My nephew Joshua was born at 25 weeks he weighed 1 lb 3 oz. It was * for my sister worrying every night she went home from the NICU. HE also fought an infection of the lungs, at one point and was isolated with another preemie who did not make it. So it was hard to have to worry about your own baby but, you become close to the other parents in the NICU and you grieve with them. There is no easy way around this time. Lots of prayers and support are needed. My nephew is 7 years old today and you never know he was born so small, he is our miracle baby!

Hi Megan,
My son was born at 26weeks 1day, at 1 lb 13oz. He was in the NICU for 2.5 months and had several complications of extreme prematurity, but today he is 7months(3.5 corrected), 17 lbs, perfectly healthy and developing well. I will keep your friend in my thoughts and keep us updated.

My daughter was born at 28 weeks and was only 1 lb. 4 oz. She is now almost 4 and is doing fabulous. Also, I have two friends who both had boys at 24 weeks and are both doing great. They are ages 2 and 3 now and were both just barely over a pound at birth. So there is hope!! I hope your friend and the baby are doing well.

My great neice Bacardai was born at 1 lb 8 ozs. At 2 lbs 3ozs her appendix burst inside her. She had some very scary times, but now is almost 3 years old and doing beautifully.

Hi there! I have a good story. My little girl was born at 24 weeks due to Pre-e and HELLP. She was under 1 lb at birth, and spent 5 months in the hospital. She had trouble eating and went home with a feeding tube and an apnea moniter. Now, she's 11 lbs 4 oz, doesn't use the moniter, and is having surgery next week to remove the tube because she takes all of her food orally now. Bethany has no long-term issues whatsoever - miracles do happen! Also, I am pregnant again, 22 weeks, and have NO signs of pre-e!

You are such a good friend. Sorry I don't have any Good stories to share. but I think nation wide the survival for a 25 weeker is at 50/50. But Girls do tend to do better. There will be many great days, and many scary days for her ahead. Just haveing someone to talk to is a great help, and stress relief. Keep us updated.

Echoing what everyone else said - girls tend to fare better than boys. Having said that, a woman who gave birth to her son at 25 weeks around the same time as me fared far better than Jacob. He went home on no oxygen, no vent, nothing about 3 weeks before his due date! He escaped all preemie issues and had no surgeries at all, so miracles can happen, even with boys!

Poor thing. With your experience, you will be her rock. I did not know anyone who had delivered a preemie, so I felt so alone when we went through it with Hannah. I had a 26 weeker that weighed one pound, one ounce, and she is a healthy almost 8-year-old. A friend of ours had a 23 weeker. She does have some health issues, but she acts like a normal 7 year old. We were also told in the NICU that preemie girls are tougher than preemie boys for some reason and have a better survival rate. Please keep us posted.

Megan, I'm echoing Fiona when I say this.. but you are an incredible friend to care and lend yourself to her during this time. And I think that is all you can do.
I might also suggest putting together a little care package for her, if your able too, and pop a card with you contact info and let her know your there for her anytime.
I'll be keeping her and her new peanut in my thoughts.
-Jenn

That's a good size for 25 weeks. It's so early, though - it's going to be a roller coaster for a while.

I think just letting her know you're there if she needs you will help a great deal.