By Jennifer, Goffstown, NH
PROM at 21 weeksDelivery at 24 weeks.
Story added: 2001-01-25

I posted my story under the guestbook but wanted to place it here instead. I have recieved several emails from my posting in the guestbook. It's comforting to have the support of people faced with the samething. This was my first pregnancy. I never thought I would be faced with so many emotions all at once. My son Jordan died January 2, 2001. I have so many unanswered questions. I have spent countless hours searching the web, trying to learn as much as I can. I am very grateful for this website, reading about other Prom's has provided the most helpful information. If anyone can recommed any books I would greatly appreciate it.

I learned I was 6 weeks pregnant in September 2000. This was my first pregnancy. My first ultrasound the beginning of November told us that we were having a boy! We decided to name him Jordan Murphy (middle name Murphy after my grandfather) A week after my second ultrasound, I had some very light spotting and cramping. I went in for an exam.The next couple of days the bleeding continued slightly heavier. I saw the doc. 3 times that week. Four hours after my last exam my water broke. I was not having contractions but the ultrasound showed there was little fluid. I stayed on complete bedrest in the hospital trying to get us both to the 24 weeks. Just days before 24 weeks I started having bad back pain. Fearing this could be early signs of infection, we asked for the steroids that would help the lung development. Two days later on Friday December 29, at exactly 24 weeks, Jordan Murphy was born. He was born unexpectedly I had gotten up to use the bathroom and I could see my baby in the mirror part way out. I knew he was in a breech position and it was pre- determined I would have a c-section to give him the best possible chance. It was too late for the c-section. Jordan was born in bed in the maternity ward and taken right to the NICU. I did not even know if he was alive. I learned shortly that Jordan, 1lb 3oz was alive. The neonatalist explained the first 3 days were the most critical. Just hours short of this 3 day window, Jordan started having seizures. An ultrasound of his brain the following morning that Jordan had a class IV hemorrhage in his brain. We had our baby Jordan baptized minutes before we took him off the ventilator. My family was with me and we took Jordan into a separate room where we could be alone. Jordan was held by everyone. We buried Jordan 3 days later on January 5. He is buried with my grandfather, John Murphy. The love I have for my son is incredible. He lived for a brief 5 days but is in my heart forever.