Hi ladies,
Just wanted to share with you my recent experience and bring awareness on the issue of PPROM (Preterm premature rupture of membranes). It's something I personally had no clue about but have had to learn so much in such a short period of time.
At 24W 5D, I had experienced an unusual increase of watery discharge which at first I had ignored. Thought that same day, I had experience a big gush of fluid and thought that this was something more than the usual vaginal discharge. I had called the midwives and explained what had happened in which they had advised me to come to the hospital ASAP. Once I got there they ran a few test and confirmed that I had ruptured my membranes (water broke). I was immediately rushed to a hospital that specialises in premature births as I was advised that I would be giving birth within 24 hours. Being completely shocked and in disbelief, the only thing I could think of was "will my baby be ok?". I was immediately given 2 courses of steroid injections to mature the baby's lungs and also a course of antibiotics to prevent infections. We were advised of the statistics of survival rate and were told that the longer baby can survive inside the womb with minimal fluid, the better chance of survival. During that time, it seemed surreal and I was not absorbing the information thrown at us. It was one waiting game I was willing to be patient for.
I am now 27W 2D, still haven't given birth and baby is still growing in my womb

I must say I thank god everyday for looking after me and my baby, giving us an opportunity to allow baby to grow just a little bit longer inside.
I thought I'd share this with you to remind everyone that if you have any concern regarding you pregnancy, please do not hesitate to contact your doctor or midwife. I thank my lucky stars that I made that phone call. I would hate to imagine what would have happened if I didn't. I know a lot of women are scared and turn to a quick web search for answers, but all pregnancies are different, it's always best to touch base with your health care provider even if you think it might be a silly question.
Re: PPROM
And a good reminder for everyone.
Thanks for the reminder! It's always better to call and it not be a big deal than to not call and it be a big deal.
Married 9/28/13
DS born 11/12/15
EDD 8/13/18
Only 2 steroid injection is given to help speed up the development of the baby's lungs, this is administered at or before 34 weeks of pregnancy in two shots 24 hours apart. After 34 weeks of pregnancy the baby's lungs should be fully developed and it is therefore not necessary for the drug to be given. The drug takes approximately 48 hours to work and is said to have no side affect on the baby. Only 2 steroid injections are enough to speed up the development.
Antibiotics were also given to help prevent or treat any infection that could occur in the amniotic fluid. I was given the antibiotics the day after I was diagnosed as having PPROM and the course was for 10 days.
I was on strict bed rest for 2 weeks. As I have pass the critical stage, I am allowed to walk around and do extremely light upper body exercises to increase blood flow and to reduce blood clots. I am not allowed to leave the hospital but I am allowed to move
Doctors are not sure exactly how long I will be able to hang on for, but I was told that every day the baby is in the womb is equivalent to 3 days in NICU. I hope I can make it to at least 32 weeks. I am over the moon that I've made it to 28 weeks
I had no clue that this was common. I suppose before this happened ..my pregnancy was all running smoothly and didn't think there was a need to read much about potential risks in pregnancy.
The midwives and doctors here have been fantastic. They took us into the NICU nursery and basically showed us babies that were born at early gestations. Its just amazing how much technology has advanced to help save such fragile human beings. We are so lucky to be living in a country that provides this care
It has been a while since I've posted. Just thought I'd give you an update.. I had to have an emergency C-Section at 29 weeks 6days due to an infection that I had developed during my stay in hospital. I am now a proud mother of a healthy baby boy
It's been a rough couple of weeks.. Apart of me feels expreamly sad that my baby boy isn't home with me however i also feel relieved that he is doing so well and he is in great care.
I know from experience that having your LO in the NICU is really hard, make sure you're taking care of yourself!
Prayers for you and little one!