Premature rupture of membranes (
PROM), or
pre-labor rupture of membranes, is a condition that can occur in
pregnancy. It is defined as
rupture of membranes (breakage of the
amniotic sac), commonly called breaking of the mother's water(s), more than 1 hour before the onset of
labor. The sac (consisting of 2
membranes, the
chorion and
amnion) contains
amniotic fluid, which surrounds and protects the
fetus in the
uterus (womb). After rupture, the amniotic fluid leaks out of the uterus through the
vagina.