What does the evidence say about the prevention and treatment of Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM)?

Evidence Based Birth compiled research for us again on another hugely important topic that seems to effect so many women's births! Just since 2009 when I started doula-ing, I've seen many of the different ways Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM) is managed by a great variety of care providers and birth locations. Sadly, my own client statistics that I keep show that those who are first time moms are at the most risk for both infection and cesarean birth when PROM is how their labors begin. After many discussions with other birth professionals on this topic and hearing that other midwives and doulas have noticed similar stats for their first time mom clients, I have always had an interest in learning more about PROM. But, as Rebecca, the author of Evidence Based Birth, notes, the research is either lacking or not easy to interpret. Plus, there are so many factors. The largest study TermPROM is discussed in great detail in her article below as are a few other issues surrounding PROM prevention and management. 

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-inducing-labor-water-breaks-term/

What can you do as a first time mom? Well, a lot is still unclear. However, the image below is the best take away and one (I believe) everyone can agree on. This tends to be one message I find myself sharing consistently when I teach childbirth classes, am discussing a couple's birth preferences, or am reminding a mom of at the beginning of or during labor. It continues to be backed by evidence... and as usual when talking about any vaginal exam, the benefits are slim to none. Keep outta there!!!

Please share far and wide the image below that Rebecca has made as a great reminder!!!