Final answer:
Prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM) over 24 hours before delivery increases risks of maternal and neonatal infections, and careful monitoring and possible labor induction are needed to protect the health of both mother and baby.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk associated with the rupture of membranes 24 hours or longer prior to delivery, a condition known as prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM), includes a higher chance of infection for both the mother and the baby. The exposed environment can lead to infections such as chorioamnionitis, an infection of the amniotic fluid, and endometritis, an infection of the uterine lining.
Once the membranes rupture, the protective barrier between the baby and the outside world is lost, increasing the risk of bacterial invasion. This situation requires careful monitoring and often the administration of antibiotics to prevent neonatal and maternal infections. When PROM occurs, the onset of labor is typically expected within 24 hours to minimize risks, though sometimes inducing labor may become necessary to protect both the mother and the child.
The care team, including the obstetrician, will monitor for signs of infection or distress and may intervene, if necessary, to ensure the safety and health of both the mother and the newborn.