By Amy, Prov. RI USA
PROM at 16 weeks + 5 days. Delivery at 35 weeks + 5 days.
Story added: 2004-11-11

My water broke at 16 weeks for no reason. I went to the ER after experiencing a large gush of fluid. Tests confirmed PROM. After reviewing the options I was sent home to take my temp. 3 times a day (monitor for infection). I was to see my OB once a week. Basically the drs. said (without saying) there is no way this baby will make it. They were sure he would crush his cord or I would develop an infection. Each ultrasound showed less than 1 cm of fluid and a strong heartbeat. After sitting in bed for 2 months I was admitted into the hospital at 26 weeks (we chose not to go in at 24wks, the baby would be too small we felt). I sat there for another 2 months and was considered a medical miracle. The baby continued to grow, had no measurable fluid and had a strong heartbeat. It goes without saying that this was the most stressful time in our lives so far. We prayed and talked to the baby every day and night asking him to stay off his cord and take in as much fluid as possible to develop his lungs. The specialists said he could have deformaties, little or no lung development, and a host of other problems due to little or no fluid. The night before they induced (they didn't want to give me anymore time for something to go wrong) they said we were going to have a 3.5 pound girl. On 5-10-04 (with little effort on my part, at least something was easy) I delivered (no c-section needed) a 4 pound 4 ounce baby boy who cried. He did have significant lung issues (first night was touch and go) He was perfect physically (with relation to fluid loss) outside of a stiff neck. He spent 2 months in the NICU (for lungs). He is now 6 months. He is still on a little oxygen, but he is active and developing well. He should be off soon. I read all the stories on this board while I was on bedrest and had hope when there was little to be had. All I needed to know was that it was possible, unlikely and rare, but possible. I never considered termination because I wanted the baby to decide (I just couldn't stop a heartbeat that was so strong). I know we are so so lucky and my boy is a miracle. If you are in this situation and reading these stories while on bedrest through tear stained eyes, know there is a chance.