My best friend just gave birth today at 30 weeks-she had pre eclampsia and got really sick so they decided to deliver by c- section. What can she expect having a 2.5 pound baby? Any good support websites that you can reccommend? Personal experiences (positive outcomes only please) also welcomed. Thanks in advance.
2006-08-27 15:19:26 · 7 answers · asked by Margarita 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
This sounds familiar! I had severe preeclampsia and delivered at 34 weeks via emergency c-section. My daughter was 4lbs. 7oz.
Your friend can expect developmental delays as far as the child's growth. For example, the child was born 10 weeks early, so he will be about 2 - 3 months behind during his first year of life. She, too, can possibly expect her baby to be in the NICU up until the time of her original due date. Her baby will more than likely be put on CPAP (it's a tube that they stick up the baby's nose to indue the amount of oxygen getting to the lungs as they are underdeveloped) and be put underneath the billy lights for jaundice for awhile. She, too, should expect involuntary jittering or reflexes. This isn't because the baby is cold or uncomfortable, it's due to the prematurity.
My pediatrician says that my daughter is doing great! She's 13 months, 11 months adjusted due to her prematurity. We are still working on the pincer grasp (grasping objects with her thumb and index finger), holding a bottle, and self-feeding. She can hold a bottle, but she prefers you to do it. She's just starting to pull herself up, but can't stand without help. She's been in the birth to three program that we have here since age two months due to her set-backs. Her therapist has been wonderful!
I know that this seems scary now, but it will get better. Just make sure your doctor finds a good pediatrician to keep up with the babies growth and development. I would have your friend inquire about an early childhood intervention program also, such as birth to three. They bill your insurance and what's leftover there's no cost to you as they receive their money from donations and The United Way. They, too, come to your home which is so convienient, especially if she plans on being a stay-at-home Mom. Tell her to "Keep the Faith". God gave her that baby for a reason. Good Luck! :)
2006-08-27 19:07:21 · answer #1 · answered by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My pastor's wife gave birth this year to triplets, born at 30 weeks or so, and they were all in the under-two pound range. Happily, all are home now and doing remarkably great. Only one is still on oxygen, but the doctors didn't expect him to live past 24 weeks in the womb anyways, so he is the little miracle.
Your friend will have ups and downs, but having the baby as large (respectively) as she did, should offer a great outcome. However, prayer cannot be underestimated. Best wishes to her, and what a nice thing to have a friend that cares. That'll be very important to her in the coming days and weeks.
2006-08-27 22:28:55 · answer #2 · answered by Strange question... 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My niece was born premature and only weighed 2lbs, but when he was two weeks old she already had gained two and half pounds. The only thing that your friend has to worry about is a shot that premature babies get so they won't becaome sick do often. My niece started to talk when she was two years old and now that she is four can speak engilsh and spanish, knows all her numbers, colors, and abc's. It all depends on the baby, not all the babies are the small.
2006-08-28 13:52:19 · answer #3 · answered by Angelica M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My niece was 2 lbs 4 oz., after she was born she had to stay in the hospital for a couple of months. She also had to take caffeine medication and wear a heart monitor when she slept. She is now a little over a year and is kinda small for her age, she also has some developmental problems (she isn't able to walk yet and her speech isn't up to par). But she is pretty healthy now.
2006-08-27 22:28:00 · answer #4 · answered by imreallymesedup 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My twins were born in Feb at 27 weeks. They are home now and doing pretty good they have some delays and one of them is on oxygen and a heart monitor. My daughter spent 97 days in the NICU and my son 32 days. Boy was it a roller coaster ride! The best thing you can do for your friend is be there to listen to her. Best of luck!
2006-08-27 22:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by aintgivinup79 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my son was born less than 2 pounds at the most crucial time of 34 weeks , his lungs were not fully developed ..he spent about 2 weeks in intensive care, in an incubator ..today he is a happy and very healthy 18 year old with absolutely no replications from being a preemie baby.
2006-08-27 22:29:05 · answer #6 · answered by Roxy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
grandson born at 23 weeks/1lb2oz.the Bennie baby angel was larger then him.could not hold for 2 1/2 months.4 blood transfusions went throe 3mo.hell. pray to god.today right now sleeping [nap]on bed grandma best buddy.normal developmental took alot of extra playing to catch him up.hes 6 in 2Nd grade.typical boy.
2006-08-28 17:24:55 · answer #7 · answered by tysgrandma99 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