Question about premature babies

One of my biggest fears with this pregnancy is giving birth prematurely, which is a definite possibility with twins. I developed pre eclampsia at 36.5 weeks with my son, and was induced at 37 weeks. The doctor said I was in danger of developing it even earlier this time, which terrifies me. I've seen that many of you ladies have had babies born early, but they are now 1, 2, 3 years old and look perfectly healthy! With medical advances nowadays it really seems like the tiny ones still have a great chance at surviving. So once they are able to survive is that it? Do they go on to leave perfectly normal lives, or are there after-effects from being born so early that stick around their whole lives?

 

Try not to worry about prematurity, I know it is hard. :hug: It sounds like your doctor will be keeping a very close eye on your pregnancy.

You'll find a variety of outcomes. Many babies who are born early do grow into very healthy, very typically developing children. You'll see all kinds of wonderful outcomes here on TS. Of course, there are no guarantees no matter when your child is born. But yes, a preemie does run a higher risk of developmental delays, health issues and other special needs.

 

I guess it all depends on the circumstances of the birth.

My first set of twins were born at 28 weeks and one has no lasting effects, she is a perfect 7 year old.

her brother has a few learning differences and adhd, but he had some oxygen defincy at birth. its hard to say how he will be affected as time goes on.

 

Every preemie is different, so it is impossible to say that just because they are born at a certain gestational age that they are in the clear for any long term complications. All the Dr's told me that 28 weeks is a huge milestone, and typically speaking babies born passed that point have a good-viability prognosis.

My girls were born at 28 weeks 1 day, spent 10 weeks in the NICU and are now 18 months old and perfectly healthy with no lingering complications. I consider myself very lucky though, as our situation is not always the case with all babies.

I hope you are able to avoid complications with this pregnancy!! Good Luck!

 

Thanks ladies. I guess I should try to stop stressing about everything since STRESS can cause premature labor. I hope I can get a handle on everything before I start getting into that time frame.

 

Try not to stress about it, as like you said, its not good for you. Just take care of yourself and your babies and listen to your body to make sure you don't overdo it.

My first two singletons were born at 36 weeks (first was ptl and pre-e, second was ptl) so the drs told me my chances were slim of making it to term with twins. Our goal was 34 weeks, then 32 but I made it to one day shy of 29 weeks.
My daughter did great from the start and really hasn't had any issues. My son was born with a narrow airway which could have been an issue had he been born at term too. He does wear glasses and they are both tiny but honestly so are my older ones so I don't know how much is preemie related. In all the studies I have read, some preemie issues can show up until they are 3. Since mine are 4, I am hoping that means we are out of the woods for anything else preemie related. They have both been absolutely fine developmentally.

It is truly amazing how much they can do for these little ones. You can read about some true little miracles born weeks earlier than mine even and doing soo well!! Congrats and good luck!

 

I think pp have pretty much said it all. One other rule of thumb i've been told is that girls tend to do better than boys and have less complications as preemies. That being said, my DS was born at 35 weeks due to IUGR & extremely low amniotic fluid and was totally fine, no NICU time or anything and other than still trying to catch up size wise (he's almost 7), he's just an active typical boy. Good luck with your pregnancy and keep thinkin positive and cookin those lil ones!

 

All preemies are different. E & D were born at 36 weeks and were out of the hospital 3 days later with no problems. My DD was born at 32 weeks and shes now 4. Shes still tiny for her age but she can keep up with and out best just about all of us. :hug: Good luck!

 

Please try not to worry about that. :hug: It really depends on each child. Each preemie is so different.

Yes, some preemies do have lasting effects of being premature and have challenges they face their whole lives. It really just depends on so many different factors.

I was very very fortunate and got the steroid shots at 24w when my peri discovered that I was 2 cm dilated and my cervix was short at a routine visit. I was then put on bedrest and had a cerclage. For some reason Emilie was still born early at 25w3d, she went on a vent for 4 days. Trevor was born 10 days later at 26w6d and NEVER went on a vent at all. I truly believe the steroid shots helped my two immensely. They were in the NICU for 8 weeks and had a very easy time in the NICU for being as early as they were. They both came home 5 weeks before their due date.

They are now 3, see my avatar, and are both perfectly healthy and totally caught up (they were at about 18 months). They will both start preschool in Sept. You would not know they were preemies. I know we are very fortunate.

So yes, preemies can overcome being preemies and lead a life with no lasting complications from being premature, but on the flip side there are some preemies who will have residual effects of being premature and they vary from mild to severe. It really just depends.

 

Mine weren't super early, but born at just shy of 32 weeks. They have had some delays, but one is caught up and the other DD has delays that are related to preemie (very very mild cerebral palsy) and some that could be related to anything (sensory issues). Both are running, jumping, walking, talking 3 year olds that will be in preschool next Fall. They do have asthma, but that is a common issue so there is no way of knowing--I try not to stress about it since I think they are perfect and the NICU took wonderful care of them.

My Dr said 24 weeks was big, then 28 weeks, then 32....after 34 there were very few worries.

Try not to worry too much (easier said then done)- there is not much you can do except listen to your Dr, your body, and try to stay healthy. Every pregnancy is different!

KC

** I 'saw' you on another board, congrats on getting pregnant! I was cheering you on each month!**

 

I can't really add the the great responses you have already received except to say, stop worrying about it. That stress alone is not gong to help you keep those babies where they need to be.

All babies are different and some bbies born at 25 weeks can have no long term effects and some babies born at 35 weeks can expereince efects of their prematurity It is nothing that you can control. The earlier the babies come, the more likely they are to expereince lasting effects but there is never an always in life.

 

QUOTE(KCMichigan @ Apr 23 2009, 01:05 PM) [snapback]1285713[/snapback]
Mine weren't super early, but born at just shy of 32 weeks. They have had some delays, but one is caught up and the other DD has delays that are related to preemie (very very mild cerebral palsy) and some that could be related to anything (sensory issues). Both are running, jumping, walking, talking 3 year olds that will be in preschool next Fall. They do have asthma, but that is a common issue so there is no way of knowing--I try not to stress about it since I think they are perfect and the NICU took wonderful care of them.

My Dr said 24 weeks was big, then 28 weeks, then 32....after 34 there were very few worries.

Try not to worry too much (easier said then done)- there is not much you can do except listen to your Dr, your body, and try to stay healthy. Every pregnancy is different!

KC

** I 'saw' you on another board, congrats on getting pregnant! I was cheering you on each month!**


Which one??? IG???

 

Thanks ladies! I'm SO glad I found this board - I would be going nuts (well, even more nuts!)

 

QUOTE(forbiddendonut @ Apr 23 2009, 08:01 PM) [snapback]1286188[/snapback]
Thanks ladies! I'm SO glad I found this board - I would be going nuts (well, even more nuts!)

:Clap: This board is wonderful!!!

 

My twins are 4 yrs. They both have glasses since 3 yrs. And have asthma and other lung (breathing problems because of being premies). Other wise they are healthy. They are alittle on the small side but act like any other 4 year old. Wild and crazy with all kinds of energy and they love to explore and learn new things.

Don't worry so much about them being premmies take one day at a time. Your doc seems like he is taking good care of you.