By Aisha Kelson, Warren, Ohio USA
PROM at 20 weeks + 6 days. Delivery at 25 weeks + 6 days.
Story added: 2002-12-17

I found out I was having twins at 11w. After that I started seeing a Perinatologist as well as my OB. At 20w5d, I went to my appt at with my peri. and he discovered that my cervix was starting to open, it was at 1 cm. He then told me the only chance I had to carry the pregnancy any longer was emergency cerclage. So I was sent to the hospital.

I was admitted and scheduled for surgery the next morning. This was all so frightening to me, I'm only 24 and have never been through anything like this before.

I went to the OR and while on the operating table, before the Dr. could even begin the procedure, my water broke. It seems the sac was bulging, and just him touching my cervix caused it to rupture. He told me it was only a matter of time before I lost both my babies. There was only a 5% chance I would carry either of the babies any longer.

I was moved to another unit, where I would be constantly monitored for infection or signs of labor. I ended up staying there for another 5 weeks. I had no infection and only a few contractions that the monitor picked up. . .I didn't feel any.

During the 5th week I started contracting. I was put back on IV fluids and that seemed to do the trick. Then 2 nights later, contractions again. I went through about 3 days of this. . .contractions that start at midnight and end early in the morning. I was transfered to L&D at least 2 times. This all started on sunday. Then on thursday (actually friday) it changed. The contractions were coming stronger and closer. While trying to use the bedpan, I felt my baby girl starting to come out. She was delivered at 4:30am, and my son at 5:15. I was 25w6d.

My daughter, Ayanna Karyss, lived for 4 hours. She was in the womb for 5 weeks with little to no amniotic fluid and her lungs didn't develop. The steroid shots that I got couldn't help her. She was born weighing 1lb 3 oz and was 11 3/4 in long. My son, Keon Amar, is still with us. He was born weighing 1lb 6oz and was 12 3/4 in long. He is on a respirator, but seems to be doing well.

My babies were born on 11/29/02 and my son is now 2 weeks old.

So to anyone going through this. . .keep hope alive. It can go either way and all you can do is pray.



Aisha
Mom to

Angel - Ayanna Karyss & Miracle - Keon Amar both born at 25w6d on 11/29/02 Prom'd 20w6d