[2manyks]

our emom has been in the hospital all week. some neurological problems. they are treating her now with just pain meds and steroids. cant do whatever they want to do because she is pg. in about 3 1/2 weeks - she will be 34 weeks pg - they are going to start amnio testing to test the baby's lungs for maturity. they want to deliver her asap. i am so stressed out. she was going to come to my state to deliver. that doesnt bother me that she will deliver in her own state. i am just stressed about having a baby in nicu and being so far away. i will travel there, but the baby will still be in the nicu and i will be all by myself most likely cause my dh will have to stay here with the other kiddos. anyone have (or adopt) a baby born around 34 weeks? what should i expect as far as the baby's well being and medical care.

ugh. this adoption roller coaster is always exciting, isnt it?

[kelceesmom]

No help here just sending out prayers that everything goes ok for all of you.

[Adopted-B-4]

Gosh, I am sorry about this situation and I do hope emom and baby are healthy! Our twins were born at 36 weeks and our daughter was at 35 weeks. Our biomom with the twins had already had some issues, so they gave her the steroid meds for the babies lungs to help develop. We didn't think she would make it to 36 and even then, it was a roller coaster since they thought there was the twin to twin transfusion syndrome, which basically meant one was in big trouble. We prayed a lot. When the ultrasound was done, the one showing distress was also very small in comparison to the other (4lbs to the other being over 6) so they did an emergency c-section. When they were born, one was 5lb 6oz and the one in distress was 5lb 4oz, (so medicine isn't 100%, right?). They never had an issue, went to the warming bed for 4 hours and were with us after that until discharge. Our daughter was born at 35 weeks and had some blood sugar issues but was 5 lbs and very healthy too. She was in the NICU but was probably the biggest baby in there. Honestly, my understanding is that it depends on so many things as to how well they do but 34 weeks isn't that terribly early anymore(not to say it's not premature, just that they have babies born at 28 weeks even). Good luck and I hope they both do well. I know you are stressed, not knowing what is in store and it being in another state too. Good luck to all of you.

[startedover]

My niece was born at 35 weeks and went home within days of her delivery. Since they have time to prepare the baby, the stay will probably be less.

[sambob]

I wouldn't worry too much about 34 weeks. Our daughter was born at 34 weeks and weighed 4lbs 13oz. There were no problems and we brought her home 5 days later.

[GinaMarie119]

My friend had a baby April fools' Day this year at 34 weeks and he is just fine. In fact, he is a chubby little munchkin now. He was only 5lbs. 7 oz at birth, but he has gained nearly 3 lbs already. He did have a slight issue with jaundice the first week but it was completely under control. There was no need for a NICU stay. He was in the hospital for 5 days as well, but I belive that is only because his delivery was via c-section.

Good-luck!! I am sure all will go smoothly. Better rest up now... while you can

[Cjmeck]

I know 3 people who had babies born between 34-35 weeks. They all received some meds to help the babies' lungs mature. And they all went home within 1 week of delivery. Odds are, if she holds out to 34 weeks, the NICU stay could be quite short, if at all. I really hope she is alright; how scary. Best wishes!

[ourdreamcametru]

My oldest son who is fixing to turn 18, was born at 35 1/2 weeks and was perfect. He weighted 5lb 7oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. The took him as soon as he was born to check him out but brought him right back within an hour and I had him in my room until discharge three days later. He has been the only one of our three children to not have medical problems, is now 6'4" and wears a 13 shoe. I think your baby will be just find and will send up prayers for all involved. Keep us posted.

[crystalp]

Our twins were born at 35 weeks. Our (wonderful) OB told us that 34 weeks was the cut off point for a MUCH better prognosis for the babies. Once you hit 34 weeks, the risk of major complications goes WAY down. Our babies were born at 5 lbs. 2 oz (girl) and 3 lbs. 14 oz (boy). Our little boy stayed in longest at 9 days, but only because he needed to learn to suck and to gain a little weight. They are totally fine now! Good luck!

[2manyks]

thanks for all the posts. i do feel better hearing all the stories of babies being just fine even though being born a little early.

[CourtneynCarl]

My mom's water broke on the way to her first LaMaze class! I was 34 weeks, and weighed a little over 5lbs. I was a bit jaundiced and stayed for a week or so at the hospital, but went home weighing just under 5lbs and had no problems! It is amazing how resilient babies are!