At exactly 18 weeks pregnant, my
membranes ruptured completely.
Although it was my first pregnancy, I
knew that my water had broken. I
rushed to the ER, where it was
confirmed that my water had indeed
broken, and was advised to induce
labor and terminate the pregnancy. I
was told that I had a 95% chance of
going into labor within the week
anyway, and that if I continued with
the pregnancy, I was risking infection
to myself and an almost certain
miscarriage anyway. I thought it over,
and decided that the 5% chance was
worth it. I was placed on bedrest at
home, given antibiotics to prevent
infection, and scheduled for weekly
ultrasounds to monitor my progress. I
continued the home rest for 5 weeks,
each week showing an AFI of less than
3 - typically no measurable fluid. My
doctor, nurses, and ultrasound tech
were amazed each week that the
pregnancy sustained, her heartbeat was
strong, and she stayed right on target
with her size. At 23 weeks, when the
pregnancy was considered 'viable', I
was admitted to the antepartum unit of
a nearby hospital - one with a level 3
NICU. I was on monitored strict
bedrest, twice weekly ultrasounds, and
seen once a day by a doctor. I had a
consultation with a neonatologist, who
warned me that although she seemed to
be developing fine in the ultrasounds,
she was at danger for having either no
lungs or poorly developed lungs, based
on the amount of time she was without
fluid. At 28 weeks, 4 days, the fetal
heart monitor showed an increase in
her heart rate, several times
throughout the day. Late that night, I
started experiencing heavy cramping,
and the doctor said it was time to
deliver. My placenta had abrupted.
Because she was breech, and in no
fluid, I was c-sectioned. Her apgar
scores were 4, then 7 - and she
weighed 2 lbs, 8 oz. She was
immediately placed on a ventilator and
rushed to the NICU. I got a glimpse of
her in the birthing room, but didn't
really see her until about 3 hours
later. Ava spent 9 weeks in the NICU.
She did have a problem with one lung,
which was resolved with an oscillating
vent. She spent 7-8 weeks on one type
of breathing assistance or another.
She had issues with apnea and
irregular heart rates, both of which
were resolved as she matured. As of
12/21/2006, Ava is home for good -
with no known potential long-term
effects from her prematurity. She
truly is a miracle baby. I would
encourage anyone facing PPROM to wait
it out - there is hope!
I am happy to share more of my story
or answer questions for anyone
interested.
My e-mail:
unfinished_symphony22@yahoo.com
Ava's website:
http://www.totsites.com/tot/avanicole
My myspace:
www.myspace.com/twistedtryst311
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