Prematurity

I should probably not write about this, or even dwell on this, but I think about it often and I've looked up all the information, so I thought I might as well share the wealth (so to speak).

I'm almost 24 weeks pregnant now. Well that may sound great to some, it seems quite scary to me. You see, this is the time that there is a possibility that the baby might survive, but with great consequence. Now, I know that in the US, only about 13% of babies are born prematurily (2% of these less than 32 weeks) and I know there are certain risk factors for this. I also know that I don't have any of these risk factors. In fact, we had to induce Henry. So, this is all largely based on fear, but fear is pretty motivating.

Still, I've seen it. I know how a 24 weeker looks after being born. I know what an uphill battle they will have for the rest of their life, and I don't want it for my little girl. Each week longer this baby stays in is another week of reassurance for me.

Anyway, here are the facts.

If a baby is born at less than 32 weeks, there is an 18% mortality rate.

If the baby is born at greater than 32 weeks, there is a less than 2% mortality rate.

This is a pretty HUGE difference.

A lot of studies break it down by birth weight.

If the baby weighs less than 500 grams (1.1 pounds), there is a 92% mortality rate.

If the baby weighs between 500g-749g (1.1 lbs -1.6 lbs), there is a 29% mortality rate.

If the baby weights between 750g-1000g (1.6lbs- 2.2 lbs) there is a 15% mortality rate.

With these facts, they are strictly based on mortality. This is not the worst prognosis for these kids. Those who survive are at risk for things including: learning disabilities, vision loss, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, behavior problems and long term lung problems. I could go on, but I wont.

So I'm going to do my best to keep my baby inside me. I'm going to lay low with the exercising for a bit and just walk a lot instead. I'll drink plenty of water (even if that means I have to wake up a lot at night). I will also try not to get to stressed out or worked up about anything. No one tries for a premature infant. It just happens. So every day that I stay pregnant, I will again realize how fortunate I am. Someday I look forward to meeting this little girl inside me, but not too soon.