By Crystal Miller, Cheraw, SC USAI had a perfectly healthy pregnancy with my first child in 2006. I assumed this would be the same. Being a teacher, my due dated landed in the summer 2 weeks after school was to be out. I had it all worked out. I wouldn't have to take 6 weeks off and I wouldn't have to write maternity plans. It was perfect. March 19, I woke up at 5 am to use the bathroom. I was so proud of myself for making it through the night without having to use it. I handled business and went to check the clock to see how much more time I had. As I did, water trickled down my leg. I ran back to the bathroom thinking maybe I didn't finish using it. Well it just kept coming. I knew something was wrong b/c it was uncontrollable. My husband and I went to the emergency room and they confirmed our fears - my water had broken. They sent me to a level 3 hospital that could handle my baby if she was going to be born then. Fortunately, she was not, but I was put on complete hospital bed rest and hated it. I couldn't go home until I delivered. Twelve days later I began having contractions and my little girl was born. She was perfectly healthy and came through everything fine. It was a strain on the family and myself because she did stay in the NICU 2 months, but she came out alright. I wanted to write my story to give hope to others. The only reason my baby was okay was because of the healing power of Jesus Christ. My husband and I knew that is the only way Cara-Jamison would pull through and she did. She is home with us now and acts like the average newborn. The only thing she came home having to do is take 1 ml of iron drops a day. So don't give up hope.
PROM at 26 weeks + 5 days. Delivery at 28 weeks + 3 days.
Story added: 2009-06-28
Looking back, I think I had a light leak all along, but I thought it was the baby kicking my bladder. If I would have told my doctor instead of writing it off, I might could have avoided it happening. I learned a lot through the experience though.