By Bethany, Battle Creek, MI USA
PROM at 18 weeksDelivery at 28 weeks + 4 days.
Story added: 2006-12-29

At exactly 18 weeks pregnant, my membranes ruptured completely. Although it was my first pregnancy, I knew that my water had broken. I rushed to the ER, where it was confirmed that my water had indeed broken, and was advised to induce labor and terminate the pregnancy. I was told that I had a 95% chance of going into labor within the week anyway, and that if I continued with the pregnancy, I was risking infection to myself and an almost certain miscarriage anyway. I thought it over, and decided that the 5% chance was worth it. I was placed on bedrest at home, given antibiotics to prevent infection, and scheduled for weekly ultrasounds to monitor my progress. I continued the home rest for 5 weeks, each week showing an AFI of less than 3 - typically no measurable fluid. My doctor, nurses, and ultrasound tech were amazed each week that the pregnancy sustained, her heartbeat was strong, and she stayed right on target with her size. At 23 weeks, when the pregnancy was considered 'viable', I was admitted to the antepartum unit of a nearby hospital - one with a level 3 NICU. I was on monitored strict bedrest, twice weekly ultrasounds, and seen once a day by a doctor. I had a consultation with a neonatologist, who warned me that although she seemed to be developing fine in the ultrasounds, she was at danger for having either no lungs or poorly developed lungs, based on the amount of time she was without fluid. At 28 weeks, 4 days, the fetal heart monitor showed an increase in her heart rate, several times throughout the day. Late that night, I started experiencing heavy cramping, and the doctor said it was time to deliver. My placenta had abrupted. Because she was breech, and in no fluid, I was c-sectioned. Her apgar scores were 4, then 7 - and she weighed 2 lbs, 8 oz. She was immediately placed on a ventilator and rushed to the NICU. I got a glimpse of her in the birthing room, but didn't really see her until about 3 hours later. Ava spent 9 weeks in the NICU. She did have a problem with one lung, which was resolved with an oscillating vent. She spent 7-8 weeks on one type of breathing assistance or another. She had issues with apnea and irregular heart rates, both of which were resolved as she matured. As of 12/21/2006, Ava is home for good - with no known potential long-term effects from her prematurity. She truly is a miracle baby. I would encourage anyone facing PPROM to wait it out - there is hope!
I am happy to share more of my story or answer questions for anyone interested.

My e-mail: unfinished_symphony22@yahoo.com

Ava's website: http://www.totsites.com/tot/avanicole
My myspace: www.myspace.com/twistedtryst311