By Joy, Virginia USA
PROM at 15 weeksDelivery at 16 weeks.
Story added: 2002-12-07

It was our first pregnancy; we had planned for it for years. We were ecstatic. Everything was progressing perfectly. On September 12, 2002. I walked downstairs to let the dog out it was 4:30 am. As I was making my way down the stairs, I felt my water running down my leg. I made it to the kitchen and stood as it continued to accumulate on the floor. I was sleepy and it took a minute to understand what had happened.

Several hours later I was admitted to the hospital. I was told I had a little fluid left and maybe a few days of bed rest, IV fluids and antibiotics would help to re-accumulate the amniotic fluid. I was completely uneducated and oblivious to the usual outcome to this situation. I asked a million questions but received very few answers. I remained in the hospital 5 days. The little one was doing well. She had a very strong h/b and was kicking and moving most of the time. On the 5th day I felt very little of her and an u/s showed I had lost more fluid. I was told the pregnancy would not make it and I should have a D&E immediately. I trusted the Dr.'s.

2 days later the D&E was performed. Our little girls h/b was almost nonexistent that morning. I requested an u/s before surgery..she waived. I cried. We all said Good-bye. I have never felt so powerless in my life.

I am terrified to be pregnant again, but also refuse to give up. I spend most of my free time arming myself with information in hopes I can protect the next little one. My Dr.'s never discussed cervical length with me. We never cultured my urine for infection. The cause has gone as unexplained PPROM.

We named out little girl Ellie Renee. We said goodbye to her on September 18, 2002.