Necrosis of maternal tissues. {
{Rectovaginal fistulæ.
Infection—peritonitis.
Necrosis of skin over skull.
Necrosis of cranium.
Fracture of skull.
Death of child.
Maternal exhaustion and prolonged convalescence.
Premature rupture of the membranes not infrequently occurs from over-distention, when twins or hydramnios is present, or at any stage of the pregnancy when the membranes are weak. The liquor amnii flows off, not all at once, but after the first gush by intermittent discharges, depending on the painless uterine contractions and the accuracy with which the head fits the pelvis. Labor usually comes on in from twelve to forty-eight hours, but it may be postponed for a month.
The labor is sometimes more painful and prolonged on account of the absence of the fluid wedge and the generous lubrication of the channel which is supplied by the liquor amnii.