By Maria, NM US
PROM at 27 weeks + 6 days. Delivery at 28 weeks + 4 days.
Story added: 2003-08-27

Our first pregnancy! We were excited, scared and anxious to have our little one with us. After spotting at week 6 and bleeding at week 14, we were finally enjoying the pregnancy. On March 8 at 1:30 am I awoke to a feeling of small gushes of water. 10 minutes later I began to bleed and we immediately went to the ER. They verified that my membranes had ruptured and airlifted me from a rural area to Albuquerque. After 2 doses of steroids for the babie's lungs, she was born 5 days later. At 2 pounds and 8 ounces, Maia had to be put on a ventilator for 1 day. She was to continue on oxygen for 3 months after her birth. During her 2 month stay at the hospital, she overcame sepsis, a small brain bleed, a possible intestinal infection, and apnea (she forgot to breathe).

Maia is now 5 months old and is smiling, cooing and filling our hearts with joy. Although we still have to worry about a small heart defect, calcium deficiency and reflux, we hope that the worst is behind us. This difficult journey has turned into everything we dreamed of for our family. God has smiled upon us and we are truly grateful. I cannot imagine the pain that some of you moms have gone through but our hearts and prayers are with all of you.

Good luck to you all.