What is a common risk factor for premature rupture of membranes?

Multiple gestation is a well-documented risk factor for premature rupture of membranes (PROM). In pregnancies involving more than one fetus, there is increased stress on the membranes due to the greater volume of amniotic fluid and the presence of multiple fetuses. This can lead to an increased likelihood of the membranes breaking before labor begins. The greater uterine distension associated with multiple gestations also increases the risk of mechanical stress on the membranes.

In contrast, while advanced maternal age and gestational diabetes can have their own associated risks during pregnancy, they are not as directly linked to PROM as multiple gestation is. Advanced paternal age is not typically a recognized risk factor for premature rupture of membranes. This distinction highlights the unique mechanical and physiological stresses associated with carrying multiple fetuses that predispose to earlier rupture of membranes.