I am18 and 35 weeks pregnant. The OB/GYN has told me that I am 3 cm and 75% effaced. The initial test results say that the baby is healthy. My due date is 9/20. What are the chances that I will deliver soon vs going another 4 weeks? Will my baby be in danger if I deliver before 38 weeks?
2006-08-22 02:26:51 · 17 answers · asked by mommeb 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Adolescent
At 75% you could go anytime, or you could stop for a bit. With that 75% though, I'd say you're going, though my best friend went for three weeks like that.
36 weeks is considered full term, so don't worry, you're almost there. Your baby will be fine. All they do the final 4 weeks is gain weight. Lungs and everything are developed which is what the test told them.
The good news is the doctor is forewarned, and they can plan for every possible problem. They will have a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse or doctor waiting just in case, but I bet the baby won't need them.
You'll both be fine,try not to worry. My nephew was born at 34 weeks absolutely NO PROBLEMS, he was just a little tiny (5 pounds 11 ounces which in our family is little). His sister was 36 weeks and she was just over 6, NO PROBLEMS.
Some women just go early. This may be something you do.
Good luck, please try not to be scared. Look at it this way, doctors, especially OBs are terrified of being sued. If they thought there was even a chance your baby was in danger, you'd be in a hospital right now and they'd be stopping it.
2006-08-22 02:38:14 · answer #1 · answered by jm1970 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did your doctor do a fibrinectin test?
When I was discovered, at 30 weeks, to have had a thinned out cervix (I believe it was less than half a centimetre in length), my ob/gyn did a fibrinectin test to see the possibility of delivering within 2 weeks...it was positive (when positive it's a 50% chance of delivery within 2 weeks). At the same time I was already 2 cm dilated....giving me an 80% chance of delivering within 2 weeks...
Sure enough, at one day shy of 32 weeks I delivered my baby boy. Luckily he was healthy and didnt' need too much care from the NICU...tho they were fantastic. The little guy weighed in at 3 lbs 4 oz. and was 17 inches long. Now he's 3 feet tall, 28 lbs and 22 months old!!
Really, I can't say when you will have this baby...but if you're already dilated & effaced than you'll probably have it within a couple weeks. Don't quote me tho. I could be wrong.
35 weeks is not full term, so if you can keep your legs crossed (just kiddin) for 2 more weeks then your baby will be full term. Babies born at 32 weeks have something like 98% chance of being normal and healthy (whatever normal is ;)heheh). So if that gives you an idea...I hope it helps!
Best of luck to you!!!
Merlin the Cat
P.S. I'm pregnant now and at 38 weeks & 2 days, I want this child out of me now!!! LOL I never had the WHOLE pregnancy experience before cuz of my last one ;)
2006-08-22 02:38:44 · answer #2 · answered by MerlinTheCat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should always ask your dr if you are ever unsure of anything about your pregnancy but i copied and pasted "signs of labor and what to expect" from MSN Health. It sounds like you have time to get ready for your new lil one.
I hope this helps and good luck to both of you!
Effacement: Ripening of the cervix
Your cervix prepares for birth by softening and thinning, or effacing. You won't feel this happening. Instead, your doctor will check for signs of cervical change with vaginal exams.
Effacement is often expressed in percentages. When you're 50 percent effaced, your cervix is half its original thickness. Your cervix must be 100 percent effaced, or completely thinned out, before a vaginal delivery
At first, progress may be very slow. In fact, some women are dilated 2 to 3 centimeters for days or even weeks before labor actually begins. Once you're in active labor, you'll begin to dilate more quickly.
2006-08-22 03:06:13 · answer #3 · answered by just me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chances of survival of a baby at the age of yours are very great. Most likeley the baby would be fine. About being dilated and effaced already, I stayed that way atleast a month and some longer, with all three of my children. Your baby will come when it is ready, and no matter when it does it will be a surprise to you. Good luck and congratulations!!
2006-08-22 02:34:58 · answer #4 · answered by wesley o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say that 37 weeks on is the best. If your baby came now it will be fine. I had my first child when I was 2 days shy of being 31 weeks. He was 4.5 LBS and 17 1/2 inches long. He's doing fine now. My second was born a day before he was due. Just take it easy, and when that time comes; then it will come...
2006-08-22 02:37:08 · answer #5 · answered by Moon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could stay that way for a few more weeks. I had similar stats with my first one for around 3 weeks. She came 15 days early. She was fine. 38 weeks is considered full term. There are many babies that come earlier than that and have no issues whatsoever. Relax and believe that everything will turn out fine...It will help things to actually turn out fine.
2006-08-22 03:00:54 · answer #6 · answered by JordanB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your baby wont be in danger to deliver in most cases but delivering too early can make the entire labor and delivery harder on you and your body. If the baby isnt down far enough in the birth canal it can making pushing much much harder. I nearly had to have one of those stupid vaccuums used to deliver my oldest I was 17 and in a hurry and convinced my doc to induce me. It was a terrible mistake 23 hrs of labor is hard to deal with and its exausting. Give that lil one time to move into position so you wont have to work so hard come the big day. Good luck to you and your preciouse lil one.
2006-08-22 02:33:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The closer you get to your due date, the better for baby, but they say by 37 weeks you can have your baby at any time and be safe. I'm sure you're uncomfortable and anxious to meet your new little one, but don't rush it! Get as much rest as you can now b/c it sounds like that baby is coming soon!!! Best of luck!
2006-08-22 03:54:17 · answer #8 · answered by Renee B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you'll be having that baby soon (most likely within a week or two) Good luck and congratulations! I had my daughter at 35 weeks, she had very little problems at birth. No need to worry. :)
2006-08-22 02:47:38 · answer #9 · answered by a.kranz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the baby will be born when its ready. just becasue the doctor says one thing, your little one has their own plan. i was dialated 8 cm (10 is the limit) and it was stuck there for a week . so there is no telling what is going to happen.
2006-08-22 02:43:09 · answer #10 · answered by MamiMe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