By Becky, Warwick UK
PROM at 17 weeks + 1 days. Delivery at 20 weeks.
Story added: 2008-07-10

I had two previous miscarriages over the last 2 and a bit years. The first - we found out at the 12 week scan and the second- at 11 weeks.

After 9 mths of trying I became pregnant for the third time. We were thrilled but very nervous. I finally started to relax a little following hearing the baby's heart beat at 16wks. It at last seemed we might get the baby we longed for. Other than some mild abdo pain at times I had no problems with the pregnancy. At 17+1 wks I was sat on the sofa, when without warning, I felt a popping feeling then a gush of fluid that soaked right through my clothes. I initially thought it was blood but when I checked I realised it was clear. I then thought I'd wet myself but as the fluid continued to trickle over the next few minutes I began to think maybe it was my waters. My partner called the labour ward at the hospital as were couln't get hold of midwife /gp as was a Sunday. We were advised to present at A+E. At the hospital we were refered to the gynae ward. After some time they confirmed my waters had broken. To our relief the baby still had a
strong heartbeat. I was admitted, put on antibiotics and a scan arranged for the morning. That night I had a bleed so they did a scan with a portable scanner. The baby was still alive but there was very little fluid. I had a propper scan the following day which showed the baby was cramped and there was no measurable fluid. The consultant was straight with us and told us the possible outcomes- it looked very bleak. We were given the option of termination but felt we had to give the baby a chance. I was kept in hospital on bedrest waiting to see if I regained any fluid. The baby's heart was going strong throughout. The further we got we decided termination wasn't an option. I continued to leak fluid. Nine days later I had another scan which still showed no fluid. We decided I may as well come home and take it easy as staying in hospital hadn't achieved much. A week later at a check up the heartbeat was still strong. For the first time the consultant started talking about what would happen should I reach 23/24 weeks. We came away thinking we had a little fighter and may just beat the odds. A few days later, at 19+6 weeks I had an uncomfotable feeling between my legs - I realised it was the cord dropping through. We went straight to the hospital where I was admitted again but they couldn't scan til the morning. After a very long night our worst fears were confirmed. The baby no longer had it's heart beat. I was induced and gave birth to a baby boy later that evening- 7th june 08. We called him charlie.

Charlie was perfect apart from obviously being small and his feet were turned in due to him having little room. I was shocked at how well formed he was - creases on hands and feet, finger nails and his little toungue etc. He looked scarily like my partner which is lovely as now sometimes when I look at my partner I can see Charlie.

We had small service for Charlie and he has been buried in a pretty churchyard within walking distance of our home. I think this has helped as when I feel down I can just go and vist him and have a 'chat'. It's been very difficult but we're getting there slowly...

Thanks for reading my story.

My thoughts are with anyone who is going through/has been through the same or a similar situation.