TTC again... Am I Crazy?

MinaE01

My 32 weeker was born in October last year due to PTL. There was no explanation as to why he came so early. He was in the NICU for 24 days and had a pretty smooth ride (learning how to eat was the most frustrating part).

Our plan was to try to have our kids fairly close together, and since I'm a teacher, we'd like to *try* for a spring baby. This means TTC in June, July, and August, which are quickly approaching. I talked to my OB last week and she said that they normally recommend waiting one year before TTC, but she thought my pre-term birth risk would be the same whether I tried now or in a couple of years. She said we'd do the Progesterone shots, but that my chances for delivering early again (before 37 weeks) was 25-30%.

I'm really nervous about this decision. If we are lucky enough to get pregnant right away, and have another preemie, that'll be really hard on our family. But, there's a 70% chance that I'll make it FT. I'm just curious as to your experience, and how you made the decision to TTC again. Did you have another preemie? If so, what was that experience like?

MrsC88

It's totally a personal decision between you and your husband (and of course consulting with a good OB), but I don't think you're crazy. I had a micropreemie at 24 weeks 3 days gestation - absolutely no warning that he was coming, just spontaneous labor that caught everyone off guard. We never found out why he was born so early. He spent 4 long months in the NICU and came home on many medications, an apnea monitor, and oxygen. He's now a happy, very healthy 6 year old (he'll be 7 in August). I never thought I'd have another child because of what happened with him...but my husband and I decided we'd like to try again. So last year, we found a great high risk OB, met with him and explained everything and learned about the risks. We decided to go for it, got pregnant, and I'm currently 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant. I've had absolutely no problems during this pregnancy (unless you count being GBS+, which is fairly common so I don't count that). 

So, you can have a happy, healthy full term pregnancy the next time around. It's hard to predict. If you go for it, my advice is to have a great doctor who understands the risks and is prepared to keep a closer eye on you. I've had appointments every two weeks (with a cervical check each time) since 20 weeks, and weekly appointments and cervical checks since 29 weeks. Now I'm 38 weeks and barely 1cm dilated. I'm thinking this baby is quite comfy in there and he'll have to be induced at 42 weeks... 

KatFCo

 No, you're not crazy for wanting to try again so soon. We waited 4 years before TTC, but that was because I was getting my doctorate and I knew if I ended up on bed rest it could really stall my degree.

I had the progesterone shots and was put on pelvic rest and told to take it easy (rested every day after work). I also had regular cervical checks starting around week 20. In the end, I had a FT baby at almost 39 weeks, so it went really well.

Before TTC, we planned out what would happen if I ended up on full on bedrest (i.e. who would take care of DD) and what would happen if I ended up on bedrest im the hospital.

I'm also glad we waited because I was emotionally removed enough from the traumatic experience we had with DD. Being pregnant again can bring up a lot of old fears and emotions, so be prepared for that and you might want to consider talking to a counselor if you have any issues come up.

punky917

DS will be 5 (born at 26 weeks due to pPROM at 24 weeks) this June and DD is due a week after that.We waited so long because I honestly did not think I could go through another pregnancy again and for financial reasons as well. We even had to live with my IL's for 2 years after he was born (long story). Over time and after consult with MFM, we were pretty optimistic that if I got pg again, that we would have completely different results.

I was getting cervical checks every 2 weeks and P17 shots weekly starting at 16 weeks. However, I was placed on SBR at 22 weeks for my cervix shortening. I only had 20 sick days left at that point so the rest of the school year (9 weeks), I had to use FMLA unpaid leave. I wish I didn't have to be on SBR and I really didn't think I would be with the shots, but I am just glad that I am still pg at this point. Would I change anything about our decision? No, because we really wanted another baby. I think that as long as you and DH are on the same page and have a plan in place in case you do have another preemie, I don't think you are acting crazy at all.

ammc

I agree that you can't predict what will happen.  I had a 32 weeker who was in NICU until a week after her due date.  She came home on heart monitor and meds.  When she was two, we TTC again.  It took two years and multiple m/c to finally carry a baby.  I was on progesterone shots from 16 weeks on. I had weekly appts then twice weekly appts at 30 weeks.  My water broke at 31w4d the night of one of my appts where I was long and closed.  My second preemie was born 31w5d.  She was in NICU for 6 weeks and her only issue was learning to feed.

 Every pregnancy is different.  Every baby is different.  If you are ready then go for it.  My only advice is to just be proactive in preparation.  You will need someone to care for little one while you are in hospital.  If you do have another preemie, you will be going back and forth to hospital plus caring for LO.  When home, you will e challenged to care for a toddler (That has its own challenges) plus a newborn.  If you have family close by and can help you that makes all the difference.

Good luck. 

jcsntms06

My oldest was 18 months old when I got pregnant with C. I was given the same % as you as to having another baby who was born at 33 weeks or early. DH and I really wanted to have another baby, so we went for it. It was hard decision, but we made it together. I was on p17 shots from 16-34 weeks (I delivered C at 34w 5d) she spent 14 days in the NICU. The second time NICU stay was really rough on our family. As you can imagine my heart was torn and I wanted to be in two different places at once.

Good luck with your decision.

Mommy2CB

Not at all, I think it's a good idea to speak with your dr though.

We started TTC when our 33.5 weeker turned 1. Took a couple months but we have had no problems this pregnancy and just today surpassed when DS1 was born. Obviously hoping to make it a few more weeks to avoid another NICU stay, but feel really good having made it to 34wks so far!