By Sophie, New Zealand
PROM at 25 weeksDelivery at 33 weeks.
Story added: 2008-09-02

It started as any normal pregnancy, being my 4th I was pretty relaxed. When I began to gush blood at 11 weeks, I figured perhaps it wasn't meant to be and prepared for the worst.. so a good strong heartbeat found by the ultrasound scan took me by surprise. It also found a rather large bloodclot in residence to the side of the placenta. But cervix was definately closed. I was sent home on rest and had to stop working.

For the next couple weeks I was still bleeding on and off until it didnt stop at all. After several more weeks of continuous bleeding and subsequent scans showing a normal growing baby I began to believe this baby was going to be ok despite my earlier fears.

When at 24 weeks the bleeding suddenly halted I was elated! 25 weeks and I wake thinking I had just peed myself. Strange but I had heard of it. The next morning when the same thing happens. I attempt to contact my midwife but shes away. I start to really hope I have just peed myself. Next morning same deal. We head to the hospital, a check of the fluids and a scan shows PPROM with the deepest amniotic pool only being 1cm. and I was swiftly flown to the national womans hospital 3 hours from home where I would be looked after for the remainder of the pregnancy. Devestating.

Anyway, onto steroids and antibiotics, but not restricted to bed. I was told I would either go into labour or get an infection, both requiring intervention. I leaked continously, great gushes that would soak through pad after pad. Days go by, then weeks, when nothing happened they were pretty surprised.

But delivery is certain by 32-34 weeks especially for long term prom as compression becomes an issue, so at 32 weeks they decide its time to induce. Twice they used gel, and nothing happens. Give it a couple of days was the recommendation.

A week later still nothing so at 33 weeks, 8 weeks after PROM, cyntocin was used and after a 36 minute labour our wee girl was born weighing in at exactly 4lb. A short time on cpap was needed but 2 weeks after she arrived she was ready to come home.. very very tiny but healthy and gaining weight.

She absolutely perfect in every way.. our little miracle!!