Repeat PPROM risk

[lpj]

Hi all,

DD was born at 35w3d due to unexplained PPROM and subsequent spontaneous preterm labour. It was a traumatic birth as she suffered fetal distress and had to be resuscitated. There was no sign of infection or any apparent reason for her early arrival or her distress.

I am now 6w5d pregnant with our second child. I am aware the risk of repeat PPROM is significant, especially with preterm labour.

My question is, will this pregnancy be treated as 'High Risk' because of this? For other people who are in or have been in the same situation, did your care providers take any special precautions the second time around? Is there anything I can do to ensure this baby stays inside for as long as possible?

Thanks!

[kate61487]

I don't have any answers, but just wanted to say congrats!

[motownthrowdown]

Congrats!

I would definitely bring your concerns up to your OB. Is it the same one you had last time? Have them explain their reasoning either way so you understand why you are or aren't. You could also ask for a referral to mfm (maternal fetal medicine) to see what they think.

My OB pretty much told me at my incision check that any future pregnancy would be high risk. Did yours mention anything last time?

[jense927]

I would think that yes you would be considered high risk. I would definitely call your OB and find out. After my last pregnancy that ended in a placental abruption my OB told me that the next pregnancy would be for sure high risk and they would monitor me very closely.

[runningmommy519]

I don't have answers either. But wanted to say congrats!

My guess is that you would be more closely monitored though.

Wishing you a long and healthy pregnancy!

[minae01]

Congrats on baby #2! I'm sorry that your birth experience was traumatic the first time around.

I had PPROM and PTL with DS1. He was born at 32w3d with no explanation. When I got pregnant with #2, I was definitely considered high-risk. I was on weekly progesterone shots starting at 16 weeks, and had my cervix monitored continuously checking for any changes. I had him at 36w due to PTL (no PPROM - dr. had to break my water), but I was thrilled with that! I am pregnant with #3 and all the same precautions are being taken.

That said, I am not sure if you'd be considered high-risk. My guess would be probably? 35 weeks is a late-term preemie. It's on the borderline of whether or not a doctor would consider putting you on progesterone. It might be a choice he or she leaves up to you. They would certainly do some extra monitoring on you towards the end. I don't think that since your water broke early the first time that it's a given that it would happen again, though. I was told that after giving birth to a preemie, a woman has a 30% chance of delivering early again. That means that there is a 70% chance that she won't. There are many, many success stories about going full-term after a preemie. I consider myself a success even though 36 weeks is a later-term preemie. I would be thrilled to get to 35 or 36 weeks with this one.

Try not to stress, because odds are, you'll go full-term. Definitely talk to your doctor and come up with a plan.

[lpj]

Thanks opheliainwaders , that's really good information. I've been referred to the hospital now but waiting to hear what level of care I will receive. I'm really hoping I can use the midwifery clinic.