Mode of Delivery and Fetomaternal Outcomes in Prelabour Rupture of Membranes: A Tertiary Care Center Experience

Background: Prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM) is a frequent complication in pregnancy, associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. Accurate and timely diagnosis by the obstetrician plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the fetomaternal unit. Objectives: To evaluate the mode of delivery and assess fetomaternal outcomes among women presenting with prelabour rupture of membranes in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This prospective observational study included 138 women with PROM (28–40 weeks) admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, between February and July 2020. Clinical and obstetric data were collected using a structured form and participants were followed until delivery. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20, and associations were tested with the Chi-square test, considering p < 0.05 statistically significant. Results: The mean maternal age was 25.24 ± 4.9 years, with most women aged 20–25 years (44.2%), and 57.2% were primigravida. 81.2% of deliveries occurred within 24 hours of PROM. Normal vaginal delivery was the most frequent mode (59.4%), followed by cesarean section (37.7%) and assisted vaginal delivery (2.9%), with a significant association between PROM–delivery interval and mode of delivery (p = 0.001). Maternal complications occurred in 26.8% of cases, mainly postpartum hemorrhage (10.1%), while 47.8% of neonates experienced complications, predominantly neonatal jaundice (13.8%) and respiratory distress syndrome (9.4%). Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis and management of PROM and effective obstetric care is essential for a better fetomaternal outcome. The decrease in PROM incidence and related maternal and fetal morbidity may be possible by improving the ANC, early detection and management of infections, better nutrition etc.