By Vicki Buffolino, W. Hempstead, NY USA
PROM at 18 weeks + 1 days. Delivery at 27 weeks + 2 days.
Story added: 2002-03-24

My pregnancy was IVF/ICSI and at 6 weeks we were thrilled to find out we were pregnant with twins. We had been trying to concieve for 3 years and this was our second round of IVF. Two weeks later at 8 weeks I started bleeding. The Dr's said it was a subcorionic hematoma. I never fully understood what it was but from then on I would have bouts of heavy bleeding and blood clots every 2 to 3 weeks. I was immediately placed on 23 hour bed rest. Bathroom priveliges only and a 5 minute shower each morning. Heavy Bleeding and pain to the point that we thought I was having a miscarrage but to our shock and joy each ultrasound showed two sacks with growing babies. I finally stopped bleeding at 15 weeks and we started to relax and hope that things would go normally from then on but that wasn't meant to be. I woke up at 4 AM on Dec 27 to a feeling of wetness. I ran to the bathroom and had a gush of water. We found out hours later at the hospital that baby A's sack had ruptured. I spent 10 days at the hospital being monitered for contractions and infection. The prolonged bleeding and exposure to the blood breaking down is what they figure caused the rupture. When they decided I was as stable as ever they sent me home for 24 hour bed rest. I was told to drink lots of water so I drank about a gallon a day plus milk and juice. Sponge baths and bed pans only (I don't wish that on my worst enemy). My MOM came from MN to take care of me so Hubby could work. I had leaking on and off all the time but at 21 weeks had a very heavy leak that lasted 2 days. When I was admitted to the hospital at 24 weeks for the rest of the pregnancy we found out that baby B's sack had also ruptured. I was given steroid shots to help their lung developement and a round of antibiotics just in case. We were told many times by many Dr's that the odd's were stacked against us but we had to try any way. I prayed every day for a miracle for my babies. I had my girls by C-section at 27 weeks and 2 days. I woke up at 1 AM with bleeding and very mild contractions. Baby A (2lbs/ 2ozs) whom we named Marjorie June lived about 2 minutes and Baby B (2lbs) whom we named Bonnie Rose lived for about 30 minutes. I am so heartbroken all I can do is cry. I did everything the Dr's said without question and I still lost them both. Being pregnant with them was so short and sad but so special and sweet. Yesterday at 2 weeks I brought home an urn with their ashes. I should be celebrating their birth not grieving their loss. I know time heals all wounds but it feels like no amount of time will ever take away my pain. I don't know what else to say but good luck to you all and I hope you have a better outcome than we did.