By Kristin, Canton, MI USA
PROM at 19 weeksDelivery at 31 weeks + 3 days.
Story added: 2004-09-16

At 14 weeks I had siginificant bleeding that began about 2 am and finished by 6. The ultrasound was inconclusive but didn't indicate any problems with the placenta.

At 19 weeks when my water broke we went to the ER in the middle of the night on the advice of my DO/midwife. She wanted to make sure that it was water and not blood since I told her it was "rust" colored. The doctors there diagnosed me with BV and after an ultrasound confirmed that I had no water. (They tried to look for ferning but it was inconclusive.) After being advised to admit right away and induce, my husband and I said we'd think about it and went home. We knew what to look for in terms of infection. I was on antibiotic for the BV and didn't allow ANYTHING in my vagina (to prevent infection).

We fully expected to have the baby within days after reading a review of the medical literature on mid- trimenster proms. With each passing week, we prayed that God's will would be done here no matter what that was. I began to hope for a healthy little one but knew that with no measurable water, chances were slim. I had two episodes of bleeding during this time but ultrasound showed they were not related to placental problems. (Although they couldn't swear on it b/c of the lack of water).

At 31 weeks I went into labor hard and fast. My husband rushed me to the ER. I pushed the baby out (breech) as soon as I arrived (much to the surprise of the resident on duty). She was stillborn. She probably had been gone for at least a few hours but they still worked on her to no avail.

Prom stories are sad because they are often about what might have been. In our case, we were so grateful not to have "terminated" the pregnancy. It gave us a chance to love this baby. For some reason she held on as long as she did and then it was time for her to go. We told our 2 1/2 year old that Crystal Marie went back to God. Carrying her for 12 weeks not knowing what the outcome would be was an act of faith that God and Nature know more about what is right for that life that I do or the doctors in the hospital who are simply following protocol.

So, I say follow your heart, turn your situation over to God and do your best to be at peace. Our mantra throughout this was "Let Thy Will be Done, Oh Lord, Not Mine."