artificial rupture of membranes

An artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) is a procedure that can be used for the induction of labor.

Procedure 

A sterile, plastic, thin hook is brushed against the membranes just inside the cervix (termed a membrane sweep) This causes the fetal head to move down against the cervix, usually resulting in the contractions becoming stronger and eventually causing the membranes to rupture.

Advantages

• labor may be shortened by an hour
• facilitates collection of the amniotic fluid, which can be examined, e.g. for the presence of meconium, indicating fetal distress.
• the fetal heart rate can be monitored with cardiotocography directly on the baby's scalp

Disadvantages

• the baby may turn to a breech position, making birth more difficult if the membranes are ruptured before head engagement
• increased risk of umbilical cord prolapse
• increased risk of infection if there is a prolonged time between rupture and birth.

See also

• rupture of membranes

Siehe auch:

• umbilical cord prolapse
• rupture of membranes
• fetal heart rate

und weiter:

• premature rupture of membranes
• rupture of fetal membranes
• spontaneous rupture of membranes