Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

I tested positive for a recent Fifth's Disease infection, and if any of my my weekly (possibly by-weekly) sonograms show any fluid collection on Baby Brody's internal organs, I will be given steriods and they will take him asap.

I will be 33 weeks on Thursday. He now weighs about 5 lbs.

If you had a Preemie please answer some questions for me.


-What week was the baby born?
-What was the weight?
-How long was the stay in NICU?
-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need?
-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival?

I registered for the Angel Care Monitor and a Video Monitor. Any other Preemie items that I should have at home?

Thanks, Tara

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

Hmmmmmmmm.....

My girls were born at exactly 35 weeks weighing 5lbs & 4lbs 14oz....

They stayed in the special care nursery for a week. More so they could keep an eye on them and make sure they were feeding well etc..

They didnt require any special care when they went home.

They have no long term effects of being early.

My only suggestion is to not waste your money on preemie diapers. Things may have improved but when my girls were born I used them and they held NOTHING.

Dont go nuts buying preemie clothes either. They are really in them for such a short period of time.

Also...if he does arrive early and has to stay in the NICU allow yourself some rest. Dont feel like you have to be at the hospital every waking hour. You dont realize just how draining it is and then they come home and you just crash..

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

My guys were born at 32w6d...

Zachary weighed 3lb 9oz and Harrison was 5lbs 11oz

Harrison was on CPAP for a week and Zachary for less than 24 hours.. there wqere inder phototheerapy for 48 hours.. and they both spent a month in the NICU

Right now both receive PT because Zachary was not sitting up at 6-7 months and HArrison did not roll over untill 10 months. Harriosn also receives Speech feeding therapy becasue he has low muscle tone in his jaw.

They also receive Synergsis shot which help prevent RSV ( but these shot are a small fortune!!!!)

Good luck and hope that things go ok...

I also agree..do not spend every eaking moment u=in the NICU.. get some rest and heal from giving birth..also ther are many times that yoiuo can not be there anyway.. i used to go in the AM and the DH would go after work and then we would call around 10 to find out how they were doing

Message edited 8/4/2008 7:42:43 AM.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

I did not have a preemie my SIL had twins born at 29 and 1/2 weeks they were 2lbs 7 oz and 3 lbs 7 oz they were in the NICU until theyend of May or very early june (they were born in April 2) anyway they are 3 now.,THEY are fine crazy very bad wild fun loving boys! No special care was needed for them at home!

My mother always says we dont need a college fund for them we need bail $$ I know thats mean but they are BAD! Who cares i laugh! Dont worry your baby will be fine!

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

Thanks ladies, I appreciate the advice!

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

Hi. Another preemie mom here. To answer your questions:

-What week was the baby born? - DD was born at 32w5d

-What was the weight? - 4pounds, 14oz.

-How long was the stay in NICU? - 5 weeks
-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need? - little to none. no monitors. she was followed by our ped a little more closely to monitor her weight, but other then that nothing.

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival? - my baby is 10 months old and her growth curve is above average of a full termm 10 month old. She's met all her milestones early too.

Any questions please FM me.


ETA: DD received the RSV shot as well. And she is followed by Winthrop neonatal dept every 4 months. Her last visit was in May and they don't want to see her until November, when her corrected age would be a year.

Message edited 8/4/2008 6:25:08 PM.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

My DS was born at 34 weeks at 5lbs. His NICU stay was 4 weeks---they debated sending him home earlier, he was really doing well except some episodes of apnea/bradys---so they ended up sending him home on an apnea monitor. He wore the monitor for 2 months at home---we had the angelcare monitor, but I returned it since I had the 'real thing'. As far as long term stuff--he is meeting his milestones well and just has to have surgery (tomorrow ) for his chordee (preemie penis issue). As far as "preemie items" the only stuff we bought when he was born was a couple outfits to wear while he was in the NICU, but by the time he came home he was in newborn clothes & diapers.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

DS was born at 29 weeks 6 days and was 2lbs. 13 oz. at birth. Your child is at a good weight if s/he were born right now. DS stayed in the NICU for 6 weeks and I won't lie, it was the longest 6 weeks of my life.
However, he came home and is absolutely FINE - he is 8 1/2 months (6 months corrected), weighs 17 1/2 lbs. and you would never know he was a preemie. Babies are so strong, and catch up so fast. They really do great. I am sure your DC will be just fine. IF you have anymore questions feel free to FM me. I would be more than happy to help you in any way that I could.

