25 Weeker

[megan78]

Hi Everyone,
One of my staff had her daughter at 25 weeks this week. I had my son at 29 weeks, which I know has a better survival rate, etc. If anyone has any success stories of a 25 week preemie that I can share with her, I think it would really help. She is so depressed and scared and I want to help her. Let me know if you have any words of wisdom or something you think might help! Thanks!

[fiona]

Hi Megan, what a good friend you are.

Girls have better odds than boys, so she has that in her favour. Do you know how much she weighs?

[megan78]

She weighs 1 lb 8 oz. I just think this is so unfair. And I feel awful for her. I am not close with her, don't even know her well, but I definitely feel connected through this. I wish I could help her!

[fiona]

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.

[jenn]

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

[hannahsmom]

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.

[jacobkaden]

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!

[sckitzo]

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.

[swagner23]

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!

[pennyg]

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.