Hi natfrank, I started leaking fluid at 20 weeks and was diagnosed with PPROM. It was my first, the prognosis was very poor and I was not very well prepared for the shock. I was told to avoid stress and within a week I had given up work.
DS was eventually born at 32 weeks and weighed 1.4kg. Like WMs child he did not need ventilation but was on CPAP and in SCBU for 10 weeks. He came home on oxygen and was off it at 10 months. He is now a very healthy, bright 8 year old and you would never know that he was a prem.
For me the most important thing was to stay positive and to stay off my feet (preferably lying down). I found that the waters were replenished but that I could have a gush when I stood up, so the best things for the baby was to stay lying down. This must be very difficult for you with another child.
The consultant warned me that there was to be no internal examination because of the fear of infection. So everytime I went into hospital (I had a few scares) I warned the junior doctors not to do an internal.
I did not have any medication until 31 weeks. Then I had antibiotics and something to help the lungs mature. I also visited SCBU the week before DS was born. If you haven't been there before it is worth asking if you can visit. It was very reassuring to see the wonderful care that they give to these tiny babies.
There was so many PPROM babies that have had wonderful outcomes. So please, please stay positive and keep us posted on this thread.