Artificial rupture of membranes (AROM), also known as an amniotomy, is performed by a midwife or obstetrician and was once thought to be an effective means to induce or accelerate labor.
[1] With the amnihook method, a sterile plastic hook is inserted into the vagina and used to puncture the membranes containing the amniotic fluid.
With the membranes punctured, amniotic fluid is able to escape from the uterus and exit the vagina.
To induce labor or augment uterine activity, despite evidence showing lack of effectiveness.
A 2013 Cochrane Review concluded, that "the evidence showed no shortening of the length of first stage of labour and a possible increase in caesarean section.
Routine amniotomy is not recommended as part of standard labour management and care.
If there is a suspicion of the presence of meconium (the contents of the baby's bowel), certain preparations must be made.
The baby may turn to a breech position, making birth more difficult if the membranes are ruptured before head engagement.