By Steve, Raleigh, NC USA
PROM at 21 weeksDelivery at 23 weeks.
Story added: 2000-07-09

My wife had gone to the OBG and complained about leaking fluid around 21 weeks. Since we had already delivered a full-term girl, I guess the OBG wasn't concerned. Instead, she believed it was just urine and suggested additional Kagel (sp?) exercises for better bladder control. Two weeks later while my wife was out of town, her water broke and the sac failed. My son's foot was visible in the birth canal and he was in danger of strangling in his breach position. My wife and I opted for an emergency C- section although everyone thought we were crazy; the viability at 23 weeks they said was too poor. Well, this was an in-vitro baby and we'd beaten so many odds already that we had Stephen delivered. The NICU staff were great and we began to meet some of the other NIC parent/residents. Stephen survived 26 hours before succumbing to lung failure (rupture) and dying in my arms.

Have yet to talk with the OBG about how she missed the diagnosis since it looks like this is a manageable situation. Meanwhile my wife and I are trying to cope with our loss; we burried Stephen two days ago (7/6/00.)