At what week can I relax and not worry that If my son was born before 40 weeks that his lungs would be matured. Also my doc wants me to have a test to see if his lungs are matured. I forgot the name of the test. But It involves an amniocentesis, I really don't want that. I'm scheduled to have a C-Section.
2006-12-26 15:41:58 · 11 answers · asked by bomunch 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
They say that 36-37 weeks is when you can be pretty confident that baby's lungs are completely mature, I had 31 week preemie twins and in the NICU they said that as far as major problems go, 34-35 weeks are a good cut-off...... because you've had a history of preemies, most Drs would tell you (like they have said to me in discussions about having more) that every day past the closest your older children had come to their due dates is GREAT. Be careful with anything that involves amnio at this point, it can cause you to go into labor on the rare occasion....... ask your dr if it's nescessary and remember how far we've come medically in just the past few years........ You're doing VERY well!!!
2006-12-26 15:51:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your baby has a very good chance of survival if born today, although he will need a lot of medical attention and help breathing. Baby's lungs mature at 34 weeks. After this, they can be born and survive without help breathing. The doctors do this test to see if the baby has hit that mark yet. It can be helpful if you aren't quite sure of your exact conception date. There is a risk of going into labor and having a premature birth with an aminocentesis. I would think that with a history of premature births, the risk with an amnio might be greater. That's something to ask your doctor. If all is going well, why not leave it alone? If your baby is showing signs that he wants to be born early, it will happen with or without an amnio. The amnio just gives a greater risk that it will happen earlier. If your doctor is really concerned about premature birth, he will have you be on full bedrest, he would have put a cerclage (stitch) in your cervix if necessary to help keep it from dilating, and you will most likely get a steroid shot to speed up baby's lung maturation. Good luck!
2006-12-26 15:55:17 · answer #2 · answered by mcdaid36 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first of all congrats for making it to 31 weeks. I think you can start to relax a little. Most babies born at that point do fine. I think 35-36 weeks is the "magic number". Some babies have more trouble than others. My daughter had a long NICU stay and I have seen babies weighing only 2 pounds only need a nasal cannula. Then somtimes you have your full term babies that need a little help breathing. I think the fact that you made it past 23 weeks is a very good sign. Good Luck.
2006-12-26 15:51:18 · answer #3 · answered by mommyofthree 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey congrats ur at 31 weeks!! after 24 weeks a baby has every chance of surviving outside the womb and as you probably already know that increases every extra day he stays put!
ask if the can consider an alternative there is an injection you can have to make his lungs mature faster esp if you go in to early labour again.
at 31 wks your baby has a very good survival rate and the test is obviously for the health of ur baby!
you will be having the test in hospital so you will be well looked after and if you are really concerned they cant make you have a test you dont want to.
2006-12-26 15:51:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive had two preemies myself. My first was born in may when she was due in june,im not sure of the weeks but believe it was a little over 33 weeks and my second was born at 34 weeks. My doctor helped ensure my babys lungs were developed by giving me a hormone injection twice a day in my butttocks area for three days I believe.I never had an amnio performed because my doctor felt it would compromise me and could trigger delivery. The injections worked like a charm because both girls could breathe easily upon delivery.Briana was only 3 pounds twelve ounces,and alissa was only 4 pounds six ounces.I only had to wait until they took more of an intrest in eating to bring them home lol.....but otherwise they were healthy. Congratulations and best wishes!!!!!
2006-12-26 16:07:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 35 to 36 weeks most babies have fully developed lungs, I would opt against the amnio and ask for a ultrasound (not as accurate ) & weekly steriod shots until 36 weeks you wount be putting baby at as much of a risk. Also if you do not already see a high risk OB or perinnatologist or neonatologist ask your OB if they can have one consult on your situation. Best of Luck & take it easy you are almost to the safe zone
2006-12-26 16:08:29 · answer #6 · answered by notAminiVANmama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just listen to the DR and don't worry about it. One of my friends had her last baby at 26wks the child is now 3 and very healthy. Before that she had 3 miscarriages, she is now pregnant again. All she needed was the proper medical help. Don't worry.
2006-12-26 15:50:24 · answer #7 · answered by Portia P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you on bedrest? I think anytime after 36 weeks you can take him home immediately. He should be fine. But if he came now, he will be fine after a few weeks in the NICU. Good luck. You will be holding your healthy son soon. Congratulations.
2006-12-26 15:45:24 · answer #8 · answered by 4boys1girl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
35 wks usually marks the OK line, although baby isnt fully developed i heard he can survive well at 35 wks
2006-12-26 16:26:35 · answer #9 · answered by ruspecialenuf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at 36 weeks
2006-12-26 15:45:08 · answer #10 · answered by la colombiana 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