artificial rupture of membranes

Last reviewed 09/2022

This is a method of induction of labour.

Possible indications for ARM include:

  • pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
  • hypertension
  • multiple pregnancy
  • postmaturity
  • antepartum haemorrhage
  • placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth retardation
  • polyhydramnios
  • amnionitis
  • abruptio placentae
  • diabetes
  • rhesus haemolytic disease
  • fetal abnormality
  • fetal death

Possible complications include:

  • failure to establish labour
  • maternal or fetal sepsis
  • cord prolapse
  • wrong dates - prematurity