Full term pregnancy after previous preterm labor?

JandM524

Has anyone had full term pregnancies after having a preemie?  My husband and I are wanting to try for a second but we are going in a little nervous because we had our first at 27 w 6 d and had a two month NICU stay.  There was no apparent cause, it was spontaneous.  I know it could have been worse and we are so lucky and thankful to have our little beauty but it was stressful and I couldn't imagine going through it again with a little one at home.  

 

I guess the point of this post is to hear of your experiences and get some positive thoughts going.    

punky917

If you scroll down a bit, someone just asked this question so you can see more replies. I would also consult with a high risk OB to get feedback on your specific situation. With my experience, I also had an unexpected preemie at 26 weeks. My water broke just before 24 weeks, but luckily held on to DS for another 2 weeks. We consulted with MFM before we even started TTC for the next one. She said our chances were pretty good to go full term with progesterone shots.

So with this pregnancy, I have been closely monitored by MFM and OB with cervical checks and P17 shots and ultrasounds. I have been on the shots since 16 weeks and my last shot will be when I am 35w3d. I have been on strict bed rest since a little after 21 weeks for cervix shortening which i suspect is what happened the first time around and funneling.

I had my last cervical check at 28 weeks and it was .6cm. I am now 33w3d and definitely counting my blessings that LO is still in. There is a weekly check in on this board if you are pg, ttc, and thinking about ttc after a preemie. There is definitely a lot of support from others who are going through it. There is also a long list of mommies who had full term babies after having preemies. So there is definitely hope!

KatFCo

My full-term after a premie son just turned one a couple of weeks ago! DD was born at almost 24 weeks due to spontaneous pre-term labor, so this last pregnancy involved lots of regular checks with my doctor and I had to take the 17p progesterone shot from weeks 16-36.

I was also put on pelvic rest (no sexual activity) and told to take it easy starting around week 22.

You'll want to talk to your dr. about possibilities and what s/he will do for next time.

TriciaandSean

My son was born at 34 weeks 3 days, and I have been received progesterone shots throughout my current pregnancy.  I am currently 2 days away from having a term baby.

JandM524

punky917:

If you scroll down a bit, someone just asked this question so you can see more replies. I would also consult with a high risk OB to get feedback on your specific situation. With my experience, I also had an unexpected preemie at 26 weeks. My water broke just before 24 weeks, but luckily held on to DS for another 2 weeks. We consulted with MFM before we even started TTC for the next one. She said our chances were pretty good to go full term with progesterone shots. So with this pregnancy, I have been closely monitored by MFM and OB with cervical checks and P17 shots and ultrasounds. I have been on the shots since 16 weeks and my last shot will be when I am 35w3d. I have been on strict bed rest since a little after 21 weeks for cervix shortening which i suspect is what happened the first time around and funneling. I had my last cervical check at 28 weeks and it was .6cm. I am now 33w3d and definitely counting my blessings that LO is still in. There is a weekly check in on this board if you are pg, ttc, and thinking about ttc after a preemie. There is definitely a lot of support from others who are going through it. There is also a long list of mommies who had full term babies after having preemies. So there is definitely hope!

 

Thank you so much for such an informative answer!  I am so happy to hear that you have met and surpassed the gestational age of your last.  Congrats and wishing you a healthy pregnancy!

JandM524

KatFCo:

My full-term after a premie son just turned one a couple of weeks ago! DD was born at almost 24 weeks due to spontaneous pre-term labor, so this last pregnancy involved lots of regular checks with my doctor and I had to take the 17p progesterone shot from weeks 16-36.

I was also put on pelvic rest (no sexual activity) and told to take it easy starting around week 22.

You'll want to talk to your dr. about possibilities and what s/he will do for next time.

 

Thank you for sharing!  I am glad to hear that the progesterone shots worked for you.  My sister-in-law had her first at 34 weeks so they gave her shots, she lasted to 36 weeks with that one.  I will have a meeting with my ob, I'm sure she will encourage the shots.  Thank you! 

JandM524

TriciaandSean:

My son was born at 34 weeks 3 days, and I have been received progesterone shots throughout my current pregnancy.  I am currently 2 days away from having a term baby.

 

That's great to hear!!!  Congrats on a full term babe!   

eadkins4

My last son who is baby number 3 I had him at 31wks 5 days he was in the NICU for 3 wks I was not trying to come out pregnant because I was super scared I would have another preemie scare but I did.

I am 36wks and 3 days and my daughter is still in the oven(:

At first your going to be a little nervous I was especially around the 31 weeks but every pregnancy is different!

Good luck and best wishes!!!!!!