What risks are there for a baby born at 31 weeks?

Question

Hi,

I'm 31 weeks pregnant. I'm not planning on having my baby any time soon, but what risks are there for baby if it happened? i.e: Brain damage, lungs, stillbirth risk etc...

The thing is (and as anyone who has had a complicated pregnancy will understand), I have had a high-risk pregnancy, and been on bed rest since I nearly miscarried at 16 weeks... I just want to know the risks for my baby, as I'm only just starting to breathe easy now, it has been a very difficlut few months, I've been so scared of losing her.

Thanks!

Answer 1

My sister had my nephew at 32 weeks. He was around 5 pounds and was in NICU for about 2 weeks...he didn't even need to be on breathing tubes. He was healthy. The only thing is that he didn't have the sucking/swallowing reflex figured out quite yet so he had to have a feeding tube...but other than that he was great..even breathing on his own! He is now 20 months old and has no health problems whatsoever...he is a very happy little boy! He is a little smaller than kids his age (and always has been) since he was a premie but not enough that you would look at him and think he was too small...he's normally just a couple months behind, growth wise...but he's developed normally otherwise.

Of course, every case is completely different...but at 31 weeks your baby has a GREAT chance of being born healthy and happy...she will need to be in NICU for awhile...maybe even a month or 2...but from everything I've read she has a wonderful chance of survival and being pretty healthy! (yaaaaay for medical advances!!)

Best of luck!!!

Answer 2

It's really all about risk factors - there are higher risk factors for babies born early, but that doesn't mean those things will happen.
My nephew was born at 32 weeks. He weighed 4.5 pounds and was home 4 weeks later. He is perfectly healthy.
You are well past the very risky stage. If your baby were to be born now, chances of survival are excellent. But every day your baby stays in there, the better. So keep resting!

Answer 3

The chances are pretty high that she will survive with the care of NICU. She would probably stay in the hosptial up until her due date. She might have some complications at first with her breathing because of her lungs not being fully developed. She would probably have small complications, but with the right care, she should be okay. Just make sure you are taking at leadt 800 mcg of folic acid and your prenantal vitmains daily, and everything should be okay. Good Luck and Congratulations on your miracle baby!!

Answer 4

Everyone knows there is always a risk when you're pregnant, something could always happen. When i was 32 weeks my doctor told me that it was too soon to have her because of two main reasons, her lungs and she would be small. I believe you're troubles would be the same. Has the doctor found anything to put you at risk? If they havent i dont see why to worry about anything, enjoy the time you have to relax!! Hope everything works out for you and you're baby!

Answer 5

I was born at 32 weeks and was 3Llb 8oz and I am 100% fit and never had any health problems (35 now!!)

My son was born at 26 weeks and weiged 2Llbs (19 now), he had a few minor ops in the first 2 months, but he came home aged 4mths and has never had any major health problems at all. He is a lovely lad, caring and loving and he is studying to be a child counciller and works for Samaritans

Answer 6

The true measure of success or failure of perinatal care is not merely neonatal survival, but survival with good health and well-being into childhood and beyond. Quantifying this measure is important for all babies, particularly for those born prematurely. The risks are highest for those with a birthweight less than 1 kg (extremely low birthweight) and/or at less than 26 weeks gestation. There is continuing concern about the burden of illness and disability amongst survivors in this vulnerable group. However, we must not forget that all preterm infants are at increased risk of disability later in childhood and that the same is true for babies born at term who are sick enough to require neonatal intensive care.

Answer 7

I am 33 weeks pregnant with twins and have been on bedrest almost my entire pregnancy. Now for you at 31 weeks your baby's lungs are just starting to develop and if born now your baby doesn't know how to feed so she will need to have a feeding tube in her nose and down into her stomach, and she will also need help regulating her body temp and she probably only weighs around 3lbs (if that).If your baby is born now there is a 95% chance of survival but your baby will have to spend many many weeks in NICU. Stay on bedrest and follow your Dr instructions and you and your baby will be fine you really only have 5 more weeks to go until she can be born. Good Luck!! God Bless!!

Answer 8

undeveloped lungs, low birthweight are the 2 main ones, but to be honest now a days babies born at 31 weeks are lickley to be fine, if not small, and go on to have no problems at all.

I wish you all the luck in the world when you eventually have your baby, and hopefully you wont have to worry about anything.

Its all worth it in the end.

Answer 9

I was born t 31 weeks weighing 4lbs exactly. That was in 1981 and I have grown up ok. I now have a 6 yr old daughter who went full term.

Answer 10

I had my wee girl at 34weeks i know its a bit further on but she was ok we had a bit problem with feeding and keeping her temp up but after 2weeks she got out of hospital and now shes 2 and shes fine so good luck to you and try keeping ur feet up just a wee bit longer cause when you have her you wont b off them, loads of luck to you and your baby hope everything goes well.