you choose, you:

Have the same chance of needing a C-section, forceps, or vacuum
Will still feel labor, at home or in the hospital
Can use our early labor toolkit for comfort tips