THE EFFECT OF PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES (PROM) ON THE NEONATAL OUTCOME AMONG TERM AND PRETERM DELIVERIES: A COMPARATIVE APPROACH

Abstract

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is one of the most confusing and controversial problems facing clinicians. The exact etiology of PROM is unknown; also, the effect of PROM on neonatal outcome is not well defined and needs to be documented. The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of PROM on neonatal outcome among term and preterm deliveries. A total of 200 mothers were recmited from the labor and delivery unit at El-Manial maternity hospital. Maternal assessment sheet, newborn assessment sheet, Apgar score and Ballard sc.ale were used to achieve the purpose of this study. Findings of this study indicated that, PROM is associated with low Apgar scoring, extensive use of resuscitative measures, weak neonatal neurological reflexes, and increased incidence of postural deformities. The study recommended that there is an urgent need to apply nursing protocol for caring for mothers affected with PROM.