By Julie, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
PROM at 18 weeks + 5 days. Delivery at 18 weeks + 5 days.
Story added: 2003-05-16

I discovered I was pregnant on Nov.11, 2003, our 7th wedding anniversary. We were very excited and other than early spotting and morning sickness things were moving very smoothly.
On February 20, 2003 at 18.5 weeks, I woke up and on the way to the bathroom felt a gush of liquid hit the floor. I was concerned and upset and made an appointment with my doctor. She advised me to go to the emergency room of the hospital that I planned to deliver in. At the ER, we heard the baby's heartbeat on the doppler and were reassured, until shortly afterwards I began to bleed. The doctor sent me up for an ultrasound and as soon as the tech left the room I knew the news was bad. Our baby was still alive, but there was no fluid left.
Back at the emergency room, the OB gave us our options, which included waiting or inducing labour. Because I was already bleeding, he believed I really didn't have a choice. They moved me to Women's Hospital, gave us a private room and some books on miscarriage/stillbirth to help us prepare for what lay ahead. I was told I would deliver naturally.
At 5pm that afternoon, they induced me, although I believe I was already in labour. Three hours later I delivered our little girl. She had passed away by that point, which I find reassuring. Her last moments were in a safe place.
They brought her to us. She was 22cm long and looked wonderful. She had her dad's chin. The hospital staff gave us pictures, a raised cast of her hand and foot prints as well as a box with the receiving blanket and hat she was brought to us in.
As difficult as it was, I am so glad I had the opportunity to deliver naturally. I feel that I was able to go through the entire process, and do what I was supposed to. The process at the hospital, and the compassionate staff also made the experience more bearable, and special in a very different way than I expected it to be. I have found a lot of comfort from other people's experiences, and thought it would be a good place to share my own.