Q. A 24-year-old female, G2P1, at 31 weeks gestation is admitted to the hospital after reporting a sudden gush of clear fluid from her vagina while at home, and subsequent leakage of fluid throughout the day. She denies any contractions, vaginal bleeding, or fever. Upon admission, you perform a sterile speculum exam and observe pooling of fluid in her vagina. Laboratory testing of the fluid demonstrates the presence of fern-like crystals (see image). A nitrazine test is also positive. Fetal heart monitoring shows a normal fetal heart rate and pattern, and an ultrasound reveals adequate amniotic fluid levels and no signs of distress. Over the next few days, the patient remains stable and without signs of infection or labor. Which of the following statements is NOT true concerning this patient’s most likely diagnosis?