RESUMEN
The clinical aspects and complications associated with prelabour rupture of the membranes were investigated in forty patients: a control group of thirty-four full term pregnant patients were selected; cases of both groups were of similar clinical presentation except for the time of rupture of the membranes: primigravidity, toxaemia of pregnancy and cervical rigidity were more frequently encountered in the prelabour rupture group: non-engagement of the presenting foetal head was found to predispose to prelabour rupture of the membranes only in primigravidae: engagement and ripeness of the cervix shortened the latent period in the prelabour rupture group: the duration of the three stages labour was not significantly different in the two groups: prelabour rupture of the membranes was attended with a definite increase tn the incidence of operative interference, and was associated with an increased maternal and foetal risks