Abstract
Background
To compare preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) at 34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks with term prelabor rupture of membranes at ≥ 37 weeks in terms of obstetric outcomes, maternal morbidity, and short-term neonatal outcomes.Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 646 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with PROM at 34 + 0 weeks or later in a tertiary care center between January 1, 2018 and July 30, 2025. Cases were grouped as PPROM at 34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks (n = 334) and term PROM at ≥ 37 weeks (n = 312). Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes were compared. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with NICU admission and the respiratory neonatal morbidity composite.Results
Compared with term PROM, the 34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks PPROM group had longer antibiotic use, higher rates of tocolysis and antenatal corticosteroid administration and longer latency. Infectious maternal morbidity did not differ significantly between groups. However, PPROM at 34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks was associated with lower birth weight, a higher rate of NICU admission (25.7% vs. 6.7%, p Conclusions
PPROM at 34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks appears to be a distinct clinical entity rather than simply an earlier form of term PROM. Despite similar maternal infectious morbidity, its substantially higher neonatal morbidity burden supports individualized management and consideration of expectant management in carefully selected cases.