Was your baby born early?

I am currently 31 weeks preggo (will be 32 on Saturday) and for those that don't know i have been diagnosed with a tumor in my head. The tumor is currently growing (with the help of pregnancy hormones which is making it grow a tad bit faster) and is getting fairly close to my optic nerve and two MAJOR arteries in my brain. The tumor is currently not life threatening BUT my neuro surgeon has stated the earlier we can get in there the better for me. All the doctors got together and told me I needed to deliver early, the sooner the better, but I should pick when to deliver.
I picked 34 weeks.
Now I am doubting myself.
I feel like a bad mom already...is 34 weeks way too early? Why not wait another two weeks? Except you should know that I am in excruciating pain and there isn't a lot that I can do for that pain so I cry almost all day everyday.
I'm just so torn and I really feel like choosing to take my little man out of me at 34 weeks is the most selfish thing I will ever do.
If you got this far and your baby was born early can you please tell me how early and what types of complications you experienced?

Re: Was your baby born early?

My daughter was born via c-section at 37 weeks. She was so big already that they knew I could not deliver her naturally and we decided to take her at 37 weeks. She was 8 pounds when she was born.

You are not a bad mom AT ALL. You are doing what is best for you and your baby. You need to be healthy and feeling your best in order to be the best mom you can be. Can you talk to your doctor about doing a sonogram as it gets closer and seeing how big the baby is? If the baby looks big then you have nothing to worry about. Does the decision have to be made now or can you play it by ear and make a quick decision depending on your pain level and the size of your son?

I am so sorry you are going through this.

Message edited 5/31/2006 3:55:53 PM.

Re: Was your baby born early?

I just read your post on NFR about the sweet letters you wrote, and I wasnt sure what the surgery was for.
Just wanted to send you some hugs
Follow your heart. Please dont feel guilty for any decision you make. Youre a wonderful mom.
I wish you all the best

Re: Was your baby born early?

First, lots of for what you are going through...I think that 34 weeks is an OK time to take the baby...if you wait longer, you might go into distress and in turn distress the baby. I can't imagine how much pain you are in, but perhaps it would be better off for you and your muffin if you stick with 34 weeks...

After a certain time and I cannot believe I can't remember (I think it is 33-34 weeks) all the organs and major things are done forming and the baby is just gaining fat and weight...something he can do on the outside relatively well...

I know many people that have babies at 34 weeks and up and only have a very short time in NICU...
Good Luck and take care of yourself...

we are all here when you need us

ETA: I had my DD at 37 weeks 4 days and she was 7lbs 4oz, no issues at all. My friend had her baby at 36 weeks and she was 6lbs 8 oz and is already 13 lbs at 3 months with no ill effects either

Message edited 5/31/2006 3:59:16 PM.

Re: Was your baby born early?

My best friend's sister had her twins at about 32 weeks. They were in NICU for a while until they could breathe on their own, but there really haven't been any bad long term problems. They are a little shorter than most boys their age, and it takes them a little longer to learn things other kids their age learn, but it's not a huge difference. They will be able to start kindergarten next year with all the other 5 year olds.

They are both 4 years old now, very healthy, active handsome boys.

I don't think it's selfish. You need to give both yourself and your baby the best chance possible, and your doctors wouldn't let you do anything that wasn't safe.

I'll continue to keep you in my prayers.

Re: Was your baby born early?

First off, sending more

My partner's cousin is presently in the hospital for preterm labor. They had her on meds to stop labor, but she now turned 34 weeks, so they took her off the meds. The dr. said if the baby is born now, he or she would be perfectly ok.
They said after 28 weeks, the baby is formed, then 32 is better, and 34 weeks is fine.
Her baby may have to stay in the NICU but the baby will be ok.
Do not feel like a bad Mommy, you are doing what is best for you AND for your baby.
I wish you all the best.

Re: Was your baby born early?

my son was born at 34 weeks.........he was just under 5 lbs and had a bit of jaundice that was the only thing wrong with him, and the fact that he didnt have the sucking reflex that newborns have so feeding him was a bit messy! In order to take him home he had to be 5lbs..... he is now 11 and is a normal healthy boy!
best of luck!

Re: Was your baby born early?

They took Ryan early @ 37 weeks 3 days....

Are they doing anything to prepare the baby for early delivery..???

They had me on steroids as soon as they realized I had pupps..... They say it was to suppress the itching but I truely believe it was more for the baby's benefit.... getting him to "cook" faster, just in case they were gonna take him early....

Has this been discussed @ all???? The steroids do help the babys lungs develop faster....hence making an early arrival at little easier....


YOU ARE NOT selfish!!! Dont even say that.... YOU NEED to TAKE CARE of yourself!!!! This baby lives in you and failure to take care of yourself could be dangerous for your son!!! Lots of for you!!! Everythings gonna be just fine!

Re: Was your baby born early?

Message edited 5/31/2006 4:28:19 PM.

Re: Was your baby born early?

My son was born at 36 weeks and was 6lb 5oz. He was within normal weight but on the small side and had a little jandice . He is fine now and a very active boy!

Best of luck to you!

Re: Was your baby born early?

Re: Was your baby born early?

You are the furthest thing from a bad mommy. You are ensuring a future mommy for your son. I can think of no greater gift your son would want more than his mommy.

