Membrane Rupture, August 2010

In mid-late August at 26 weeks, I had a membrane (amniotic) rupture requiring hospitalization. It all started when I was experiencing severe back pain that I attributed to my growing a big belly. Later that night we thought a warm bath might alleviate the pain. I loved that bath because it did take away all the pain and ache.

Later that evening I noticed some extra water which continued throughout the evening. I still thought this was due to the bath waters so I didn't worry. I was alarmed the next morning when I noticed a red discharge.

My doctor was actually more worried about the excess water and quickly tested it for amniotic fluids. I was stunned when it came back positive.

Once I was admitted to the hospital and they began monitoring, I was shocked to learn I was having contractions every 5 minutes. I then realized the back pain were contractions. My doctor told me I would be hospitalized until the babies were born and they would do everything to keep the babies from being born before 34 weeks.

On that first day I was given magnesium, steroids, indomethacin, and nifedipine. The magnesium was hell with excessive flushing, hot flashes, and general crappiness. We were told this would help protect the babies brains. The steroids would boost the babies development, to some degree. The indomethacin and nifedipine were administered to stop the contractions.

I was also on strict bedrest because we were unsure if I would begin active labor. Thankfully I didn't and was transferred to the high risk wing. My fluid loss was watched closely by the hour. For the first couple of days there was a definite loss of fluids and one day I started to bleed with severe pain. Because I had to have a c-section, the doctors were very close to taking me to the OR. Again, thankfully it all subsided maybe with help from drugs (I just don't remember). Miraculously, the fluid loss lessened and lessened with each passing day where it totally disappeared. My doctors were surprised when they realized the rupture might have sealed on its own, something that rarely happens.

After 6 days of no fluid loss, I asked to be released. After a cervix check it was confirmed that the ruptured bag had indeed sealed.

The doctors told me the cause of the rupture was an infection. My body contracted an infection which is tried to fight by attempting to expel anything foreign.