By Katie, San Antonio, TX United States
PROM at 18 weeks + 6 days. Delivery at 19 weeks + 5 days.
Story added: 2010-12-10

This was my 5th pregnancy. My first child was born at 41.5 weeks after induction of labor. Two years later I had 2 early miscarriages at 8 and 6 weeks. My second child was born at 35 weeks when my water broke prematurely. I didn't think much of it at the time but I am now wondering if this is a pattern. I was 18w6d pregnant when I had a gross rupture of membranes. I knew from previous experience that this was my water breaking and knew to rush to the doctor immediately. They performed an ultrasound where they told us there was no fluid left. I was admitted to the hospital for antibiotics and observation. I saw 5 different doctors while I was there and all 5 recommended termination. I couldn't bear the thought of that especially after seeing my baby's strong heartbeat with each ultrasound. I remained in the hospital on strict bedrest but still felt my fluid continue to leak. We got up to as much as 3.5 cm. of fluid but then the very next day went down to 0.5mm. My poor baby had no room to grow or develop. After 6 days of bedrest, we made the hardest decision of our lives and decided to terminate. We felt that no matter what I did this baby would never make it. I really wish that I had read these stories because they are hopeful and no one was providing us with any hopeful outcomes. We are now wondering how to pick up the pieces and whether we risk this happening again in another pregnancy. We despertely want another child but do not want this to hapen again. Our precious baby boy Gabriel was not alive at birth. He was so tiny but so perfect. We will carry him in our hearts forever.