Was anyone's dc premature?

Just wondering if there are many people out there who have gone through what I am going through right now. DS was born 8 weeks ago at 32 weeks. His due date is Friday. We are waiting for him to get off o2 and keep growing so he can come home from NICU. It has been a very long eight weeks
for those of you who did have a preemie---did they catch up with size? How long did it take? Any advice?

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

My DD was only 4 weeks preemie. She was born at 5lbs2oz. But, she was feisty and scored 8 and 9 on her apgar so she didn't have to stay in the NICU. We went home in less than 48 hours.

She was born at the 5th percentile, now she is steadily in the 25-50% in weight, but 75-90% in height. (Tall and slender like mommy )

I was really scared at first cause she was just sooo tiny but don't worry, they catch up real fast! Too fast!!

Message edited 3/8/2007 12:35:20 AM.

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

I personally have not had a child yet as I am pregnant with my first. But my SIL had 2 premie babies. One at 32 weeks and one at 31 weeks. Both are doing quite well now!! They are normal size and have no problems. (well, other than having my brother as their father. )

Every child responds differently. In fact, my neice was born earlier than my nephew, but got to go home much earlier than him. What got them though as parents? Prayer and each other. I will pray for your child and your family!

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

DS was born about five and a half weeks early. Born at 5 pds 1 oz he had trouble eating and breathing and was put on tube feedings... He was in NICU for over two weeks. He is now 8 months old, and although he is still on a heart monitor we just had an MRI done and all came back aok! PLUS he is a chubbe little man! almost 20pds already. I know how hard it is to get thru this so if you need someone to talk to, feel free to contact me.
Also, I know you want to spend ALL day EVERY day at the NICU but make sure you are taking care of yourself (getting SOME rest and food etc)

eta- my sister in law had her twins one week before me (we were due just a few days apart) her twins are perfectly healthy.

Message edited 3/8/2007 12:38:52 AM.

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

DD was born preemie at 33 weeks. She was born at 4lbs 2oz. She stayed in the NICU for 2 weeks when we brought her home, so had regained the weight she lost after being born and came home at her birth weight.

She was 6 months old on Sunday and went to the doctor for her checkup yesterday. She now weights 13lbs and striving and doing very well. I feel we are extemely lucky and haven't seen any of the "preemie" side effects yet. The doctors are very happy with her progress.

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

Aww, Im sure that was a long 8 weeks! My boys were 7 weeks early, and one was there 2 and one was there 3 weeks. They were tiny, 3 and 4lbs...but they caught up in weight and height rather quickly. They are now 28 months and are 50th percentile! You have so much to look forward to! Good luck to you and your DC...I hope you get him home real soon!!!

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

i hope your baby comes home soon! DS was born at 36 weeks, 5 lb 2 oz. he was tiny!!! did not spend time in the nicu, but started gaining fast. he is now 2 months old and approx 9 pounds.

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

My girls were born 6 and 1/2 weeks early. I completely understand how you feel. Don't you have to remember he is in the best place for his care right now. My girls can't home after 16 days in the NICU. During those 16 days I really learned how to care for a preemie, it was my baby 411 class. He will be home soon. You need to take this time and rest yourself.
My girls are four months now, 3 months adjusted age. They are right on target for a three month old and they had almost no delays milestone was.
It will get better, good luck. And FM me if you want to talk.

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

My boys were 6 weeks early (born at 33w 5d) and were 4lb 4oz, 4lb 15oz. Both of them have caught up in height and weight (they're 6 months old now) and are in the 97th percentile for height and between the 50th and 75th for weight. Your baby will get stronger each day, so don't fret! for you and your baby.

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

It may take a little longer but your son will hopefully catch up if he hasn't already.

My DDs were 4 weeks early, but no NICU time. They were both low 5 lbs at birth and are doing wonderfully. They are right on track for height and weight for their age. Developmentally they are right on track as well. It took about 2 months for them to be on track with other babies their age. I work with them constantly and read the Baby's 1st Year Week by Week to make sure I'm doing with them what they should be doing at that point. Lots of tummy time and I talk and read to them a lot too.

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

Thanks everyone! It is a comfort to know that we are not alone in this. The eight weeks have been very draining. We are just waiting for Jack to be off o2 so he can come home!

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

my little one was born right around there. his due date was in december, and he came out in october.

i had been on bedrest for 2 months b/c i prematurely ruptured my water bag.

he is only 5-10 percentile of his weight/height, but i have met so many people with preemie children, whose children have caught up.

you cannot even tell that they were preemies.

developmentally, he is on cue with most things--- but again, every child meet the milestones at their own pace---

here's a few hugs--- i know it's rough

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

My twins were born at 29 1/2 weeks weighing in at 2lbs 12oz and 3 lbs 2 oz. They spent 3 months in the NICU..it was a long 3 months but worth every bit of it. They just turned 1 on Feb 13 and they are doing great. Sydney is 23 lbs and Reese is 18 lbs. They are talking, standing and crawling all over the house. I just took them to the doc and he said they are right on schedule. Hang in there i know it's hard. What hospital are you in? I remember going everyday to the NICU for 3 months and just spending hours and hours with my girls. I took full advantage i learned everything i could from the nurses on what to do and how to care for my babies once they were home. If you have any questions please FM and i would be happy to help.

Re: Was anyone's dc premature?

My son was born at 34 weeks weighing 4 6. He stayed for 2 weeks and that was the hardest and loneliest times of my life. I found people who had never been through it couldn't understand. If I had to hear one more time enjoy this time now, and get rest now while you can because once he comes home you you'll wish you had the break you have now. So if you need anyone to talk to or anything feel free to fm me. My son is now 19lbs and will be 11 months next week. He is meeting all his milestones and doing just fine now. They are tougher than you think. Hang in there.