Babies Born Before 40 Weeks?

Question

I was wondering how many of you ladies had your baby before 40 weeks? I know the baby can come out whenever it is ready. I saw that little preemie on the news too, she was born at 22 weeks, I was shocked at how tiny the baby was. I am at 28 weeks now, I am just wondering how many women had their babies before 40 weeks. Thanks!

Thank you all very much for the answers, I really do appreciate it! I have no problem waiting, just anxious. :) It seems a little common to have the baby just a little before 40 weeks.

Answer 1

It's hard to say with mine. I had 2 different due dates. The first due date was Feb 23. I got transferred to a different doctor when they found the baby's heart defect. That doctor said that by the measurements that my new due date was March 4th.

She was born Feb. 21st (today is her 1st birthday) 6 lbs 2.2 oz by c-section due to the fact that she was frank breech the whole time and all my fluid was just about gone. She had her repair surgery when she was 3 days old in Philly and 2 weeks later we were able to being her back home to Tennessee. And she's doing well. (1 year old, 20 lbs. 5 oz, 28 inches long, & tough, just like her mom.)

Congrats on your baby & good luck.

Answer 2

I had my son at 28 weeks (seventeen years ago), he was about 12" and weighed 2lbs 2oz. He was not that cute at birth (transparent skin, some bruises , pushed in nose) and his hand barely wrapped around our thumb. It was a thrill to see him alive but the shock seeing him for the first time was something I'll never forget. His odds back then were based on hours and then days (started off with 25 percent). Although he had complications (including surgery), he stayed only sixty days at the neo-natal and has had no major problems. He was a miracle.
Unfortunately my sister in-law also had a preemie (ten years ago), he was 24 weeks and weighed less than a pound. He had major problems with most of the organs (eyes,lungs,liver,kidney,brain swelling requiring shunt to name a few). He was diagnosed of having Cerebral Palsy when he was less than a year old. He's had a rough life but he is a joy to have around to love. His sister was born a few years later at twenty seven weeks and had no major issues. She was lucky as was my son.
Remember, with today's technology all babies have a fighting chance.

Answer 3

My first son was born at 34 weeks. He weighed 6lbs 9oz and we never knew why he came early. My second arrived at 37weeks. Babies born after 36 weeks are considered full term. After 28 weeks have a good survival rate. Because my first son came early, with my second I was told to park my keister and rest as much as possible until 36 wks. It will be the same with #3 (I'm at 21wks now). You could use the next couple months as a good excuse for getting out of housework (you hubby can do it...heeheehee). You are in that time where every week in is better but it is not so scary as if the baby were born at 22 wks.

Answer 4

Both of my boy were a LITTLE EARLY. One at 38 weeks and the other 37. You can be two week early or late and it is not a big deal. After about 35 weeks the baby is fully developed but the weight and lungs still change. I have heard most babies need to be at least 30 week with in order to have a good chance.

Answer 5

my daughter was born at 27 weeks & 4 days....... she weighed 2 lbs 14 ozs & was 14 in long...... but needed no help breathing or anything..... she spent only a month in the hospital, & we brought her home at a whopping 4 lbs 2 oz..... the sad fact is the number of premature births are rising....... that's why organizations like the March of Dimes (they're about the biggest group) are raising money & awareness to try & reduce the number of preterm births...... not all babies do as well as mine did, or that little girl on the news, that was incredible....... & while my baby was still in the hospital, we stayed at the Ronald McDonald house because we were out of town, & a girl (not much older than 16 I think) had her baby when she was only 4 months pregnant..... the baby barely weighed a pound, & 3 weeks later when we left was only about 1 1/2 lbs........ but surviving, & slowly but surely making progress........ though they do say that baby girls do better & have a higher survival rate than boys, not totally sure why, but that's what I've always heard......... but I tell you, that was the most frightening time of my life, because before she was born, they told me my baby wouldn't weigh more than 1 1/2 lbs, & would need oxygen, etc.......... but she sure showed them! she is now 18 mos. old & weighs about 20 lbs....... she's small, but she can do everything other 18 mo. old's can! and she's absolutely beautiful & she's the love of my life! but I hope you make it closer to full term than i did, it's a lot less frightening I imagine.........best of luck!

Answer 6

My son was born at 32 weeks, but it was for medical reasons. I had HELLP Syndrome and they had to do an emergency c-section. He was 2 pounds 13 ounces and 15 inches long. My sister in-law had two babies, one was born at 25 weeks and the other at 27 weeks, but that was also because of medical reasons, she has an incompitent cervix they found out after the second.

Don't wish to have your baby too early. 32 weeks was too early he spent 6 weeks in the NICU. I know it's hard to wait and a lot of women wish to have their babies early (I know not 8 weeks early but I'm just saying). I would have done anything to keep my son in for a few more weeks. But it wasn't safe so I had to have him early. Good Luck and Be Patient...it is sooo worth it!!

Answer 7

I had an emergency c-section at 33 weeks. My baby stopped growing at 30 weeks due to preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. My baby was 3lbs 6oz and stayed in the NICU for 22 days. She now is 6 months old and is doing wonderfully!!

Congratulations on your pregnancy!! Drink lots of water, put your feet up and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!

Answer 8

My first was born at 38 weeks and my second was born at 36 weeks. I'm 31 weeks with my third now and this one looks like its going to come early too, but even my doctor and midwife aren't worried. They won't try to stop labor at or after 36 weeks.

Answer 9

My son came right at 40 weeks. Just take it easy and be careful You should be fine. Also anything past 36 weeks is good. I had the same fears, but your child will come when he/she is ready!

Answer 10

My son was born at exactly 24 weeks weighing 1lb 3oz. He spent 9 months in hospital. He is now 17 months old and is still small weighing just 16lb but otherwise he is completely normal!