Thousands of premature births could be prevented after officials updated guidelines on how to treat pregnant women whose waters break too soon. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is calling on doctors not to automatically induce expectant mothers whose waters break before 37 weeks. It says allowing the pregnancy to reach full-term results in ‘better outcomes for the mother and baby’, reducing the risk of breathing difficulties and infections. A study of more than 3,000 mothers-to-be found ‘no contraindications to continuing the pregnancy’. However, the RCOG’s updated guidance does not apply to pregnant women who have an infection or complication. Up until now, guidelines stated the ‘delivery of the baby should be considered at 34 weeks’ if PPROM occurred. PPROM stands for preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes. This occurs when a woman’s waters break early but she does not go into labour. Rosie, whose surname is unknown, gave birth to her daughter Dorothy (pictured together) in 2017 after continuing with her pregnancy when her waters broke at just 32 weeks Lia Brigante, quality and standards advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, said ‘This is important guidance that will help to improve the care and safety of pregnancies for women….