PPROM Baby, Born @ 32 Weeks

CLICK ON ARROWS to the right for full (P)PROM story: Bennett on Day 28 in the NICU, now weighing 4 lbs., 10 oz., born at 32 weeks gestation, weighing 3 lbs., 5 oz. at birth. This video is for all you (P)PROM moms awaiting the outcome of your pregnancies.

In June of 2010, my water broke at 19 weeks (PPROM) and after hospital admission, the perinatologists and OB/GYNs recommended terminating the pregnancy, citing that I would likely get infected, hemorrhage or deliver within the first week. We chose to continue the pregnancy and prepared ourselves for fetal demise (if delivered before 24 weeks gestation) or for a severely disabled child (if born before 28 weeks). Although I never replenished amniotic fluid and my AFIs remained critically low (0-2.5 cm max), the pregnancy continued for another 12 weeks as I remained hospitalized on bedrest for 90 days until I went into labor at 31 weeks and 6 days. We knew that even though we'd made it gestationally farther than any docs thought possible, chances were high his lungs would be hypoplastic at birth and we would lose him in a matter of hours post-delivery.

Born by emergency c-section, Bennett was unable to breathe at birth, diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypoplasia, was intubated and put on a high-frequency ventilator. Also diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension, he was hooked up to Nitric Oxide. After just four days, he was extubated, taken off the NO and put on CPAP ventilation. After just a day on CPAP, he was weaned to a nasal cannula ... which he remains on at one-month old (36 weeks gestation, adjusted age). For the past 3 weeks, he's only needed 21-25% oxygen on 1 liter flow. His doctors and nurses are amazed with his progress, and he'll likely be home with us before his due date.

At birth, Bennett also had a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and a PDA (patent ductus arteriosus) of the heart -- both of which resolved during his first week without medication/surgery/intervention. His neuro ultrasounds came back negative for IVH/brain bleeds and today, his eye exam showed negative for ROP.

We anticipated compressed limb deformities or club feet due to no fluid/breech presentation. Bennett was born with one deformity of his foot which will likely resolve with a little physical therapy. Besides that and his immature lungs, the neonates say he is progressing like any other 32-week preemie and that he defies medical explanation.

For all of you moms and dads continuing your pregnancies post-rupture, we post this to lend you encouragement and strength during an incredibly frightening and difficult time. We realize that many courageous parents fight a long fight without such a wonderful outcome, but for those of you struggling with the shock of your water breaking far too early, we just wanted to share that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Where there is life ... there is hope.

We heard this from his neonatologists the week he was born: "Given the statistics, he never should have made it and he should not be doing this well." Well, I've never liked the word "should," and never say never.

Many thanks to our family, dear friends (near and far) who carried us while I carried him. Without your prayers, encouragement and joining us in the belief that he could make it, I'm not sure he would have.

Peace, comfort and strength to you on this journey. For more support and information about PPROM: http://www.kanalen.org/prom/

Category:

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Tags:

• PROM
• PPROM
• (P)PROM
• Preemie

[dubitanda]

Eveness588, I just tried to post a few links to online PPROM support groups and info, but it won't allow me to post. If you leave me your email address or phone number, I'll be happy to get these resources to you ASAP. Hang in there -- I know how scary it is.

[dubitanda]

Eveness588, I am so sorry to hear that your water broke. Do not give up hope. Our little guy just had his 6 month post-NICU eval yesterday and, in general, is developing fairly well. I know how utterly frightening this time is and I wish you EVERY good thing with your pregnancy. A small percentage of women who PPROM actually re-seal. And I know a number of women who PPROM'd at 18 weeks who now have babies (and some others who lost their baby too). I am wishing you the absolute best.

[sarajanegarr]

Awww :)

I was just under 3 pound when i was born. I was bretch.

I was born october 2 months early. Was meant to be born dec.

I was in hospital for 2 months and my mum couldnt hold me or feed me.

Im 29 now :D

[superjessicamas]

he is so cute,i think he is thinking mom don't disturb me

[cheeks99ful]

wow he is so cute.... its incredible how more developed they look.. im almost 33 weeks and its crazy to imagine that my lil chucky already looks like dat hahaha.... hope your lil man is doing fine ;)

[KAHOTEA]

im just over 32 weeks and I cant believe they look this complete already, how amazing

[skyman950468]

my daughter was born at 24 weekssssssssssssssssssss

[eveness558]

Hi,

not sure if you can see my email address. It was flagged as spam.

if you view all, then click show you should be able to see it.

Thanks

[eveness558]

Congrats! How are u and baby doing now? My water broke 2 days ago at 18 weeks... I was told exactly what u got told. We are trying to stay positive that our baby would pull thru. You story has given me a lot of hope. Thank you!