NICU Question

How far along do you have to be with twins for them not to have to go to the NICU? I know it depends on lung development, feeding and wieght, but did anyone not need the NICU if not when did you deliver?

Re: NICU Question

I've read from 36 weeks on, they have a better chance of going home with you, but there's no guarantee. Babies can still be born after that and need NICU time -- depends on how the babies are.

Re: NICU Question

Re: NICU Question

My trio was born at 36 weeks and only 1 went to NICU bc she was born at 4.2 lbs and the other 2 were over 5lbs.....she can home 2 days after I was released with the other 2....

Re: NICU Question

My twins were born at 37 weeks and they both came home with me. I guess it helped that DS was 6-13 and DD was 5-14. Big kids.

DS did go to NICU because he had a heart murmur, but he was still released with me a few days later.

Re: NICU Question

I delivered at 36 weeks exactly.

G. was 4 lbs, 7 oz.
H. was 6 lbs, 3 oz.

H. had to stay in the NICU for 5 days after I went home w/ Georgie.

At LIJ, preemies have to pass a car seat test in order to be released. Basically, they have to sit in their car seat for an hour and the nurse checks their oxygen level. H. failed the test so they wouldn't discharge him. Then he started forgetting to breathe when he was eating so they also havd to keep him for that problem.

G. was only 4 lbs when he came home and he did not have to be in the NICU at all.

I'm not going to lie....leaving the hospital w/ H. still there SUCKED. I sobbed the entire day. The NICU staff and drs are excellent and I knew that they wouldn't release him until it was safe for him to be home w/ me.

Try not to stress too much. (I know, easier said than done!) I don't think there's really anything you can do to decrease the likelihood of the babies going to the NICU.