First of all, Robin, I would like to thank you for your webpage. I had a large subchorionic hematoma and your page gave me a lot of hope during my pregnancy. Unfortunately, I too lost my little boy. I would love to share my story.
I was 16 weeks pregnant with my second child when I learned of the hematoma. It took us over a year to conceive Nathan, so my husband and I were ecstatic when we found out I was pregnant. I was home alone with my daughter at exactly 16 weeks when I started to hemorrhage. I freaked out, and none of my family was around, so I called 911. At the hospital, the bleeding had stopped and the heartbeat was found right away. The next day I had an u/s and Nathan was fine, but there was a subchorionic hematoma. I was sent home and told to take it easy for awhile. The bleeding had stopped completely, and I thought all was well.
At 18 weeks, I had another u/s and it showed Nathan doing great, and still the s/h. On September 11th, at 20 weeks, I had bad cramping all day but didn't think much of it. Later that night it got worse and I decided to go to the hospital. When I got there, I started to hemorrhage like crazy. I was so scared. The doctor told me I had probably lost the baby, but they would do everything they could. They sent me to a bigger hospital where I could see an ob. The ob told me there was so much blood he was positive the baby would not survive. I was devastated. The next morning, the ob came in and told me Nathan was doing great, and he couldn't believe it. I went for another u/s and all was well, except the hematoma was getting larger. I spent three nights in the hospital, then I was sent home on bedrest, and told to come back at the first sight of blood.
The next day, more cramps, more blood, back to the hospital. I was sent home, the doctor said Nathan was great, but I might have a long drawn out pregnancy. The following week I saw the ob again because the bleeding hadn't stopped. The last time I was in the hospital, he told me if I could hold on until 24 weeks they would deliver, and try to save Nathan. This visit he told me Nathan was great, and he thought I could carry to full term. I was so happy!
A few days later I started passing really large blood clots. I freaked once again, but this time I got a hold of myself, and decided to wait for my appointment, which was the next day. The doctor was a little concerned about the clots, and sent me in for an u/s the next day. The u/s was great. Nathan was so active, and he looked perfect. About half an hour after I left the hospital, I had more cramps, and heavier bleeding. I waited it out for 10 hours, when I couldn't stand the pain any more and knew something was really wrong. I had to take an ambulance to the hospital because I was indeed in labor, and my contractions were 2 minutes apart. I was terrified. At the hospital, Nathan’s heartbeat was great, and after 12 hours of labor, my cervix hadn't changed. I felt there was a little hope.
At this time, Nathan was 22 weeks -- 2 weeks from our goal delivery date, when they said they could save him. Unfortunately, after 24 hours of labor, my water broke, and I knew I had to face reality. My baby was going to be born. At 1:11 p.m., on September 25 2002, our third wedding anniversary, our beautiful baby boy was born. Nathan was 14 oz and 27 cm long. He survived for 2 hours, and he died in his mommy’s arms, very peacefully, and very warm. We had a very small, intimate service for him with our family. It was beautiful. I call it Nathan’s Day. I miss my baby very much, but I'm trying to make as many good things come from his short little life as I possibly can. I know with all of my heart how people in this situation feel, and if you ever need to chat, feel free to e-mail.
~ Christina
