Pre e, on strict bed rest and LO will be a May baby ... Help!

britleann26

So my doctor scheduled a NST for this past Saturday morning. They decided to keep me for 24 hours to be monitored because my blood pressure was elevated. I didn't think anything of it since it only gets high when I'm at the doctor office. Well it didn't decrease like she wanted and my urine had a huge increase of protein in it. I have been diagnosed with mild Pre-eclampsia. I am on strict bed rest and they plan to deliver LO at 37 weeks which would be May 22nd unless other symptoms come up and they deliver before that. Questions: Will LO be considered a premie at 37 weeks? Will there be a NICU stay for her? Clothes wise - do I need to have premie or newborn stuff ready for her? Do I need to do anything extra for my milk to come in? I plan on asking these questions at my appointment on Tuesday and just forgot to ask the doctor today because I was overwhelmed with the news. All my friends and family have had picture perfect deliveries so I feel slightly alone and completely clueless as what to expect. I know 37 weeks is pretty much full term but just not sure what the differences will be between 37 week baby and 40+ week baby.

sparklenshine_89

I believe at 37 weeks babies are considered "full-term"; however, I think it depends on each child individually. Preemie clothes are very small... at least the ones I have seen are small. I think that regular newborn sizes should work, again, it depends on your child. I'm not familiar with NICU stays or what to do to get your milk going. I'm sure your doctor will have the most accurate information because they know your case. I think one of the biggest differences between a 37 week baby and a 40+ week baby is the weight.

Hopefully ladies who have experience with Pre-eclampsia and/or early births will have more information for you. But for now I would try to relax and maybe make a list of questions to ask your doctor as well as do your own research. There may be "picture perfect" deliveries but I'm assuming it's really hard to know exactly what to expect because every birth/pregnancy is different.

Good luck to you!

ncbelle

Hang in there!!  It's hard to know if baby will need NICU time or what size he'll be - will just have to wait and see!  On the breastfeeding question, many "early" term babies will have some trouble nursing (they just tend to be a bit lazier) so it would be good to know if the hospital has an IBCLC on staff or if you need to find someone so you can get hands on help ASAP.  If baby does need NICU time, you can still nurse most likely - again working with an IBCLC will be super important in case you need to pump some as well.

BabyCurtiss2014

37 weeks is full term and as PPs said it all just depends on the baby. I was born at 36 weeks and did not go to NICU and my mom just took me home. I was 5lbs but everything was developed and functioning! Good luck!!

diagonalley

Like pp said, 37 weeks is full term. Size of clothing depends on the baby. My son was born at 34 weeks 3 days and is in newborn clothes cause premie were too short (he was almost 19 inches long). I would think at 37 weeks it'd be pretty unlikely he would need premie clothes unless your doctor seems to think your LO is small.

NICU doesn't necessarily mean premie, either. There are two full term babies around my little guy that have their own issues requiring them to be here. It depends on their condition when they are born. My best friend had her baby full term but she was in the NICU for respiratory concerns.

Mom&nurse

First of all try to stay calm and make sure you are doing strict bed rest or you will be joining us ... L&D is my new home.

That's exactly what my dr plan on doing so I will tell you what they tell me.


37 is full term and like everyone says it depends on baby regarding NICU. Here less then 36 weeks gets you an automatic trip to NICU. She may come out the next day to regular nursery. Also 37-40 can also go to NICU.

Everyone else said everything to a perfect to do I won't say it all again.

However things I want to suggest about preeclampsia are... Watch for weight gain- lbs in days type. Watch for sever selling, puffy face. Keep your feet up on at least 3 pillows. Lay on your left side as much as possible. Try to limit salt. Stay hydrated.

Are you getting bio physicals done? It's an ultrasound.

Your hopes for a picture perfect deliver are not out of site either. Don't let it ruin it for you.

