On in November 2007, i went into premature labour at 24 weeks and 5 days gestation, this was my first pregnancy. I developed a very aggressive water infection which caused me to go into labour very quickly and suddenly. I first noticed something was wrong on the monday (12th nov), i had pains in my stomach which i first thought was just growing pains, but they got worse, i made an emergency appointment with my midwife who took a urine sample, protein was found in my urine. The midwife told me I had a water infection and to go home and rest and drink plenty of water and cranberry juice.

Within 2 hours of seeing the midwife i started having contractions, as this was my first pregnancy i didnt really understand what was happening. I drove myself to hospital and 5 hours later, my son was born by caesarean. It all happened so fast, i did get one set of steroids but there wasnt enough time to prevent the labour.

My son was born weighing 1lb 13oz and was rushed straight to the hospital`s scbu, i didn`t get to see him until the next day. We were told to be prepared for a roller coaster ride and we certainly got that, we had some very bad times and i will never forget this time of my life. Thankfully my son fought hard and after 4 months in scbu he came home on mother`s day 2008 weighting 6lb 10oz.

We have recently celebrated his first birthday, he is developing really well and now weighs 21lb 4oz, he is slightly behind other babies of his age and we have hospital appointments every month but i am so proud of him and am so lucky that he is here.

I am now studying to be a paediatric nurse, i want to help other babies born like my son.

I often think... why did this happen to me? How can a water infection cause labour? and i still dont really understand.... more research does need to be done to understand why so many babies are born prematurely, for the babies and also for the parents!

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