My 24 weeker.

Jenrn2203 · February 2013

I posted on high risk few weeks ago. I went for a biweekly cervical length u/s and found I drastically changed and was 3cm dilated wth buldging membranes. Admitted to hospital bedrest trensdelenburg position. I made it 2 weeks 3 days and my membranes rupture and I developed an infection 103 temp and was forced to deliver her. I am so thankful I was able to recieve the steroid shots few days prior. My peanut was 1 pound 4 oz and 11 inches long. She's a fighter and we love her so much. She's obviously vented. On anti biotics and low setting of oxygen on her vent settings she's also getting tpn and lipids and dopamine for her Bp. She is extremely small but adorable. We would like anyone and everyone's prayers for us . This will be a long rode ahead but we are ready to fight it ! Does anyone else have any stories with their micro preemies? We would love all the input we can get.

Brummy14 · February 2013

Welcome! Sorry you have to be here, but congrats on the arrival of your daughter! We made it to 29 weeks, so not micro preemies, but feel free to reach out here with all questions, concerns, needs to vent (you will have the need at some point...believe me!), etc. This is a great forum of supportive folks who "get" it -- which is beyond critical if you ask me!

My girls just came home after an 81 day NICU stay....just take it all day by day, and really relish in the small victories! And, most importantly, take care of yourself...it's a long, long road.

DrRx · February 2013

Welcome and congrats on your little girl! My daughter was born at 26w2d after I was on hospital bedrest for 24 days. I did have the steroid shots while I was in the hospital. She spent 83 days in the NICU and will be 1 on Monday!

As others have said, the NICU is a rollercoaster, and you an only take it 1 day at a time. T&Ps for you and your little girl.

IncogNeato · February 2013

Congratulations on the birth of your baby and I'm sorry you are going through such stress. My good friend had her baby boy at 25 weeks under very similar conditions (including having a fever after birth, etc.) They had a 96 day stay in the NICU and a few surgeries for his eyes and a hernia but he is now an incredibly tough, active, funny, talkative 2 year old and is doing great. He has even amazingly met almost all of his milestones on time (not even adjusted age but actual.)

I hope that can give you some encouragement. Best of luck to you and your little one!!!!

punky917 · February 2013

Congrats on the birth of your daughter! I had a 26 weeker after being on bed rest for 2 weeks. He is now 4.5 years old and doing well. I was able to get the steroid shots as well, but nothing in this world prepares you for the NICU roller coaster. I agree with others that you have to take it one day at a time. Thoughts and prayers to your little girl!

KatFCo · February 2013

Welcome and congratulations. My DD was born at 23w6d, due to spontaneous preterm labor.

The progress of a micro preemie is a hard, long road full of ups and downs and lots of "I don't knows". DD had 3 surgeries and was in the hospital for over 100 days. She was what many doctors called a "textbook preemie"--she developed most of the preemie issues but she overcame them.

I know everything is probably very overwhelming right now. Don't do internet research! There's a lot that can happen but that doesn't mean it will and worrying about it will only give you added stress.

Do as much kangaroo care as you and your DH can (yes, DH did kangaroo care too and it was a great experience for both of them). Ask the nurses what you can do to involve yourself in her daily care. It can be intimidating to be in their domain, but she's still your baby. Do what you can to help.

Take each day as it comes. I'll be praying for you and your extra-little one.

Cricket Bug · February 2013

First off, congratulations!! Having a baby that small is one of the hardest and most amazing experiences.

Charlotte's Story: I delivered Charlie on Christmas Eve at 28w3d due to severe IUGR, so she measured 23-24 weeks and weighed 1lb 4oz (570g) at birth. She was on CPAP for the first week, long line IV, fortified breastmilk, and caffeine.

Fast forward 6 weeks (that were the longest and fastest of my life at the same time), and we have just spent our first week after being transferred from a Level 3 to a local Level 2 NICU. As of last night she weighed in at 1100g (2lbs 7oz)!! She is off of everything except the feeding tube and monitors. They even took her SAT monitor off last night!

It is so difficult, and no-one will really understand what you are going through. The loss of control over life is overwhelming. One thing that helps me stay sane is to remind myself to open my eyes and look at the amazing, strong, inspirational person my daughter is... No matter how tiny!

If you have any specific questions or just need to chat, please PM me.

Your family is in my thoughts.

Denesdia · February 2013

Congratulations, mama. You came to the right place. My 25 weeker turned four this week. She had a 96 day stay in the NICU. She survived many conditions that we were warned about due to her micropreemie status, including NEC. She is developmentally on track withe her peers, and she has no residual health problems. Keep us updated and ask lots of questions. This is a good place for support.

Courtneyw04 · February 2013

My thoughts are with you and your little girl. The NICU is up and down, up and down.

I had my babies at 25 weeks. They weighed between 1lb 5oz-1lb 15oz. They were in the NICU from 121-137 days. We had three PDA surgeries, grade 1 grade 3 brain bleeds, laser eye surgery, and a gtube.

Cara03 · February 2013

Congrats on your baby girl and on making it that long in trendelenberg. You did an awesome job keeping her in as long as you did. I remember your post from high risk and posted over there about me being in such a similar situation back in 2009 with DS1. He was a 24 weeker as well. He's 3 now and totally thriving, happy, and healthy. The world of micropreemies is so tough but know you are not alone. My son and I pray for preemies every day and we will be sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way. Hugs

cottingham3 · February 2013

Prayers and sorry you are here. My little man was born Dec 28 at 26 weeks 5days. He weighed 1lb 12oz. Like you said...just when you get you mind around the fact that it is a roller coaster you emotions and hormonal can sneak up on you. Know that she is in the best hands and take as active of a roll as you are allowed at this point.

Please keep us updated!

Prayers!!

thishappyhouse · February 2013

Congratulations on the birth of your daughter!

My daughter was 1lb 7oz and during the early days we dealt with suspected sepsis, very low blood pressure (dopamine treated), PDA, and high vent settings. She came home after 124 days on no meds and no oxygen. Every story is different but there are alot of beautiful and healthy babies on this board that are former micro preemies.

lots of good thoughts for you and your family!

Jenrn2203 · February 2013

Thank you everyone for your tp's and support. Much appreciated. We will def keep posting updates!

kelly321 · February 2013

DD was a later preemie (34w), but an acquaintance had twin girls in Nov 2011 at 23w3d. They spent about 6 months in the NICU and one is still on O2, but they're doing great in terms of milestones. I hope your NICU stay is smooth!

luvmyfireman · February 2013

My son, Tyler, was born at 24w6d. He is 7 now and is doing amazing. He has no lasting effects and is a smart little 1st grader. He spent 3 months in the NICU and we had a long roller coaster of ups and downs, but you will realize just how strong you are...and your sweet baby! Best of luck and sending prayers your way.

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