Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) that occurs earlier than 37 weeks of gestation in most cases aggravates the evolution of the pregnancy and labor with severe repercussions on the fetus. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal method of pregnancy and birth management, and also the management of postnatal complications for the mother and for the infant, in cases when PROM occurred between 24-34 weeks of gestation; evaluating the possibility of performing cesarean section in cases with prolonged oligohidramnios period. We have reviewed the medical charts of women with PROM occurred at 24-34 weeks of gestation, that were hospitalized in our institution from 2003 to 2008. We have assigned the patients in 3 groups, according to gestational age when PROM occurred. Data from our investigation clearly call for further research, and yet, the maternal and perinatal outcomes show that the expectant management can be used, but only in a third level maternity and in a premature new born intensive care unit. The caesarian section performed at 29-34 weeks of gestation, even with a long oligohidramnios period is more favorable for the fetus vs. natural delivery. Moreover, the perinatal morbidity rates are more propitious in pregnancies expectantly managed compared to intentional delivery.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) that occurs earlier than 37 weeks of gestation in most cases aggravates the evolution of the pregnancy and labor with severe repercussions on the fetus. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal method of pregnancy and birth management, and also the management of postnatal complications for the mother and for the infant, in cases when PROM occurred between 24-34 weeks of gestation; evaluating the possibility of performing cesarean section in cases with prolonged oligohidramnios period. We have reviewed the medical charts of women with PROM occurred at 24-34 weeks of gestation, that were hospitalized in our institution from 2003 to 2008. We have assigned the patients in 3 groups, according to gestational age when PROM occurred. Data from our investigation clearly call for further research, and yet, the maternal and perinatal outcomes show that the expectant management can be used, but only in a third level maternity and in a premature new born intensive care unit. The caesarian section performed at 29-34 weeks of gestation, even with a long oligohidramnios period is more favorable for the fetus vs. natural delivery. Moreover, the perinatal morbidity rates are more propitious in pregnancies expectantly managed compared to intentional delivery.