I would like to thank those who has been praying for me and my family specially my new baby Isabella. Thank you for all the love. It's been a rough week for us and we've gone around the dark side of the moon and back. I would like to share my story, here goes....

October 28th * 530pm
We just came back from LA (Los Angeles)... we submitted some documents for my Immigration papers, and being 30 wks pregnant the one hour car trip made me a little tired than usual. I remember settling down at the couch because I thought I was having braxton hicks. The very mild contractions didn't really bother me, but I found it weird since it was coming along at 20 mins intervals. So I drank a glass of water and took a nap hoping it will go away.

* 8pm
I woke up and felt the contractions were getting stronger. And it was coming in at 10 mins interval. Nonstop. I told dh that this isn't normal. I went online to see what I can find, I searched for contractions at 30 weeks. While dh called his dad (an ER surgeon) and was told to put my feet up and if I was having painful cramps and bleeding I better get to the ER fast.

I was already getting nervous, I dont have any bleeding or any watery discharge but contractions are getting stronger and getting closer... so I finally decided to tell dh to take me to the ER.

* 11pm
I was taken to the ER and was asked a zillion questions. They did an IE (internal exam) and found my cervix is tightly closed. They put a fetal heart monitor and found her heartbeat is a little faster (175 bpm) which means she's a little distress too. My bp is a little elevated as well (135/90)but not that high to be alarmed. So they are puzzled why Im having contractions. They gave me something to stop the contractions and after a few minutes Im still in pain. Contractions are now coming in at 5 mins interval and they are a lot stronger. With a pain level of 7 (with 10 being the highest/very painful).

So they called my OB doctor and after hours and hours of checking what's wrong with me, I was taken to the ulrasound room, with a weird technician who, before doing any procedure, introduced himself and said " I'm only the technician, I'm not a doctor so if you have any questions pls dont ask me" ( I wanted to giggle at that moment but another contraction stopped me). Dh has been beside me, holding my hand the whole time and we just exchanged glances.

After a few oooh's and ahh's from the technician, he finally said, "let me check that one more time"....and when he was done he said "good luck.." to us. I was taken back to the ER. Ten minutes have passed and my OB showed up and told us the bad news.

She said I have placental abruption and it's already about 70%. Meaning my placenta is about to peel away from my uterus. I didn't have any bleeding because the blood stayed in the uterus behind the placenta and it was starting to clot already. She told me that i just saved myself and the baby's life by coming to the ER asap... I was crying so much already that I couldn't make out some of her words but all I heard was they have to deliver the baby NOW at 30 weeks and there are risks. Risk for me and the baby. Since the abruption was about 70% they made me sign papers for a blood transfusion, (just in case they said) I wasnt really scared for myself but I was thinking of Isabella the whole time. For me, she was still too young and I know that at her age, her lungs aren't ready yet and all the other organs that are still under develop.

But I heard a nurse tell me that they have delivered babies younger than 30 wks and did just fine. I told myself she was just telling me that to calm me down and stop me from crying. Anyway, on the way to the OR, that's when they saw I was bleeding profusely.

Everything became a blur to me. Although I was conscious, everything seemed to be moving really fast. Next thing I know, I heard her first cry....

* 5:45am October 29th
I named her Isabella ( from my list it's either Helena or Isabella, and for a lot reasons not just coz I'm so into the Twilight series LOL!! ) She weighed 3.7 lbs and measuring 16 inches..

Hearing her cry is like lifting tons of weight off my chest. Dh was teary eyed and I was crying. After they cleaned her up and checked her vitals one nurse said they'll take her to the NICU. Dh followed them and didn't see him until after I got to the recovery room. Thank (insert your deity here) that I didnt need any blood transfusions and Isabella is inside her isolette incubator, where she can receive a lot of help breathing and help her grow some more.

See photos of her at "Picture It"..

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You for all the thoughts, love and prayer!

