By Katy, Manchester United Kingdom
PROM at 18 weeks + 6 days. Delivery at 27 weeks + 4 days.
Story added: 2006-02-15

After a sudden bleed at 18.6 weeks i was admitted to hospital for a scan, which discovered that there was no amniotic fluid around the baby, yet i had not been aware that i had lost my waters. I spent the next nine weeks in the hospital more than out with weekly scans observing the growth and any volume of water that may have been replaced. The volume of water remained low and unpromising for the duration. I was prepared by the medical staff for the worst but repeatedly told 'fingers crossed'. I also got a second opinion at 23 weeks and was told that the most vital period for the baby to have amniotic fluid was between 16 and 28 weeks this gave us an idea as to what to expect. At 24 weeks i was given steroids (to help speed up the development of the baby's lungs) and antibiotics (as a preventative measure). Growth of the baby was normal but i still lost amniotic fluid as fast as it was produced. At 27.4 weeks i gave birth to my little boy Sam(2.7lbs), who seemed to do well with superb neonatal care from the moment he was born, he and neonatal staff faught with such determination for nine hours but his lungs were just too underdeveloped to sustain him.
Farewell to dreams...........