Artificial rupture of membranes

Last revised by Arlene Campos on 19 Jan 2024

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

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