Saturday was a very difficult day for me and my family. Although, I wasn't alone because my mom was at my side it was very difficult to get the news. I contribute a lot of my tears and sadness to the reality of the situation, that I hadn't slept and my body was failing this baby's chance at life.
During the day we were visited by many wonderful physicians. Ranging from residents, senior residents, staff and the most important visit from the maternal fetal specialist (MFM). I will mention Dr. Smith's name because he was truly so sweet and caring and we are still in touch as we go through this journey. On Saturday Dr. Smith was very honest with me on the situation. Babies don't do well and truly don't have a chance at survival due to their premature lungs at 22 weeks. Mother's also have a 50% chance of delivering within 24-72 hours of their water breaking. He instructed us that the safest thing for me to do is to remain in the hospital to be monitored for infection and onset of labor. Once we overcame the 24-72 hour time line, we needed to figure out a way home. He didn't want us traveling within the 24-72 hour time frame back to Austin knowing the odds of labor and infection were not safe for mom. The outcome of baby at this was the same but the risk of infection could be deadly on mom.
Standard of care for mother's who have premature rupture of their membranes (PROM) is to start a course of IV antibiotics, oral antibiotics, steroids, IV magnesium, monitoring for infections, bedrest and lots of oral hydration. This care would not start until 23 weeks.
After speaking with the physicians it was determined that Bill needed to fly to Omaha, NE to be with me and the baby in this difficult time. We were so grateful that Bill's parents and driven in that very same day to help with the kids while I was away because Bill was actually on-call this weekend. His mom was willing to drive all the way back to Dallas late that night so family could take care of Emma and Trey while Bill flew to Omaha early Sunday morning.
I was so blessed to have my mother at my side that Saturday we we received the news together. It really needed my "mommy". She held my hand and stayed positive for me. I also felt my grandmother with me that day. My mother had given my my grandmother's diamond ring to me on Saturday and it was a very special gift.
We also feel blessed that Bill works with such a wonderful group of people and physicians that were all willing to pick up his call and clinical while he took care of our family needs.
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