Question for moms of preemies

DS was born at 26 weeks and spent 4 months in the NICU. He just turned 1 and is doing awesome in light of everything he went through. We always dreamed of having another baby but we are terrified that I'll go into preterm labor again. I know there is a lot they can do to stop it from happening but my chances will still be higher than normal.

Has anyone had a preemie and then went on to have another child who was full term?

Re: Question for moms of preemies

Not me, but my mom had me at 28 weeks and went on to carry my sister and brother to term and actually late! She had a random premature rupture of the membranes with me. My husband was born at 27 weeks, but his mom had a septate uterus so his younger brothers were both premature as well, but she was able to carry both of them past 32 weeks, but was on bed rest for most of both of those pregnancies.

I'm sure alot depends on the reason you went into preterm labor, but it is possible to carry your next baby to term. I'd talk to your doctor about your fears!

Re: Question for moms of preemies

I had my daugher at 32 weeks due to preeclampsia. I'm terrified to have this happen again but (for now) plan on TTC next spring. Go and talk to a perinatologist or high risk ob before you try and good luck!

Re: Question for moms of preemies

Re: Question for moms of preemies

Re: Question for moms of preemies

Yes. Dd was 7 weeks early. My 2nd dd was full term. She came 9 days before my scheduled c/s, but was 37 weeks anyway.

I was monitored more closely obviously. I had progesterone shots every week from 21 weeks to 36. My ob said at 36 weeks he was fine with me stopping them. I had sono's every 2 weeks from 26 weeks, but everything was always fine.

Re: Question for moms of preemies

I went into labor at 31 weeks, delivered at 32. No one had any idea why my water broke....and I am terrified that it will happen again. No advice just

Re: Question for moms of preemies

My first was a 34 weeker and spent a month in the NICU--I went on to have 2 more, both full term.

Re: Question for moms of preemies

I know how frustrating it can be when they have no reason as to why preterm labor occurred. I had my twins at basically 25 weeks (SCARY, but they are 5 years old and wonderful!) You wish someone could give you an answer but sadly there was none. In fact, I switched doctors because the first practice was so whatever about it all.

Anyway, the long and the short is I went on to have a full term baby. I had progesterone shots and was monitored high risk all a long. I loved my doctors too. FM if interested.

Good luck with your decision.

Re: Question for moms of preemies

My twins wre born at 30 weeks. I just had my DD six weeks ago and she was 39w2d when she was born. I was closely monitored with my second pregnancy but there was never any issues that came up.

Re: Question for moms of preemies

My preemie born at 32 weeks was my second. They have no idea why I went into labor so.early. I was told that I would be monitored extra closely if I was to get pregnant again but honestly we decided it was best to not try it again.

Re: Question for moms of preemies

No real help here, but I has DS at 30 weeks and feel the same way. At first, DH and I said no more, but as Ds is doing so well and the NICU memories fade, I definitely want to go for number two next year. We plan on consulting a perinatologist first.

I understand your fear and am in the same boat! It's a hard decision! Good luck!

Re: Question for moms of preemies

Def see a high risk Dr...Dr kofinas is amazing he will do everything he can to get you S close to full term as possible!

Re: Question for moms of preemies

Re: Question for moms of preemies

Thank you all so, so much for your replies. I'm actually in tears after reading them because I've been feeling so alone. I'm sure that many of you would agree that unless you've gone through the preemie experience, you can't possibly understand what it's like and no one seems to get it. I will definitely be talking to a high risk or peri before and if we decide to try again and thanks for the recommendations. After almost losing DS, the fear is still so overwhelming but I would love to give him a sibling. I also need to deal with my own emotional trauma first because I'm experiencing some PTSD symptoms.

Best of luck and to everyone who feels the way I do and congrats to those who have gone on to have full term pregnancies

Re: Question for moms of preemies

I had the SAME fear. DS was born at 30 weeks and it was so traumatic that there was a time when I thought we might not have a second child. When we decided to get pregnant again, there were so many emotions, the excitement was definitely clouded by fear, and anxiety. I spent a lot of time talking to my OB prior to getting preggo again, and he assured me that all of my fears were normal. He also told me that my second pregnancy was going to be scary for me and that I will constantly worry bc of what happened the 1st time. I stayed up at night worrying. I even went to therapy, who explained that I was basically going through post traumatic stress.
Well, I am happy to say that after being CLOSELY followed by my OB (apps every week starting at 30 wks) I had DS number 2 at 38 weeks! It is scary as h*ll and not too many people, except preemie moms, can understand. Good luck to you!!