What's the earliest a baby can be delivered (premature) and will have a good chance of survival?

Question

Considering that the threat of an early c-section has been looming over my head, I would like to know. I can't get a straight answer from my doctor.

Answer 1

Here are some statistics: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/2077/table.html

My friend had a 23 weeker, and he lived. He's 7 now, I think. He had a lot of problems, but he's ok now aside from asthma. My twins came at 35 weeks, so they were "premature" but fine. Just prepare yourself for a stay in the NICU. Good luck.

Answer 2

My sister in law just lost her set of twins. She went into labor at 25 weeks.The doctors here wouldn't/couldn't do anything. I have very mixed emotions, I think they should have tried harder, but it depends where you live. I am in an area that the medical care is so bad that the doctors won't stay here to practice, or if something is wrong with them, they go to another state.
That being said, worrying about what might or might not happen is not healthy for you or the baby. If you have concerns maybe you should see another doctor. I have a friend that goes to a high risk pregnancy doctor. He first baby was delivered at 27 weeks. It was a scary situation because they didn't expect it. They are both doing great & when she had her 2nd baby, they were monitored closely. She had the same problems as before, but they were able to stop her from going into labor.

Answer 3

The goal is 36 weeks, because they are almost full term at that point.
After 34 weeks, most babies' lungs are fully developed and they can breathe on their own. Most babies born at this stage are fine, except for being a little small. If you have made it this far, you are in pretty good shape.
Most do well after 32 weeks, with good care. The internal organs are all formed, but still immature. Most will need help breathing and maintaining their body temperature.
As early as 26 weeks, many babies survive and eventually live normal lives, but require lots of help in the beginning, including weeks or months in the hospital. And sometimes there some permanent deficits.
Before 26 weeks, it is difficult, but some do survive.
Good luck -- I hope all goes well for you. Is your doctor considering giving you steroid injections, to help the baby's lung development?

Answer 4

well, the earliest i've ever heard of is 21 weeks, but 24 weeks is considered the earliest. the doctor probably doesn't want to say because even though many babies can survive that early, many cannot so i guess he doesn't want any false sense of security when you get to a certain # of weeks.

Answer 5

properly i does not freak too undesirable by way of fact the amniotic fluid is thoroughly refreshed ever 3 hours. So it is obtainable your difficulty won't have any effect on once you pass into exertions. i've got self assurance 28 weeks is whilst they are developed adequate to have a a techniques better probabilty of surviving.

Answer 6

My friend had a baby at 26 weeks. He was in the hospital for 3 months in the neonatal intensive care though. But he's healthy now!


It really depends on how good the hospital your at is. If they have a good neonatal unit. If your in a small town i would start looking for a doctor in a bigger one. If you're high risk or something.

Answer 7

i would say 28 weeks or later. earlier they can survive its just a hard road they have. it also really varies on the individual baby. My twins had no birth related problems born at 34 weeks. but others require a vent and other help. your doc can give you steroids to help mature the babys lungs a bit faster

Answer 8

28 wks

Answer 9

It depends on the area you live in. I youngest I have seen is 24wks, but it was in MA where they are pretty high tech.