My water just broke...
- what do I do now?

If you've found this page because have just experienced a preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), you're probably shocked, confused, and terrified about what this means for your beloved baby or babies.

The members of the PROM list know that you are in urgent need of information about what to do next, what to ask your health care team, and what to expect. We have created this page as a resource for you based on our own experiences, and what we wish we had known when we PROM’d.

Our first message to you and your family is the most important:

Don't give up hope.

Your health care team may know little about PROM and may tell you that your baby's chance for survival is so grim that it isn’t worth trying to save him or her. Although we don't know the specifics of your situation, there are many stories on this website of babies who have survived despite PROM. Know that miracles happen.

Our second message is:

Follow your instincts.

If something doesn't feel or sound right, ask for a clarification or an explanation. Ask more than once. Even if you think you understand the information, allow extra time for it to sink in, and to act on what you are told.

PROM is a pregnancy crisis and the shock of the trauma may make it difficult to think and express yourself clearly, absorb new information, and - most importantly - make decisions. Don't feel pressured to make any decision immediately, and don’t just "go along" with what your health care team is recommending if you aren't completely sure that it's right for you and your family.

If you are uncertain about a procedure or diagnosis, wait before acting and get another opinion. Find out what the range of options is. You are entitled to get a second, third, or fourth opinion. Don't be shy about searching for other doctors who specialize in pregnancy complications to consult about your situation. University hospitals are often a good source for maternal/fetal specialists with advanced training. If you need help finding a doctor to consult, ask the PROM list for recommendations. If you feel a different course of action is more appropriate for you, discuss with your health care team whether it is possible to take the alternative course.

This information was compiled by the members of the PROM list. Nothing on this page should be taken as medical advice. A doctor should be consulted before undertaking any of the medical treatments or methods recommended by the members of the list.

Article by Kay Squires, january 2005, updated 2007
Special thanks to the members of the PROM list