By Tamara , Lake Orion, MI USA
PROM at 16 weeksDelivery at 16 weeks.
Story added: 2000-06-24

After 13 years of marriage my husband and I decided to go through In-vitro fertilization. (required due to lack of fallopian tubes) Our first attempt was unsuccessful -- our second attempt in February 2000 was a success two fold...we were pregnant with twins and absolutely thrilled. Because of all we had to go through to get pregnant I was extremely careful not to overdo it and to eat well.

At 16 weeks I was walking around the house when I felt a gush of water which was leaking down my leg. I thought I had lost control of my bladder and never even considered that my water had broke. Later when talking to my Mom she convinced me to call the Doctor in the morning. My Dr. suggested that I go to emergency. They did an U/S and said both of the babies looked fine, had strong heartbeats and plenty of fluid. They also did an exam, checked for fluid with the strip of paper and examined a swab under a microscope -- all indications were negative for PROM. They sent me home and told me if I developed a fever or signs of infection to come back. Late that night I had a backache -- like I had been stabbed. In the morning my temperature was 100.7 so I returned to the hospital. At 9:30 they did another ultrasound, exam and determined that my temp was rising but said my babies were fine and there was no indication of PROM. After suffering (I was feeling very sick) for 5-6 hours with uncaring nurses and repeated checking from residents who found nothing my temperature rose to the point that I was vomiting and I told the nurse that they had to do something or I was going to die. I finally got the attention I needed. Another resident which I had not seen before determined that one of my babies did not have any fluid and they admitted me. I finally saw my Dr. and a high risk specialist when they came into my room to tell us that I had an infection and they were going to give me medication to induce labor with no hope for either baby. They ended up doing a D&E and I am still waiting for the lab results on the placenta's.

I am tormented by thoughts that something more could have been done in the beginning to save the baby that was still had it's water intact and wonder if I am lucky enought to get pregnant again whether I should see the same Dr. (who has a great reputation) or if I should see someone else. This has changed me so much...I am 38 years old and don't think that I can suffer the loss of another baby.

We plan to try again in August 2000 and I am doing all the research I can and plan to present it to the OB/GYN that will treat me in my next pregnancy.

Thanks for all of your stories. I would not wish this on anyone, but it's good to know that I'm not alone.