By Tamara, Atlanta, GA US
PROM at 20 weeksDelivery at 27 weeks.
Story added: 2010-02-04

I had never heard of PPROM but I was very familiar with miscarriages. I had 3 previous miscarriages they all started the same unexplained bleeding. But this time was different I thought, I had some light spotting at around 7 weeks and the doctor decided to try Lovenox (blood thinner) injections even though all of my testing for clotting disorders came back negative. It seemed to work I was feeling pretty good. The doctor only wanted me to take the blood thinner until the end of the first trimester at 12 weeks. At 16 weeks I had some major bleeding was admitted to hospital for 4 days. They could not determine if it was a blood clot or an empty sac dissolving. I remember thinking this is the end, I had so much bleeding and passed lots of clots. However the baby's heart beat was great and she was doing fine. I convinced them to let me go back on Lovenox and they did. Sure enough the bleeding stopped and I was allowed to go home but on complete bedrest. Fast forward to 20 weeks and just one day felt very strange while laying down and suddently this big gush. I immediately thought it was blood but soon realized it was clear fluid. We called the doctor and went to ER immediately. It was confirmed at the hospital that my water had broken and I had very little fluid left and first heard the term PPROM. We were told the baby's chances of survival were slim, we could terminate or wait until labor starts which would likely be the next 24 to 48 hours. I was admitted to hospital to watch for contractions or an infection. I was given a round of antibiotics to fight infections. Well I suprised everyone and made it 7 more weeks in the hospital with no contractions and no signs of infection. At 24 weeks I received 2 steroid shots to help with the babies lung development. With very little fluid or no fluid from week to week the baby seem to be doing pretty well. At exactly 27 weeks I had some light bleeding and the nurse immediately checked for the baby's heart rate as a precaution and I heard the words I will never forget, "no heartbeat". After a c-section it was determined that I had a severe case of chorioamnionitis and severe placenta adhesion issues. I did not have any outward signs of infection, no fever or tenderness in abdomen or uterine area. My dear sweet baby girl after holding on for 7 long weeks with no fluid was born still. I am sharing my story and hope it helps someone on their PPROM journey. Ask lots of questions, research PPROM as much as you can and never assume the doctors are always right.