Objectives The aim of our study was to define the maternal and fetal outcome following preterm rupture of membranes before 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Study design We conducted a retrospective study at tertiary centre, Northern Ireland. The study group included 10 patients with premature rupture of membranes ranging between 14 weeks to 27+6 weeks gestation during the period January 2009–2010 December. The main outcome measured was neonate survival.

Results Given the cultural background termination of pregnancy is discussed only if there is threat to maternal life. All women in our group had expectant management. We had one twin pregnancy. 3 women had history of antepartum haemorrhage in the current pregnancy. The latency between rupture of membranes to delivery varied from 1 day to 11 weeks. All women had spontaneous onset of labour. 82% of babies were delivered vaginally of which nearly 56% were vaginal breech delivery. Our take home baby rate was only 45%. There was 3 stillbirth and 3 neonatal death in the group. Unfortunately women with rupture of membranes before 20 weeks of gestation had perinatal mortality of 100%. The main cause of death was prematurity. We also discuss about steroids, newborn resuscitation methods, weight of babies, survival days in case of neonatal death, length of stay mother antenatally, postnatally and of the baby.

Conclusion our results are valuable in counselling women with early preterm rupture of membranes. Pregnancy outcomes remain dismal when the fetal membrane ruptures before 20 weeks of gestation.