Study Retrospective, during September–October 2010.

Patients 90 patients, in a District General Hospital.

Aim To look at the management and outcome of Pre-labour Spontaneous Rupture Of Membranes (SROM).

Results We looked at the method of confirmation of SROM including history (24%), speculum examination (43%), ultrasound scan (7%) and pad checks (23%). There was no information in 2 patients.

50 patients went into spontaneous labour and 42% were induced. The method used for induction was syntocinon for most of the women (92%). Only 3 women received prostin. 13 patients in all (14%) needed artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) in labour.

Of the total 90 women, 17 women had caesarean sections (19%). But of the women who were induced, 10 women (26%) had c-sections: 6 for fetal distress and 4 for failure to progress.

10 babies went to SCBU. Of them 2 did not receive intrapartum antibiotics. In general 92% received IV antibiotics in labour.

Conclusion Given that 26% of the inductions ended up with caesarean section, it may be worth considering the use of prostin/ propess for the primips, and ensuring the appropriate use of syntocinon.

As 13 patients needed ARM in labour, accuracy in the diagnosis of SROM plays an important role.