My DD was born at 34 weeks. She was 4lbs and 3oz at birth. She was on a vent and oxygen for a few days and she was under bili lights for about a week. The only thing she needed to do before going home is learn how to consistently eat from a bottle. There was no certain weight that she had to be, just as long as she could eat well. She was really pretty healthy, just little.

If you have your baby now, your chances should be pretty good! Congratulations to you!

Hang in there Sherry!
She's gonna do great I just know it!
Love, Jennifer

Mama to Bella,1/02/03, born 33 and 5/7 weeks at 3 lbs,6oz.Pre-E and PIH,& HELLP.
Babygirl #2,EDD 6/24/04

Not 34 weeks here, but 35. 35 weeks and 1 day via-emergency c. Had lots of bedresting in the hospital, and at the end, my blood was being taken every 12 hours, so pretty much as soon as I developed HELLP, out she came.

I was given the steroid shots to help her lungs mature faster; don't remember when. Possibly around week 32(?). She was having periods of apnea when she was born, so she went right to the level II NICU. About 36 hours after she was born, her lung collapsed, so that was probably the reason for the apnea. Then she was sent to a level III NICU. I think she had a ventilator for a few days. Chest tube, pic line, other things I don't remember...but no jaundice! :) (I tried to stay positive by noting the things she didn't have...I was actually the one with the jaundice looking face/eyes!)

Total NICU stay was 2 weeks. Had reflux/gerd for a few months after. Breastfeeding didn't ever take, or I didn't hang in long enough, and after 4 1/2 months of pumping, she switched to formula (Nutramigen).

She is now 9 months old, so far no health or developmental delays, and the sweetest tempered baby I have ever known.

~Sandy/DD born via emergency C at 35 wks. June '03 due to Severe PE/class III HELLP/chronic HBP/asthma

Thanks so much everyone! I know that everyday is a challenge for all preemies! I made through today! So, we are 34 weeks, 1 day! I know that everyday literally counts for her! It helps to know what to ultimately expect, Good and bad!

Sherry Fisher (28)
DH: Bill (35)
Proud Mama to:
#1) Alex 1/1/94-PE
#2) Abbie 12/17/97-PIH
#3 Will 08/03/02-PP PE
#4) EDD: 4/27/04
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/b/babyfish3/
Pregnancy Updates, ultrasound pictures, and the countdown: http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/b/babyfish4/

My ds was born at 34 weeks. Initially things looked good, but he started to have trouble breathing and was put on a vent. He was taken off the vent after a few days and was on oxygen jsut a few more days. In total he spent two weeks int he NICU, mostly trying to attain the weight of 4 lb 7 oz, as that was the magic going home weight.

SueAnn
dh Kwame
ds Ezekiel 1/2/02 (34wks due to pre-e)
#2 EDD 7/6/04

Evan was born at 35 weeks and spent 8 days in the NICU, 4 Days on CPAP and 6 days under bili-lights. He also had some kind of infection that need antibiotics. He was discharged without any additional stuff ie apnea monitor ect.

Denise
Emily 3-6-02 41 1/2wks, 7lbs15oz
Evan 10-21-03 35wks, 5lbs6oz, PIH/PE (placental abruption)http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/h/hutced/

Aaron was discharged at 34 weeks gestation, after 6 weeks in the NICU. At discharge, he had to be on cafeine and an apnea monitor, but that's it.

Sharel

------------------------
Sharel O'Connell
Local coordinator for Pittsburgh area
'Parents of Preemies' co-moderator
Survivor of Preeclampsia, HELLP Syndome, & preemie parenting
Future adoptive mom

Aaron (28 weeker, 5/2/02)
Kevin - DH

Well, I had a 32 and 35 weeker, so I guess you could just split the difference. They both ultimately did well, although obviously the older one went through everything much quicker. They were both on O2, vents, bili lights, gauvage feedings, etc...
One of the first things the NICU staff usually tells you is to not plan on them going home before their due date. Both of ours went home earlier, so it was a pleasant surprise although they stay still felt unbearably long. The others are right though, it just depends on the baby.
P.S. My 35 weeker was just that - 35 weeks, and zero days - and almost made it to the full-term nursery. In fact, initially they said she could possibly go home with us. Well, she was in the NICU for 2 1/2 weeks, but it does show that we were almost there. You just never know!


Amy

Chloe (8/6/01) 35 weeks, p/e, hellp
Tristan (9/3/03), 32 weeks, p/e and hellp AGAIN

I have had a 37 weeker and a 36 weeker. My 36 weeker was on O2 for 3 days.

I have heard of 34 weekers that went off really quick and those that didn't, just depends on the child.

Erin

Moderator - First Time Moms, Parents of Preemies
Missouri State Coordinator
Mommy to Alex and Mason

I am close, mine was a 35 weeker. He had not probelms at all except jaundice. He roomed in with me from the first night, was discharged right on time, no O2, no probelms at all. Now they told me this was fairly unusual for a 35 weeker so I guess with 34 you would expect at least some mild degree on intervention needed. Good luck!

Will 2-6-00 ( PE at 35 weeks)
Elizabeth 7-3-01 ( NO PE)
#3 EDD 10-25-04
Proud Aunt to Ethan born 27.5 weeks weighing 1lb 8 ounces! Our little fighter!