Preterm Premature Rupture Of Membranes

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Advice

Be your baby's advocate with your OB/Health care provider

PROM can leave you feeling completely helpless. However, you may find empowerment in the fact that you are your baby's advocate. Be as active as you can in the decision-making process. If you are uncomfortable making requests or asking for another opinion, remind yourself that you are doing this for your baby, and that your baby's health is the most important thing.

Keep asking questions if you don't understand something or don't have all the information you need. Wait until you feel that you have all the information you need before you make a decision. Unless your health care team tells you that your health or safety are in immediate danger, don't make decisions quickly or hastily.
Don't worry that you are being a pest by asking the hospital staff to monitor you closely.
Insist on being seen any time you feel that something is not right, even if you have left the hospital. If your health care practitioner will not schedule an appointment, go to the emergency room.
To the extent possible, keep a written log of what you are told, by whom, and the date and time you received the information. A written log is also useful for keeping track of your medications, fluid intake, bathroom visits, and pad changes (if applicable), as well as the names of the members of your health care team.
Join the PROM list for support as you advocate for your baby.

Follow your instincts.

If something doesn't feel or sound right, ask for a clarification or an explanation. Ask more than once. You are probably experiencing shock, a psychological and physiological condition that makes it difficult for you to move, speak coherently, and � most importantly � make decisions. Allow extra time for information to sink in, and to act on what you are told. Remind your health care team that you are experiencing shock and may need more time to process information. Don't feel pressured to make any decision immediately, and don�t just "go along" with what your health care team is recommending if you aren't completely sure whether it's right for you and your family.

If you are uncertain about a procedure or diagnosis, wait before acting and get another opinion. Find out what the range of options is. You are entitled to get a second, third, or fourth opinion. Don't be shy about searching for other doctors who specialize in pregnancy complications to consult about your situation. University hospitals are often a good source for maternal/fetal specialists with advanced training. If you feel a different course of action is more appropriate for you, discuss with your health care team whether it is possible to take the alternative course.

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Article by Jodi Donnelly, Mommy to Anthony PROM @ 16 weeks, born in 2004 @ 31.5 weeks, 41 days in NICU and now thriving
and Kay Squires, september 2005
Special thanks to Inkan, Jen, Jody, Lise, Sonya, Valerie, Beth and the members of the PROM list



		Preparing for a PROM Preemie

• Preapring for a
PROM Preemie

• Advice

• Meet your new
health care team

• Preparing for
delivery

• The first 48 hours

• The first week:

- Your baby

- Taking care of
Yourself

- Your partner, older
children, and others

• Bonding with
your baby

• Loss in the NICU

• Remember

• Resources

• Appendix A:
Creating a Preemie
Birth Plan

• Show all