Final answer:
The term 'premature rupture of membranes' (PROM) describes the rupture of chorioamniotic membranes after 37 weeks and before labor begins. PROM requires medical assessment to ensure a healthy delivery process, as it indicates that labor may start soon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the rupture of chorioamniotic membranes after 37 weeks and before the onset of labor is premature rupture of membranes (PROM). In such cases, the amniotic sac ruptures prematurely, and this event is separated from the start of labor contractions. The PROM event can be a sign that labor may soon begin, as the rupture of membranes often leads to contractions within a day. It is important to monitor for any signs of infection or complications during this period because of the exposure of the amniotic environment to the external surroundings.
PROM is a condition that is distinct from preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), which occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. Unlike PPROM, PROM happens at term, but still warrants careful medical assessment and management to ensure a healthy delivery. The forewaters released due to the rupture are part of the amniotic fluid, and in most cases, the majority of the hindwaters remain until the birth of the baby. Following birth, the delivery of the placenta and associated membranes, termed the afterbirth, marks the end of the childbirth process.