The white cell count will rise 24 hours following administration of corticosteroids and should return to baseline 3 days following administration of steroids. Given her history of PPROM, this patient should be investigated for infection.

When cared for as an inpatient, women with PPROM should have their vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature, recorded on an obstetric early warning chart.
A combination of clinical assessment (pulse, blood pressure, temperature and symptoms), maternal blood tests (C-reactive protein and white cell count) and fetal heart rate using cardiotocography, should be employed to diagnose clinical infection.