Please please please take care of yourself at home so we don't have anyone else in L&D is my new home group. In the nicest way possible!!!

mattanda2011

My DD was born at 37 weeks exactly. She was 6lbs 7oz and did not have a NICU stay at all. We did have a NICU pedi in the room when I delivered but she was fine. She also wore premi clothes for about 2 weeks. Because she lost a good bit of weight they were worried about my milk coming in so the first week home my pedi had me pump after feedings and drink a beer with lunch everyday. I also ended up taking fenugreek but it's not something to take before the baby comes, but maybe just have it at home ready to take

kd&cd

T&Ps wishing u the best

Ahug77

I have no advice, but I'm wishing you the best!

britleann26

Thanks everyone ... Sorry for the late reply but safari and the bump are not the best of friends and it will not let me post. I was so afraid yesterday but have calmed myself down. Thank you for all the advice given. I have started my questions list for the doctor and added in some based on your replies. I'm very fortunate to still have LO inside baking away and feel I may have worded my original post in a way that can be hurtful to the June moms who have delivered already or lost their precious babies or residing in L&D. I didn't mean to. All you June mommas are simply amazing! Stay awesome! And now that I'm not working anymore I hope to be more active and can maybe keep up with everything that happens.

temursgirl

GL with your appointment and hope all goes well. Sorry that you are dealing with this, but it sounds like they have things under control. And 37 weeks is not bad!

justme04

Good luck but you should also prepare yourself that you may still deliver earlier then 37 weeks. I know with Ds1 they tried to keep him in but my BP wouldn't stabilize with medication he was delivered at 34 weeks and the same thing has happened to a few other people I know. My situation also got worse because it turned into HELLP Syndrome and my liver started to shut down.

Mom&nurse

@justme04‌ how did u feel? Did anything give u a sign that things got worse? What did your end start like? I have preeclampsia and am in L&D and am always nervous I'm ignoring something I shouldn't. I'm just exhausted.

LegalLadyBug

I will be 36 weeks on Wednesday and that is my current goal. My OB has told me that they probably wouldn't even need NICU time if I can make it. That is based on their size though and observing them practice breathing on ultrasounds. Every baby is different. I will say my mom is a L&D nurse and she told me that generally babies born after 36 weeks will need minimal, if any, NICU time.

As for clothes. It can't hurt to buy one or two newborn and premie items. I wouldn't buy many until you know for sure how big your LO is going to be. DD was born at 40 weeks and 8lbs 5.5oz. She should have been able to fit in newborn at that weight but her head was too big to fit in most and she was pushing length at 21". We had only bought a few newborn outfits which worked well as we didn't feel like we had thrown away a bunch of money.

MissBHaven1024

37 weeks is full term, but each baby is different, and that doesn't mean you're out of the woods for a NICU stay, but it isn't a guarantee either.

As far as clothing, that's tough. DD#2 was born at 40w4d, weighed 6lbs, 6oz and was in preemie diapers for a month, and NB clothes were big on her. Each baby is different, so just be prepared for anything.

flerlgirl

Mom&nurse said:

@justme04‌ how did u feel? Did anything give u a sign that things got worse? What did your end start like? I have preeclampsia and am in L&D and am always nervous I'm ignoring something I shouldn't. I'm just exhausted.

Not trying to freak you out, but there really is no way to compare pre-e experiences. If you're in L&D I'm sure they are keeping an eye on you! When I had pre-e I had a severe case but I didn't feel that bad, honestly. Tell the nurses about any sudden severe head aches, spots or changes in vision, or anything new that comes on suddenly. GL.

OP, GL to you as well!

adreamcometrue2011

My youngest dd was born at 37 weeks she was 8lbs 12oz 21 inches. She fit into 0/3 month and had to stay in the nicu because her bilirubin was high. Other then that she was healthy and ready to go when it got to a regular reading. It all depends on the baby like pp suggest. I would imagine they do a final us on baby and that will give you an idea of how big lo is. Hope all goes well at your appt today!

Jennylou0604

I was induced with my son at 37 weeks to the day because of pregnancy induced hypertension.  He was 7.4, but unfortunately still had to go to the NICU for a week due to premature lungs.  You just never know.  I pray that yours doesn't have to, but each case is different.  I'll say some prayers for y'all and good luck with everything!