This is the 3rd episode in a series about preterm birth. The first episode, 163, was about risk factors for preterm birth. 164 was about preterm labor which accounts for 40-50% of preterm birth. That episode covered what preterm labor is, how to recognize it, and how it’s treated. In this episode you will learn about preterm premature (or prelabor) rupture of membranes (PPROM).   Approximately one third of preterm births are associated with PPROM. Prelabor rupture of membranes, or PROM, refers to membrane rupture before the onset of uterine contractions - when this occurs before 37 weeks it is called PPROM. In this episode we’ll get into how common PPROM is and how it can be treated. Though the cause is unknown, there are risk factors that you can be aware of and ways to manage it that improve outcomes for your baby. In this Episode, You’ll Learn About: In this Episode, You’ll Learn About: -What PPROM is and how common it is -What the risk factors are -How it’s diagnosed - it’s not always straightforward -What warning signs to look out for -What questions your doctor might ask if you are concerned you’re experiencing PPROM -How your doctor determines the clinical course -What “expectant management” is -What the outcomes for PPROM babies can be   Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode164 Check out The Birth Preparation Course Register for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right Way Take a quick, fun labor pain quiz