Prolonged rupture of membranes may result in which neonatal complication?

• A. Neonatal sepsis
• B. Meconium aspiration
• C. Persistent fetal circulation
• D. Jaundice

Answer: (A)

Prolonged rupture of membranes increases the risk of ascending infection from the birth canal into the amniotic fluid, exposing the fetus to bacteria and raising the chance of neonatal sepsis after birth. This direct link to infection is why neonatal sepsis is the most likely complication with PROM.

Other options are less specifically tied to PROM. Meconium aspiration is more about fetal distress and post-term or intrapartum factors. Persistent fetal circulation (persistent pulmonary hypertension) usually stems from perinatal distress or primary respiratory issues, not PROM itself. Jaundice is common in newborns for various reasons and isn’t a direct consequence of PROM.