Having Problems at 20 Weeks

My name is N. and I had the same thing happen with my first child. My water broke at 30 weeks and I was put in the hospital on complete bedrest. I took steroids and terbutaline to stop the contractions. I held off for four 1/2 weeks and delivered a healthy girl 5 weeks early. She was 5 pounds and 4 ounces and breathed on her own. Hang in there. Do you have someone to help you with your 4 year old. You really need to follow your bedrest orders. My amniotic fluid actually increased toward the end and the leak was slowed down considerably. I will pray for you. Please feel free to email me as I know how it feels to be in your shoes. I also have two other healthy children all born prematurely and all requiring bedrest. Keep your thoughts positive, take it easy, let people help you and PRAY.

N.

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I have a friend who has a similar situation, and her baby is here and fine now. Sorry I have almost no details, we moved before she even got pregnant, and we do not talk as much now. Just pray and have faith and take it one day at a time, or even hour by hour if need be. Good luck!

P.S. I also have a friend who delivered a baby at 20 weeks, and he survived miraculously, and is about 5 now and doing very well!

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Just pray and know that God preforms miracles. Believe with all your heart. I have not been through this, but you sounded so scared that I had to respond. I had my little girl when she was 25 weeks. I was petrified. But, my daughter is 10 now and is perfect in every way. So, God still pulls those miracles for us here on Earth! I have heard that when children are born it is better that they are either born early, like at 6 months and their lungs develop completely outside the womb, or making it all the way to 9 months. The trouble really happens when they start developing and then ar born at 7-8 months and have to finish outside the womb. Having a premature baby is very very scary. But again, lots of pray gets you through. Wherever you are, find the best hospital for premature babies. Medical University of South Carolina is know for its neo-natal care! We are products of that hospital and believe it with all of our hearts. We love them for saving our child. Lots of love to you and your family. And know that all the moms out there who are reading your request really feel scared with you and are sending courage your way.

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That hasn't happened to me but I do know someone that happened to at 21 weeks and she delivered at 27 weeks. Her little girl has had to have several surgeries but doing very well. She is a thriving precious 3 year old now. I will keep you in my prayers. I can't imagine what that must be like. Stay strong and keep your head up. Hopefully everything will be okay.

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Our aunt had a similar problem. Her "water" broke around 20 weeks, she spent the rest of her pregnancy on bedrest and steroids. She delivered at 30 weeks. Her son had the typical preemie issues, but now he is a very normal and healthy 9 year old.

I'll pray for you!

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Hello B.,

Glad I can help someone in this situation, I understand what you are going through all too well. I was at 24 weeks when the same thing happened to me. The good part about it is the fluid does replenish itself. Keep filled with water, although I know it is hard trying to use the restroom. I was in the hospital on bed rest for 3 weeks after my water broke, I could not move to even get up and brush my teeth. It was so aggravating, but you have to stay still. I too had a toddler in the house when this occured, so my hospital stay was more than welcome in trying to recover. My son was born 3pds 4 oz, and you could never tell looking at him now. Please dont worry that only stresses the baby more. Pray and have faith your baby will be okay, because it will. Technology is amazing and babies are strong. A friend of mines had a son born at 1 pound and he is alive and very healthy today. Its heart wrenching but it passes. DONT CRY. Thats the worst thing please. Its amazing because I am on-line organizing my March of Dimes walk right now, I am sure you will become familiar with their organization during your hospital stay. Take care of yourself, continue eating healthy, drinking water, and stay off of your feet anytime you can help it. This seriously makes a difference.

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Hi B.

I am not sure if I can help but here is my story. I was sent to the hospital for bed rest when I was at 32 weeks. My water sprung a leak at 33 weeks. I was having twins and was really worried about how much fluid I was losing. My doctor said that you will never "run out." It is a process that your body always produces as long as the baby is still inside. So..you should not run out of fluid. While in the hospital I got shots every 4hrs!!! They were steriods to help the lungs develop quicker and tons of antibacterial because my water was leaking. And the third bit of info I have to share is the lenght of time for a "safe" delivery. My doctor forced me to hang on until the 34th week. She said at that point, the chances of a 100% healthy baby are much higher and more likely. Not that delivering prior to that date produces problems, but the chances are greater. SO...my advice is to keep close contact with your doctor. Express your concerns and see what the thought process is behind their suggestions. My girls were in the NICU for 3 weeks-they were 3 & 4lbs when they were born and now you would never know. They are soooo healthy!!! But there were plenty of babies who were born way too early and they all did so well after a bit of time in there. It is amazing how successful that unit is! If you need any help...give me a call at ###-###-####. I know how scared you must be. Just stay calm and like I said, talk to your doctor constantly!! Good luck!!!

M.

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B. first of all relax.. My stepdaughter was pregnant with twins.. she had twin to twin transfusion.. when she delivered they were 16 weeks early .. Joseph weighed in at 1 pound 11 ounces & Kirklin came in at a whopper of only one pound.. we lost Kirklin 2 days later.. oh my this is hard to type.. anyway Joseph hung in there.. when he left the hospital he weighed almost 6 pounds.. and now at 4 years old he is striving like no tomorrow.. I am a paramedic & the things I say them do in the ICU for him was totally beyond anything I have ever seen.. this is the best advice I can give you relax.. do not stress that will make matters worse.. i know easier said than done.. do everything the doctors tell.. if they say not lifting.. that means absolutely no lifting.. ask them for a support group someone you can talk with for things you don't understand.. for you & your spouse.. i know these are very hard & trying times but they can do so much with neonates I just can't say enough.. if you need any other help or questions answered please let me know and i will answer to the best of my ability.. it is okay to be scared.. we all were.. but you really have to relax & rest the best you can.. I will keep you in my prayers.. best of luck

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the reason was different, but i was on strict (laying down all the time, only getting up to use the rest room or to shower a few times a week) bed rest for both of my pregnancies. i was on bed rest for 11 weeks (3 at home and 8 in the hospital) for my first pregnancy. i received steroid shots and other medications to stop contractions along the way. my daughter was born at 33 weeks. the second time, i was on bed rest for 4 months at home. i totally know the fears and worries that can come along with bed rest and a high risk pregnancy. i will be praying for your situation. just know that the best thing you can do now is lay down and stay off your feet. lots of good books, crossword puzzles, sudoku, movies, and a phone close by are a big help to pass the time.

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My heart goes out to you Brittany. I had complications with my pregnancy, but I was at 30 weeks when they started. I can't imagine how worried you must be. After reading the other responses here, I hope you know you're not alone. You and you're family are in my prayers.

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B.,
We have had this happen 2x in our family to the same mom. She was 27weeks with her first delivery and 28weeks with her second delivery. the 27week baby, was 4lbs. He was in the NICU for 2mo. He started out needing help to breath using the nasal tube, (one that sits at your nose). He never needed surgery. The 28week was 5lbs and she was breathing on her own from the get go. She was in the hospital about month and a half. If you do go early, know that you are in good hands. With todays technology and medicians to help are little ones along in the early stages. Good luck to you and your family.

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