By Regina, Santa Clara, CA USA
PROM at 19 weeksDelivery at 24 weeks + 6 days.
Story added: 2009-09-27

Jonathan (meaning "gift from God) is a miracle baby.
In 2008, I had never expected any problems with pregnancy but at 14 weeks I began bleeding a little. My OB said it was normal & did not put me on bedrest so I didn't worry. Bleeding increased as the weeks went on & at 19 week I was sitting at my desk at work when I felt strange & I knew the bleeding had increased. I went to the bathroom to see a ton of blood & fluid. Freaking out I went to my OB & was told everything looked ok but to go to the high risk clinic the next day. When I did we saw that there was no fluid. I was heart- broken. we were advised to terminate but couldn't bring ourselves to do so. I felt that God was definitely with him and knew that he would be "God's gift" so we named him Jonathan.
We had antibiotics and went home for bedrest until 24 weeks. At 24 weeks we were admitted and a doctor came in to ask if we'd like to be transferred to Stanford Hospital which had a better NICU. We immediately agreed & were taken there via ambulance. We recieved steroid shots for my baby's lungs & we made it another day before I started having contractions. I was not allowed to try drugs to stop the contractions b/c the Dr was concerned it would mask any brewing infection. I tried to stay still but only made it a couple more days before the contractions were so strong & fast that they couldn't wait any longer. My son was born via classical C- section at 24+6 and was immediately intubated. He struggled at the edge of life for months with MANY complications. Now, he is a normal, beautiful, funny, stubborn, wonderful 18 month old. He still requires some oxygen help via cannula & gets alot of therapy to help his development. But, he is happy & doing well & we expect he will outgrow most issues before his second birthday! He is a miracle!! And we love him! Praise God.