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Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy

Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Discusses Preterm Premature Rupture Of Membrane (PPROM) On WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor"

When a women goes into labor, that's usually when her water breaks. But sometimes the water breaks too early in pregnancy, weeks before the baby is due. When this occurs, it is referred to as PreTerm Premature Rupture of Membrane or PPROM.

Latoya Hackney is expecting her third child in July 2009. Her first two pregnancies were normal, but not this time. Her water broke weeks ago, too early for her baby.

According to Dr. Robert Atlas, OB/GYN, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mercy Medical Center, LaToya has PPROM, when a women's water breaks before her pregnancy has reached full term.

"Full term meaning greater than 37 weeks, so PPROM refers to women whose water breaks between 20 and up to 37 weeks," Dr. Atlas explained.

While doctors say PPROM is often hard to prevent, there are risk factors, including smoking, prior history of PPROM, infection, and for those women who are at risk, sexual activity.

"Which is something you don't hear about very often, and all the literature suggests that it is safe to have relations during pregnancy. But for some, there are complications that can occur," Dr. Atlas said.

For women like Latoya whose water broke before 32 weeks, bedrest is the normal treatment to delay labor.

"(PPROM) anytime before 32 weeks, the recommendation is observation. Any evidence of infection, delivery needs to occur immediately," Dr. Atlas said, as infection is the main risk to the unborn baby.

"Which can lead to bleeding in the brain, cerebral palsy, and even death," Dr. Atlas said.

For more details and to view Dr. Atlas' interview regarding PPROM, go to http://www.wbaltv.com/video/19568430/index.html.