She has assisted at over 1,000 births and is currently teaching in the nurse-midwifery program at the University of Minnesota. It is hard to predict which mothers and babies will do well and which will not. The ruptured membrane gives bacteria an entrance into the uterus, which is why nothing should be introduced into the vagina. This precludes pelvic exams and intercourse. The risks of an infection for you and for the baby range from 15 to 25 percent.
Prematurity is another risk.
If rupture occurs prior to 26 weeks, there is a 50-50 chance of going into labor within one week. Lack of oxygen to the baby due to umbilical cord compression or prolapse is another risk. This could lead to stillbirth. Compression of the cord produces a 3 percent risk of some fetal face, limb, or lung defects. Fetal malformations can also occur due to the lack of fluid, which restricts the baby's movements.