Artificial hydramnion. A simple method of verifying premature rupture of the membranes.

Accurate diagnosis of premature rupture of the membranes is of paramount importance for proper treatment. Currently available methods of diagnosing this complication of pregnancy are not satisfactory. A new, simple, noninvasive method occludes the amniotic outflow with a cervical cap on the external cervical os, permitting the formation of an artificial hydramnion. Observation of this hydramnion formation using ultrasonography and the release of accumulated amniotic fluid after removal of the cap are strong evidence of the existence of premature rupture of the membranes. We used this method in 17 cases.