What does SROM mean in NURSING

SROM stands for Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes and refers to when the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus breaks before or during labor.

If your water breaks, you should contact your doctor immediately as it can indicate that labor may be imminent. Your doctor will advise you on what steps to take next.

While some women may experience slight leaking from their vagina prior to SROM, other women may not notice any pre-signs at all. It's important to always report any unusual vaginal discharge or fluid to your healthcare provider.

This can vary depending on how far along in pregnancy you were when your membranes ruptured and the progression of the contractions once they have begun. Typically, labor begins within 24-48 hours after SROM occurs but can happen sooner or later than that for some women.

While there are no medical risks associated with SROM itself, it can increase the risk of infection in both the mother and baby which is why timely diagnosis and treatment are important. Additionally, in some cases, a doctor may need to induce labor earlier than expected due to concerns about umbilical cord prolapse which could occur after SROM has happened.