Pre-Term Birth News: Keep That Baby In There!

on November 22, 2009 at 7:24 AM

Photo by misspriss_1987

We've been talking about the risks and struggles of having a premature infant this month. Now a new report shows that even babies born "a little early" can have health difficulties.

Have you noticed that moms talk a lot more about inductions these days? There's something to that. The CDC says points to a 20 percent increase in late pre-term births, (that's anywhere from the 34 to 37 week) from 1990 to 2006, according to new study, reports Health NewsDigest.

Some stats from the report:

Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks were six times more likely to die during the first week of birth than babies born full-term.

Late pre-term babies were at increased risk of learning and behavioral problems.

Babies born at 37 weeks were four times more likely to have serious breathing problems or be admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU).

Babies born at 38 weeks had twice the risk of these health problems as babies born at 39 weeks.

A baby’s brain is only two-thirds developed by the 35th week of pregnancy. When babies are deprived of those critical last few weeks of pregnancy, it can have lifelong consequences for the child and the family.

Cafe MicheleZ, preggo with twins, was just talking about her "get this baby out of me" feeling. Those last few weeks and days can be hard and extremely uncomfortable. But I know she wants to hang in there as long as possible for her babies' sakes -- we're all rooting for you mama!

Were you urged by friends and family to stay pregnant as long as possible, as tempting as it might have been to go for an induction? Have you have urged others?

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: childbirth, health, in the news

Comments (13)

hotmama404

on Nov 22, 2009 at 10:11 AM

I requested to be induced at 37 weeks. I had been in the hospital for a week and 6 times before that in a month and a half, for kidney stones. They couldn't do anything to help me pass them since I was pregnant. So, for a whole week, I was getting pumped with Dilotin (stronger than morphine) and I didn't want to continue subjecting my unborn son to all the drugs. I wanted to wait until he was full term but I think I did the right thing. As for those who want to be induced early, just because, then that is pretty selfish on their parts.

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MyKyRa07

on Nov 22, 2009 at 12:02 PM

Where I am, they just passed new standards that say you have to be atleast 39 weeks to have a C-section. I think it is a great rule :)

Pollymom

on Nov 22, 2009 at 3:33 PM

As uncomfortable as the last month of each pregnancy was for me, I would not do anything to make my babies come sooner than they did.

According to doctor's due dates, my son was born in his 40th week and my daughter was born in her 39th week, so both full-term babies. I felt extremely lucky to be able to carry them the whole way through. I had heard of so many moms who had their babies early and I worried about it toward the end of both pregnancies.

SpiritedTigress

on Nov 22, 2009 at 4:28 PM

Mine was born at 42 weeks :D

Punkylu78

on Nov 23, 2009 at 9:47 AM

I was induced with both of my pregnancy and regret it. I was 42 weeks with my first & 39 weeks with my second so it wasnt way early but I still wish I wouldnt have. And I have said that if I have another one I would not do it again!

siren_sexy

on Nov 23, 2009 at 2:39 PM

I COMPLETELY AGREE. EVERYONE ALWAYS ASSUMES I WANT MY BABY OUT ALREADY. I ALWAYS TELL THEM 'HE CAN STAY IN THERE AS LONG AS HE NEEDS TO'. I THINK IT'S SELFISH TO WANT HIM OUT ANY SOONER.

Tina1007

on Nov 24, 2009 at 10:14 AM

I am 38 weeks and everyone, including me are so excited to meet him they want him out here now. But I know that its best if he stays in until hes ready to come out. If he was ready, he would be here already. I want a healthy baby :)

Jessie1689

on Nov 25, 2009 at 12:04 AM

In my last few weeks of being pregnant I was always saying that I was ready for DS to come out so I could see him. But I would always tell everyone that even as much as I wanted to see him and hold him that I would rather he stayed in for as long as possible. At 38 weeks he decided that he was done and was ready to come meet everyone, there was no stoping him!!

MelanieLouise

on Dec 1, 2009 at 12:13 AM

"A new report?" I've been telling pregnant mommies to keep that baby in as long as I can remember! It only makes sense to stay pregnant as long as possible!