Will he survive at 27 weeks?

Question

I've always been scared about having a miscarriage and I cant figure out why. I think I watch too many tv shows with bad stuff to say and that may be what scares me. I am 27 weeks now, I feel baby move ALOT, my doctor says he is just fine. But......the scared feelings in my mind make me still alittle scared. If he was born now- what are his chances of surviving at 27 weeks? Also am I in the clearing for miscarriage or a stillborn baby? That scares me too. Please help me try to learn more about where I sit (safe wise) at 27 weeks.

Answer 1

27 weeks is the earliest with the best chance of survival. The baby would spend a lot of time in the neonatal ICU though, probably 3 months until they were healthy enough to leave for home with you.

I went into preterm labor at 27 weeks and was admitted to the hospital immediately. I was 3cm dialated, 80% effaced and my doctors and nurses didn't understand why I wasn't feeling the contractions (I didn't realize that's what I was feeling at the time).

They gave me shots of steroids to strengthen his lungs in case he was born that night, or any time afterwards. They gave me shots of antibiotic in case it was an infection sending me into early labor. They gave me brethine (terbutaline) shots to stop the contractions. They were straight up with me in that they thought I'd have the baby that weekend.

Fortunately, I proved them wrong and managed to wait it out (with bedrest in the hospital and constant doses of terbutaline every four hours) for 65 days. They told me that every week after 27 weeks is SO important, they said really even every hour you make it is good for the baby. They aren't kidding.

I don't mean to give you another milestone to worry over, but the next big mark is 32 weeks. That's when the baby will be able to suck and swallow on their own. My doctors and nurses told me "ok Mary, you made it to 30 weeks, now try for 32 weeks..." and this went on until 36wks and delivery.

Birth at 27 weeks is frightening, but not impossible, and survivable. My perinatalogist told me about a woman who gave birth at 32 weeks in a car, and the baby was a healthy 6 yr old at that time.

Best wishes for you and your baby!

Answer 2

There is always the slight chance that something can go wrong (ie cord accident etc). Trust me, I am 20 weeks and am a total worry wart. I know that at 28 weeks a baby has a 90% chance and at 29 weeks it is virtually 100%. I read yesterday that a baby born at 24 weeks has a 16% chance. I think the # at 27 weeks was 67% and at 26 it was 49%. I just read this yesterday and am really worried about my baby so I know these #s are accurate. This was based on a healthy mom giving birth in a US hospital with a neonatal unit. I am sure your baby will be healthy and beautiful!

Good luck!

Answer 3

As a mother of three, and one very early miscarriage, let me assure that obsessive worrying of miscarriage is completely normal. :) At 27 weeks, I don't know what the percentage rate of survival is, but it is not unheard of. Many babies can, and do survive in good mental and physical health at this stage. I'm sure it is not an overwhelming percentage, but it is possible. As to your other questions, no. You are not in the clearing, miscarriage can happen at any time in a pregnancy, but the longer a pregnancy goes, the lower the chance for miscarriage goes. You've probably heard from your doctor that the baby is health, and active, and you are healthy too, so chances are slim. But, having been pregnant myself, there is no amount of assurance that will completely alleviate that fear. I suggest you read as much as you possibly can about pregnancy, and never feel ashamed to call your doctor, even several times a day, just for reassurance! :)

Answer 4

The first 12 weeks you are at highest risk for a miscarriage. After that,especially as far along as you are,miscarriage and stillbirth are only a major issue if theres a medical condition in your baby. You should know by now. Your baby is moving,heartbeat and sonogram look good,try your best,though as a mom itll be hard,to relax and not worry and just enjoy your baby.

ADDITION: My brother was born in 1989 at 27 weeks and under 2lbs. He has had 4 open heart surgeries but is 17 now an fine even though they said he'd die and then that he couldnt play sports,which he has. And that was almost 20 years ago.

Answer 5

My girlfriend gave birth to twins at 25 weeks old just before Christmas. One was born with bleeding on the brain and the other with a heart condition. Unfortunately the one with bleeding on the brain only lived for 4 days (due to the pressure on his brain), he was the smaller of the two but the other is doing wonderfully! He's still in hospital and will be there for another month or two. But anytime after the 25 week mark everyday that your baby is inside you the better chance of you making it full term. Don't worry so much, I know pregnancy is a scary thing to go through, I've had two previous miscarriages so I know that is scary. But keep eat healthy, take your prenatal vitamins and exercise (prenatal yoga is awesome) and everything should be fine! Congratulations!

Answer 6

stillborn birth means that the baby was born dead. i know a lady who's son was born at 23 weeks and he lived for 5 hrs ask your dr about the exact date but i believe any baby born after 24 weeks the hospital will attempt medical procedures to save the baby anything before that time the hospital provides comfort measures to the baby. Are you doing everything in your power to provide a safe environment for your baby? no smoking,drinking, poor eating habits, lifting heavy object (look at the 1950's woman were pampered when pregnant and nobody had a preterm baby that was healthy to begin with think about it pregnant women need pampering not to be out mowing the grass and doing all the house work) just because you go into labor now does not mean your baby will be born there are lots of things/meds that can stop preterm labor if caught early enough. take care of yourself and enjoy this wonderful time (aka put your feet up and let hubby do all the work)

Answer 7

Its possible that a baby can survive at 27 weeks but honestly, I think you are just scaring yourself into a frenzy and that is not healthy for yourself or for your baby. You are out of the danger zone for a miscarriage, a still born is something that you discover at birth so you're never out of the danger zone for that but the likelyhood of that happening are very slim. Your doctor won't lie to you, if there are problems with your baby, he will tell you. If your baby is moving and kicking and doing all that other good stuff, I'd say that your son is going to be very happy and healthy. For the best interest of both of you, relax! First time pregnancies are always tough and nerve racking... it gets easier!
Please, calm down and enjoy your pregnancy. It will be over before you know it and then you will miss feeling your baby moving and growing inside of you. Take care of yourself, and your baby. Smile, kick back, relax, and be merry!!!

Answer 8

At 26 weeks you are out of the major danger zone, but there will still be a great risk for complications. The lungs will be underdeveloped and the immune system won't be working great yet, so there will be a great risk, but the baby does have a better chance at 27 weeks. At 30 weeks you're even safer and really safe from 33-36 weeks.

Answer 9

hunny, dont worry about it. Every one worries about their baby being okay. yes, yours will be fine im sure. just make sure that you eat right, and not smoking, and stuff like that. you are 27 weeks, which is over 4 months pregnant, and once you are past 4 months pregnant, it is impossible for you to have a misscariage. But, people can still have a still born after 4 months. but im sure you will be fine. this is the first time that i am going to be a mother, and i was worrying all the time. now, i am going in for a C-Section tomarrow, and i am really nervous.

Good luck to you hun! and take care!

Answer 10

At 27 weeks, there is a 90% chance of survival. There are also minimal long term problems, but a lot depends on birth weight and the hospital care received. He'd probably be in the hospital awhile...often lungs are not capable of manufacturing their own 'surfactant', and must receive special medication and oxygen until they develop more. Obviously the longer you go, the better, so take good care of yourself, and keep going.