As I mentioned in my FM, I delivered at 34.5 week (the .5 is important even though it was just 2-1/2 days later). As someone mentioned before at 34 weeks, major organs are fully developed. You can expect that the baby would stay in the hospital anywhere from 1-2 weeks barring any complications. I have friends that have delivered 28 week, 29 week and 32 week olds - all with very little complications.

When Joseph was born he had very little 5ucking reflex, had difficulty maintaining his body temperature, no cartilidge in his ear. While the below link notes behavior problems, I've seen many shows on brain development in premature babies. There's great research done out of a hospital in Boston that I can see if I can track down again if you're interested. A neonatalogist who recreated a womblike atmosphere to avoid behavioral issues. What I've wound up with is a smart azz pre-schooler. Behavioral problems, eh - he has 2 parents with tempers so I chalk it up to that.

A very good website is The March of Dimes . The link I've picked shows what complications to excect at each perinatal stage. Below is the info on the 34 week mark.

What about babies born at 32 to 35 weeks gestation?
More than 98 percent of babies born at this time survive. Most weigh between 3 and 7 pounds, and most appear thinner than full-term babies. Some can breathe on their own, and many others just need supplemental oxygen to help them breathe. Some can be breast- or bottle-fed, although babies born at less than 34 weeks or having breathing difficulties will probably need tube-feeding. Babies born after about 34 weeks are unlikely to develop serious disabilities resulting from premature birth, though they may remain at increased risk of subtle learning and behavioral problems.

Always remember - Josephs are resilient little buggers.

Re: Was your baby born early?

Sorry to butt into "Parenting". First off, I am sorry you are going through this. I do not have any children yet but I wanted to tell you that I was born at 34 weeks and that was 29 years ago when science was not as advanced. I weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and was completely healthy. My mom had pre-e and it was an emergency c/s. I just wanted you to know this so you can be reassured that you're baby will be fine just like I was almost 30 years ago.

Re: Was your baby born early?

My best friend had her baby at 34 weeks after being on intravenous meds to stop her contractions. Her DD had to be in the NICU for a week and had jaundice. She wasn't able to BF because of the sucking reflex. She is now a very happy and healthy 5 year old who is as smart as a whip!!! I think you are making a brave decision that is best for you and your new family!! Selfish? I think not

Re: Was your baby born early?

I had Hayley at 35 weeks. She was 6lb 13oz and was fine. Had to have a bit of help breathing the first day but after that she had no problems at all!

Re: Was your baby born early?

My son was born @ 36 weeks and weighed 5lbs 14oz...no need for the NICU and we went home on time. It was tough having a young baby..slower to catch up, but as far as his health, he was fine!!!

It isn't selfish to want to be around and in the best health for your baby........

Re: Was your baby born early?

Hi,

Hope you are doing OK. Just wanted to let you know my friend was PG with twins-Her Dr told her full term for twins is 36 weeks so really he would only be two weeks early. Her girls were born at 29.5 weeks. They weighed 2.8 and 3.2 and were in the NICU for a while. They are both home now and doing great and weigh 9.5 and 10.5 lbs each. They have no issues at all really-one has reflux but that is it. The real concern with babies that age is their lungs. Are you getting steroids? Also where are you having your baby. My friend had hers at Stonybrook and I can't say enough nice things about the NICU nurses there. They are EXCELLENT. Please don't worry. Babies are born so much smaller than that. I think I remembered you saying they were going to give you two weeks after the birth and then do the surgery so if you hold off on the c-sect you will have to wait on that as well. Best of luck to you.

Re: Was your baby born early?

Don't have much information to offer because dd was only a week early, but felt I had to respond to your selfish comment.

Please know that the most important thing you can do for your little one is to be healthy and happy and pain free!

I am so sorry you have to go through this and I can't imagine how tough this decision must be for you. One thing you are not is selfish, I promise!

Re: Was your baby born early?

I was born 5 and 1/2 weeks early way back when technology wasnt what it is now. I was almost 4 lbs....look at me now

My friend had her daughter at 28 weeks 6 days....yes she had a lot of problems but now at 4 years old she is almost 100 fine. no lasting effects.

My sisters twins were born at 34 weeks 5 days and went home 1 week later...they had no complications.

Re: Was your baby born early?

Just wanted to give you these Good Luck to you!!

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Re: Was your baby born early?

DD was born at 37 weeks - 8lbs 6oz.

Re: Was your baby born early?

Re: Was your baby born early?

I am so sorry to hear this. I am not on much and most have missed your post. what a tough decision to have to make. I really would talk to your drs and see what they think. I almost went that early and the drs didn't seem too concerned esp since my baby was measuring big and for the most part lung development is ok by then. I wound up going at 37 weeks - had a few issues but not really related to the time.

Re: Was your baby born early?

I gave birth on my 34th week. My daughter weighed only 3 lbs 1 oz. She was fine except she was jaundiced for about 6 days. She was in NICU for about 10 days and was transferred to regular nursery to gain weight and maintain her temperature. She was discharged when she was more than 4 lbs. Now she is a bubbly, energetic almost 2 years old. Healthwise, knock on wood, she does not have any problem aside from usual runny nose and cough.

Re: Was your baby born early?

I agree with the other women - you are already a fabulous mother. Being a mom means taking good care of your child - but taking good care of yourself at the same time. A happy mom makes for a happy baby. I would speak to your OBGYN and get some advice - maybe put your 2 drs in touch and let them suggest what would be in your best interest as well as the baby's.

I wish you a lot of good health, an EASY delivery, and a happy healthy baby - we are all praying for you and your family.