"How far along pregnant................"?

Question

I'm in between 33 to 35 weeks pregnant(not for sure which week because my due date keeps changing) and im worried about having my baby premature. Due to the fact that my babys been head down since the end of july and i keep having braxton hicks contraction (i think they are).So i was just wondering what's the earliest a baby can be born and still survive? how many weeks? how long did the baby have to stay in NICU?Any prombelms afterward? thankyou. serious reply's only please!

Answer 1

First of all RELAX.....all is fine and you will probably easily go a few more weeks. Because of very advanced technology now, babies can be born earlier than ever and survive...they're usually pumped up w/ major steroids and medications to stimulate the growth of underdeveloped organs and there can be some problems/issues, but you are FINE...Braxton Hicks contractions are totally normal and as long as you are not regularly having them intensely and very frequently, you are right on target. My due date was changing all the time as well...I delivered 38 weeks after my supposed conception date, but they're often wrong about that conception date. Just relax and run all of your concerns by your doctor. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

Babies are well past survival stage by 33-35 weeks. Your baby will be "full term" at 38. If your baby was born right now, chances are the baby would have no long-term effects, but may need a short stay in the NICU to monitor breathing and nutrition. Some babies born at this stage need a little help breathing at first.

The fact that your baby is head down really means nothing. It's not too uncommon to be having Braxton Hicks at this stage, but if they become insistent or happen several times a day, you should stay in close contact with your OB.

You might feel less anxious if you did a little reading up on fetal development. Babycenter.com is a good, free site (though the premium stuff is locked.) Dr. Sears "The Pregnancy Book" is also an excellent resource.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I have a baby that was born at 29.5 weeks. I can tell you that after 30 weeks your rate of permanent disabilities goes WAY down. You are in a much safer zone, even at 33 weeks. Baby being head down now doesnt mean much, neither do the braxton hicks. All of these things can be totally normal. I assume your doc is checking your cervix when you see her? I had an "irritable uterus" with my last pregnancy, CONSTANT contractions anytime i was not lying down from 24 weeks on. and i had a full term baby at 39 weeks.
babies have been born at 22 weeks and lived btw. at 24 weeks the survival rate is 50/50 but the risks of permanent disabilities are high before 28 weeks.

My daughter had numerous problems in nicu (brain bleeds, lung disease, etc), stayed there 8 weeks and is 3 now and perfect.

My aunt had a 34 weeker that was health enough to come home with her.. Really depends on the individual baby but at 34 weeks and up, some babies just really need some breathing help and feeding help for a short time.

Answer 4

Babies as young as 24 weeks have survived outside the womb. Those babies spend months in the NICU. A 33 week baby usually does well, with about a month in NICU. A 35 week baby may have no problems at all and spend no time in NICU. It all depends on how mature the lungs are.

Answer 5

A baby can be born perfectly healthy at 36 weeks, But if you would co into labor now the baby should be fine. I've heard of babies being born 2-3 months early and doing good. Hospitals are more equipped now than what they used to be. I had Braxton hicks with both of my children and still went over my due date and had to be induced. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

Well my cousin had a set of twins at 32 wks. They weighed around 4lbs 2oz a piece. They spent about a wk in hospital. No problems afterward. The in July my sis-in-law had a baby round 36 wks gestational wise but baby only measured size of a 21 wk baby. The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck. She spent 6 days in hospital and is now home healthy as can be. So, babies can be born early and still survive. But I'm pretty sure that 37 wks is the minimum a doc likes to see. So, good luck with your lil bundle of joy.

Answer 7

Please talk to your OB/GYN at your next appointment. He/She should be able to tell you exactly what you are looking to find out. Don't be afraid to ask even the questions that you think are stupid. THat is what they are paid for...

I am due October 12 (34 weeks preg.). My doctor has told me that if he comes anytime from now on, he should be fine.

Also your due date shouldn't really be changing. For example, my baby is measuring two weeks ahead of the due date. My doctor says that doesn't change my due date, it just means that I may have a big baby. (Yikes!) SHe told me I may be eating too much sugar, thus making the baby fat. She told me that the due date is best determined early on. I had an ultrasound at 12 weeks, which is the point where they really determine the due date.

I hope this helps, but you should talk to your doctor. You should be going weekly soon, if you aren't already...

Answer 8

The baby has a good chance of surviving at about 28 weeks. The rest im not sure on but if your babby is born no s/he has an excellant chance to survive.The baby would stay in the hospitial untill s/he is at least 5 pounds.
Good luck hunny!

Answer 9

the baby would most likely survive now even if you are only 33 weeks. some babies are ready to come earlier. baby's are considered full-term at 36 weeks so hopefully you can hold out AT LEAST another 3 weeks and then be somewhere between 36-38 (:

Answer 10

Try not to worry these days babies can be born very early and have a good chance of living. it may have a lot of hard work but with the technology and knowledge they have now days they are a lot younger then they use to say was possible in the old days. I am sure every thing will be alright I found this site for you to have a read up on it. Try and ease your mind. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1157.asp