Water Broke at 19 Weeks

If it were me, I would appreciate as much "hands on" help as I could get - cleaning, cooking, running errands, helping out my husband (and other children if she has them), etc. Putting together a schedule of people to help and visit would really ease my mind - I would know who to expect and when. I would also love company and other items to keep me "busy" - books, movies, magazines. games and puzzles. You can go to www.carecalendar.org for online sign ups for friends/family.

Small leaks can happen early and repair themselves. They probably sent her home b/c their is really nothing they can do for her at this point. The sad reality is that the baby would definitely not survive if delivered this early. I am a NICU nurse and we've had babies survive as early as 22/23wks, though the outcomes are not any where near that of a normal, full term infant (CP, sight/hearing loss, and MR are just a few of the complications of early delivery...though some do FINE!). The best thing for her is to do exactly as the MDs have ordered and basically not move for the next 5-10wks when the baby could be born early if need be (outcomes improve for the baby w each additional wk spent in utero, after 28wks outcomes vastly improve). She and the babe are at risk for infection with a broken amniotic sac, so she needs to be very careful and stay home and well. I would get her some library books and maybe make some meals for her! Be there for her as best you can, she's bound to get a little stir crazy. Best of luck to all!

Not sure the credentials of some of the responders, but a baby born before 23 weeks cannot survive. Before 20 weeks, it is my understanding it is a miscarriage, although late-term. But I think you were asking how to help your friend. Support. Be there for her, listen to her complain, share news with her, and help around the house. If you know something she really likes, a hand creme, soap or whatever, treat her!
If she starts contracting regularly, develops a fever she will need to return immediately to the hospital. My guess would be, depending on when she starts contracting regularly, there is little they will do to stop her labor because of how early she is and her water is broken/leaking. I would also imagine she can't take tub baths, so no bath salts, etc.
Good luck, be there for her.

If it is a slow leak, then staying off her feet and staying hydrated might help. There is a chance that the leak will seal back up!
At 19 weeks there is really not much they can do. The youngest preemie that ever survived was born after 21 weeks of pregnancy - I doubt they would even attempt trying to save a child earlier than that. Even at 24 weeks the odds are only 50/50.
The best thing that you can do for her is offer her help. Go shopping for her, offer to prepare her meals, clean her house, do her laundry and if she has other children babysit.
Good luck to her!

I am surprised they let her go home if the baby only has a "little" amniotic fluid -- that's a concern even without a tear -- it really doesn't sound good to me. I think that the most you can do is to help her stay in bed, bring her meals, DVDs, whatever, and hope for the best. 19 weeks is still a million miles away from viability.

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Wow. Granted I don't know the whole story, but something doesn't seem right there. I would have bet anything that the hosptial would have kept her. The purpose of the amniotic fluid/sac is to protect the baby from infection. Will that "seal" compromised, any sort of bacteria or virus could potentially get to the baby, with dire consequences. The amniotic fluid also provides a cushion for baby against bumps and from putting pressure on various things (mainly the cord - it's lifeline for blood, oxygen and nutrients). For these reasons, this is why they say you have 24 hrs to deliver once your water breaks. I understand you said it was a leak and there is still some fluid left, but what sort of measures are in place to monitor this?!?!? The tear could get bigger, break & leak altogether. I suppose there is the off chance that the tear could repair itself and mom could make new fluid (since it is always replenishing), but it just seems like an ENORMOUS risk to take.

If I were your friend, I would head back to the hospital and find another doctor. At least if she was confined to the hospital she would be under constant watch and they could continue to give her antibiotics to combat any looming infection. While it's not impossible for a baby to survive at 19 weeks, the odds are not good. :( But whats done is done, and at this point every day is miracle and a huge advantage should baby come early.

Please let your friend know that my family and I are praying for her; she must be very anxious about things right now. The best thing you can do for her is to help keep her relaxed and think positive. Since she's bed-ridden, she may need help with things like laundry and meal preparations, and being cooped up in the house can drive even the best of us batty. Maybe you could plan evenings where you and some friends can come over to work on craft projects, play board games, watch movies, etc. Sometimes all we can do is just be there. Your love and support right now are essential. Wish her luck for me! :)

Well...I would be concerned with the baby's developing skin. Without the fluid constantly surrounding the baby, the poor little thing could develope serious skin issues that will prove to be quite painful at birth. She really should discuss that with her doctor.

Make sure she is eating alot of protein (Like 120 grames aday)to repair that tear, along with all the fluid. Pray that she has the courage to accept what ever happens. K.

i developed a small leak at 22 weeks. I stay over night at the hospital to make sure I wasn't going into labor. After that I was home on bed rest, had weekly dr. apt.s, no sex, lots of water, etc. I had a 3 year old at the time too. People at my church got together so that I had someone around almost all the time, or someone took my son out. The hardest part was letting people help me. I don't want someone else to wash my dirty clothes or see how disgusting my bathroom is when I am not expecting company. My daughter was born perfectly healthy and only 3 weeks early.

Something similar happened to my best friend. She ended having the baby full term (I think he was only about 1 week early) & over 9 lb.! He's just a bit over 6 months & is hitting all of his milestones & growing well (perfectly healthy baby).

I got her a bunch of baby books (i.e. baby names), books of crossword puzzles, etc., magazines & so on to keep her busy. I also called more than usual. Making dinner could help too ~ especially since she can't get up to make anything (even if you order pizza, put it on your charge card, & have it sent to her house).

Best of luck to her!

I don't know of any hospital that would send someone at 19 weeks home after the water broke. She should be in the hospital if that is the case.