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Prematurity Problem  Research Methods  Research Team  Publications  Laboratory Research Update  Preterm Labor Syndrome  Premature Rupture of Membranes (Updated) Related links  Library of Medicine and GeneBank  Journals  OB&GYN Societies	The Warren Story… Five months into my pregnancy, we almost lost our baby. If it were not for Dr. Stephen Fortunato, our precious Chel' Marie Warren would not be the vibrant angel that she is today. During my fifth month of pregnancy, Chel' was perfect, not a thing was wrong with her. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with an "Incompetent Cervix". We were very scared. We did not want to lose our little baby. Dr. Fortunato and his team explained everything to us and calmed our fears. (We just thank God for all of the studies and research that had been done on my condition.) Basically, Chel' had her foot in my cervix and surgery did not look promising. Frankly, we had no choice…it was literally life or death! If my water had broken, we would have had to deliver and little Chel' would most likely not have survived at only 20 weeks. So, Dr. Fortunato rushed my baby and me into surgery. He was able to successfully move her foot and put a cerclage in my cervix. This was such a blessing! Throughout the rest of my pregnancy, our family went through many nights in the hospital with Chel's Dad sleeping on the floor. Our five-year-old could not have his Mommy at any of his ball games for several months. It was such a difficult time for everyone. We went through weeks of a bed rest and more than 18 weeks of sleepless nights. We were all just very anxious and wanted to make sure that Chel' made it past the critical 30 week point. Well, not only did she make it - she out did all expectations and was born full-term on June 23, 1999. Our family left the hospital within 24 hours - healthy and very happy! But, despite all the hardships…IT WAS WORTH EVERYTHING! Today, thanks to Dr. Fortunato and his marvelous team, Chel' is home and perfectly healthy. All of our family and friends thank God for her and Dr. Fortunato everyday! A few years ago, our little "miracle" would not have been possible and my experience would have been written off as a miscarriage. However, as a result of all of Dr. Fortunato's efforts and research…we have a beautiful addition to our family. We are all forever grateful to Dr. Fortunato and the work done by the Perinatal Research Center. Without him we would not have our wonderful Chel' Marie.   Thank you, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! The Warren family