Premature rupture of the fetal membranes

Premature rupture of fetal membranes is the tearing of the amniotic sac before the full term of pregnancy and the beginning of labor. This complication may affect nearly 10% of pregnant women, and can increase the risk of infection in the newborn. This rupture may result from the natural stretching caused by a growing pregnancy, or more subtle structural changes. Research suggests changes in collagen production and degradation, nutritional deficiencies, reproductive tract infections, and tobacco smoking may increase the risk of rupture.