Question

1. why must a baby be delivered within 24 to 48 hours after the mother’s water has broken?
2. how do premature labor and false labor differ?

Explanation:

1. The amniotic sac (water) protects the fetus from infection. When it breaks, the barrier against bacteria is gone, increasing infection risk for both mother and fetus. Delivery within 24-48 hours reduces this risk.
2. Premature labor involves regular, progressive contractions before 37 weeks that dilate/efface the cervix, requiring medical intervention. False labor (Braxton Hicks) has irregular, non-progressive contractions that don’t change the cervix and often resolve with rest.

Answer:

1. To reduce the risk of infection for the mother and fetus, as the amniotic sac’s protective barrier is lost when the water breaks.
2. Premature labor has regular, progressive contractions (before 37 weeks) that dilate the cervix; false labor has irregular, non-progressive contractions that don’t affect the cervix.