Spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac before labor and before 37 weeks gestation is known as?

• A. Placenta previa
• B. Ectopic pregnancy
• C. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
• D. Uterine rupture

Answer: (C)

Spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac before labor is known as rupture of membranes. When this rupture occurs before 37 weeks, it’s specifically described as preterm rupture of membranes (PPROM). The option that matches this event—premature rupture of membranes—best fits the scenario because it denotes the membranes tearing before labor begins, and the preterm timing is what makes it PPROM in clinical practice.

This differentiates from other conditions: placenta previa is when the placenta sits abnormally low in the uterus and can cause painless bleeding; an ectopic pregnancy is implantation outside the uterus; a uterine rupture is a tear in the uterine wall, usually during labor.