Currently, she is doing great, lost a few grams, but that's expected. She's eating well and tolerating my milk. She is off the "heat lamp" and her bilirubin is good. She is off the Iv too and she just had her newborn screening test. We still need prayers until she's completely gained enough weight and until she can breathe on her own. As for me, I'm still recovering from the c-section and taking pain killers. I pump milk every 3 hrs for her and freeze it. For me thats the only thing I can do for her right now. And for those who has a NICU baby I really need more info/tips and might post more questions in the coming weeks. Thanks for taking the time to read this. God bless!

I am so sorry that you are going through all of this, I can't even imagine. I will continue to pray for her speedy recovery.

WOW you are a very stong lady. I am so glad everything worked out for you and your daughter.

awwww, I can only imagine the thoughts you had swirling through your head with all that news being thrown at you. My sil had placenta abruption with her oldest. I think she was only 6 maybe 7 months pregnant when it happened. My niece is as healthy as can be now and 9 yrs old. I am thinking of and praying for Isabella and hoping she has a speedy road ahead and can be at home in your arms very soon!! congrats on your beautiful little angel!!

first off congrats to you and your family!! What a blessing that you took yourself to the ER.
Meaghan and Jacob were born at 26 weeks, I know the journey can at times be hard and feel never ending, some days will be good and some days will be bad. If people offer help (cooking, housework, child minding TAKE IT) this will be an emotional journey for you and your family but completely worth it.
Anna (mom2gq) also has a 26 weeker, she can give you some advice aswell.
We are here for you.

I'm so glad to hear she is doing better, i can't imagine what was going through your mind!!!

Im so happy both of you are recovering well. Praying lil Isabella gets stronger by the minute!

praying for you and your family.

My prayers are with your family .

My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family. I wish her a speedy recovery.

I already replied on Fb. Yes Quinn was a 26 weeker and is doing fine today at 8 years old. Hes small for his age but otherwise good.

Make sure yall get the synages for RSV BEFORE she leaves the hospital. Also make sure that NO ONE comes near with any siffles sneezes NOTHING. Its so impirtant and with all the flu stuff going around its ahrd. Youll be house bound atleast through this winter but Thast so much better than a repeat visit to the hosital. Once shes home for all appointmenst make them either 1st in teh am or 1st after lunch to avoid the crowds . I kept QUinns seat covered when we had to be out . it does stop a ton of people form looking or even asking.

Congrats girl! I love the name! I am so happy everything turned out ok. She is a miracle! big big hugs!
I will be praying that your baby girl will keep growing strong and live a long healthy life!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LaurenOlalde,

Congrats on your new little bundle!! My thoughts are with you and your family and baby!! My youngest son was born early as well and is a healthy 3 year old. It is a very scary expierance to go through but just keep positive and hopeful. The NICU is there for you as well and can help you with information you may need or want so just ask. Best Wishes and Congrats!!

Thank you so much for all the love ladies...

* Anna, whats RSV? I agree, I would rather be house bound right now than to go back to the hospital...

Wow, how brave and strong you are and it looks like Isabella is taking after her mommmy with that too. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. Hang in there!

Respertory synical virus. Most kids it just presents as a cold but babies that their lungs are already compromised its worse .Kinda like pnumonia I guess . Thats the closest I can link it . they will give her synages once a month till rsv season up there is over . Hopefully she will get them through the season she turns 2.I swear QUinn stayed healthy through then except fluid in his ears.

https://health.google.com/heal...syncytial+virus+(RSV)

Big, big hugs to you and your little girl. I'm keeping you all in my prayers. If you need anything, please ask. I know I'm thousands of miles away, but I thought I'd ask.

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsRSV/

west is mid dec to March . Hopefully yall can get her home and keep everyone well till April!

What a story, thank you for sharing. I can only imagine how scary it was and still is. It sounds like she's a little trooper, just like her mommy. My cousin was born at 28 weeks, weighing in at just over 1 lb. She's now a very healthy (but tiny) 6 year old. I will keep you all in my prayers. Please continue to update us. Hugs.