Induction Of Labour Compared With Expectant Management For Term Premature Rupture Of Membranes

Abstract

Prolonged latency between term prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) and delivery is associated with an elevated risk of both maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity. Approximately 8% of term pregnancies experience membrane rupture without the spontaneous onset of labor within the subsequent hours. Given the well-established correlation between extended rupture-to-delivery intervals and increased susceptibility to intra-amniotic and postpartum infections, early induction of labor has been advocated as a proactive management strategy to mitigate these risks for both mother and fetus. Conversely, some clinicians support expectant management in the absence of maternal or fetal compromise, citing evidence that spontaneous labor onset may reduce the likelihood of cesarean delivery. This study aims to evaluate the clinical utility of early labor induction in term PROM cases, specifically its effectiveness in reducing maternal and perinatal infectious complications and minimizing hospital length of stay, while ensuring that such intervention does not increase operative delivery rates.