ETA: DS is followed by the pediatrician, high risk dr. and developmental specialist to be sure that he is doing ok, and so far, so good.
Also, when he came home we were ADAMANT about people not coming to visit at first, bc of germs (it was the middle of winter) and when they did come over no one held him. I know if may sound a bit obnoxious but my biggest fear was him getting sick and having to go back to the hospital. He also received the RSV shot until April.

Message edited 8/4/2008 7:29:28 PM.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

DD wasn't referred to as a preemie, she was born 35w6d and initially was going to be sent to NICU, but they decided she was pefectly healthy at 5lbs 13oz. Her temp was low for a while and had to stay on the warmer, but that was it.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

What week was the baby born? 32wks 4 days

-What was the weight? 3lbs 15oz

-How long was the stay in NICU? 3 weeks

-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need? none except visits to the high risk clinic at 3mths, 6mth, 9 mth and 1yr to track her growth. Dr. said she is ahead of their schedule so the next visit will be in 6 mths.
She did get synagis (insurance paid thank goodness--1600.00 a shot I beleive

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival? none so far.

I learned not to compare babies (ok still learning) because they all have a different story

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

One more preemie mom chiming in:

-What week was the baby born?
33 weeks

-What was the weight? 5 lbs

-How long was the stay in NICU?
1 week

-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need?
The only thing we had to do was go to weekly ped visits for 2 months, then monthly until 5 months. Also we go to a pediatric opthalmologist to monitor DCs eyes. and the monthly synagis shots.

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival?
none so far (knock on wood)

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

-What week was the baby born?
36 weeks 1 day

-What was the weight?
5 lbs 3 oz & 5 lbs 4 oz

-How long was the stay in NICU?
None

-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need?
None - they had acid reflux which I guess a lot of babies have, but it seemed to be worse in them...again, not sure if that is because they were preemies. Also, I tried to keep visitors away for 6 weeks until they got their shots.

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival?
Absolutely none - they've met all of the milestones on time or before.

Good luck! Sounds like the baby is at a great weight right now!

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

What week was the baby born? 31
-What was the weight? 2lbs. 9 oz
-How long was the stay in NICU? 73 days (10.5 weeks)
-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need? had a visiting nurse once and had pt
-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival? we go to pulmonologist bc of possible lung issues but everything is great--no issues so far. He reached all milestones and is quite advanced if I say so myself!

I had the angelcare and video monitor too....love them both!
Fight for synagis shots....although they wont start until November.

Good Luck!!

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

-What week was the baby born?
My DS and DD were born at 25weeks.


-What was the weight?
DS 1.11lbs DD 1.7lbs


-How long was the stay in NICU?
105 Days

-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need?
They both came home on a small amoutn of oxygen.

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival?
So far no. They are doing wonderful. My DD is a little peanut but otherwise great!

I hope all goes well for you. It sounds like you are at a good point in your pregnancy so try not to go crazy thinking of what could happen. Stay positive and remember if the baby does go to the NICU he/she will receive the best care. Any way I can help please fm me.
Good luck.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

What week was the baby born? My girls were born 29 1/2 weeks
-What was the weight? 2lbs 12 oz and 3 lbs 2oz
-How long was the stay in NICU? 3 months

-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need? Sydney didin't have any special care and Reese came home on a moniter for about 3 weeks

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival? Both of my girls are healthy and no long term side affects that i am aware of Yet- The girls are 2 1/2


I think 5lbs is a great weight for a preemie and 33 weeks is very safe these days..Babies are born 28,29 and 30 weeks and they do just fine.

Hang in there, everything will be fine

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

I'm not a premie mom, but my SIL was exposed to Fifths Disease when she was pg with my nephew. Someone at my niece's daycare had it. And SIL tested positive. She was watched very closely throughout her pregnancy. My nephew ended up arriving late and he was perfectly healthy. He is now 8 years old and an active, healthy boy. I hope everything goes well for you & DS.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

DD was born at 35w2d and was 5lbs.
I had been given steriod shots at 28 weeks to help mature her lungs (they thought she would be coming imminently) and luckily she was born perfectly healthy and didn't need to go to the NICU.

She didn't need any special care at home and she has no long term effects.

As for diapers and clothes...we did have her in preemie diapers for about 1-2 weeks after bringing her home and had her in preemie clothes for the first couple of weeks as well.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

-What week was the baby born?

My boys were 35 weeks

-What was the weight?
Baby A was 6lbs 10 ozs
Baby B was 3 lbs 10 ozs

-How long was the stay in NICU?
A - one week
B - one month, he was able to go home at one week, but then got NEC, which prolonged his stay

-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need?
Baby A - nothing
Baby B - from being small he had an immature liver, a milk protein allergy and had to have a subsequent surgery becuase of the NEC. His formula was concentrated since he needed the boost in calories and then we found out a few months later he had a allergy and needed to be on special formula. He grew out of that by 9 months old.

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival?
None - it took a good 6 months before everything was 100% perfect. He was still a bit small by a year old, but most of the times they catch up by then. At 3, they are both perfect!

I registered for the Angel Care Monitor and a Video Monitor. Any other Preemie items that I should have at home?

I didn't have either of those and was fine, but besides that I don't think anything else is necessary. Maybe some premie or Newborn outifts, I had a few and those were great since he was swimming in everything else, and the bigger the clothes the easier they got dirty.

((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

My child was not a premie but I just wanted to send you some and hope that evertyhing turns out well for you and you rbaby

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

Hannah was born at 38 weeks due to preeclampsyia, but was considered a preemie because of her weight.

She weighed 4 lbs 8 oz.

Her total stay in the NICU was 6 days.

When she came home there was no extra special care, I just tried to get her to eat as much as I could so she would gain weight. She was put on Similac Neosure formula which has an extra 2 calories to help with her weight gain.

No long term side effects. All though she is still very small for her age, she is very healthy!!

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

My baby is not a preemie but wanted to offer and well wishes. Also a couple people have told you about Synergsis. I had health issues and we were afraid my ds was going to come early because of it. So we looked for a ped that offered the shots. If you need one that does look into Mid Suffolk Pediatrics. I spoke with I Maryanne when I went for my consult. She said that the shots are super expenseive but they handle the insurance stuff. It may be worth looking into.
I will keep your little one in my prayers.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

-What week was the baby born? - DS born at 34.5 weeks.

-What was the weight? - 5lbs, 7oz.

-How long was the stay in NICU? - No NICU time. Special care unit for 7 days.

-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need? - special formula for preemies, monitored more closely for weight gain, otherwise nothing.


-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival? he had RSV (which preemies are susceptible too) at 3-4 months old. He tends to still have lung issues (chest colds, croup when he should have long outgrown it). Some issues with attention span which, according to my research, is also common in preemies. However I'm unsure if it's a definition connection. There is a good brain study on PBS which discusses ADD/ADHD in preemies & who to counter the issue when they are first born.


I know it's daunting to have a baby sooner than expected. Many, many of our friends have preemies (ranging from 27 weeks to 35 weeks) - all with no serious effects.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

What week was the baby born?

29 weeks 5 days had a short cervix and had preclampia. Born at winthrop had her heart sugery at cornell in the city transfer her to schnieder children hospitial they saved her life.

-What was the weight?
2lbs and 1oz

-How long was the stay in NICU?
171 days born on Jan 24th 2008 discharged on July 14th 2008
Today she weighs 13lbs or more have a dr visit on 09/08
-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need?
on July 14th 2008
She came home on oxygen

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival? no sofe effects yet she is acutally hitting every miliestone she is a true mircale.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

Another preemie mommy here.

What week was the baby born? - 33 weeks
-What was the weight? 4lbs. 2oz.
-How long was the stay in NICU? 2 weeks
-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need? none..she was on highcalorie formula, which we had to special order. When she was about 3 months she was switched to regular calorie soy formula.
-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival? Absolutely none..she will be 2 years old on Thursday. She hit all of her milestones at the "average" time of full-term babies.

Re: Moms of Preemies, please come in and answer some questions for me.

What week was the baby born? My twins were born at 34.5 weeks.

-What was the weight? Baby A 5lbs 7oz and Baby B was 3lbs 14 oz

-How long was the stay in NICU? Both babies stayed 14 days

-When baby came home, what special care did he/she need? No special needs

-Any long term side effects baby has because of early arrival? None that we know of yet. In fact, the little guy is advanced for his age ..and not his corrected age.

I asked the neonatal Dr. about the Angelcare monitor and he did not recommend that i get it. If they think the baby needs monitoring they send you home with one.

Also I would buy newborn clothing. Preemie clothing is for 5lbs and 18 inches long. My babies wore the outfits I had only once because they were too tall.

Message edited 8/31/2008 9:19:04 PM.