Born before 40 weeks... question?

Question

Hey there! I've read a lot of early birth stories on here (35 weeks, 36 weeks etc.), followed by buzzing comments questioning whether or not the baby will spend time in the NICU. If the baby is born prior to a full 40 week term, will he or she more than likely need to spend time in the NICU? At what week is the baby considered healthy enough to avoid the NICU?

Answer

It depends a lot on if baby comes on their own or not. If something happens to cause baby to come earlier then they would've normally, and the earlier that is, the more likely they will need nicu time. Also, I see a lot of people saying 37wks is "full term" but that is not completely accurate. 37-38 wks are now considered "early term". Babies born  at 37wks have double the infant mortality rate of those born at 40. (Altho both are low, about 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively). Doctors are now encouraged not to induce/c section before 39wks unless medically necessary. Some women take longer to gestate, and little is know as to why. Caucasian women, for example, tend more to go "over due", whereas African American women may deliver early, but as long as baby comes when it decides, one has the highest possibility of a good outcome.

Answer

Baby is considered term at 37 weeks. Anytime after 37 weeks a baby should thrive outside of the womb, no nicu time necessary, but of course there may be exceptions.

Answer

Both mine were born on week 36 and didn't need to go in the nicu. All depends on the baby, some baby's born at or after 40 weeks go in the nicu so it all depends.

Answer

My son was born at 37 weeks. No NICU needed. Went home two days later

Answer

Once overheard someone saying "some ovens bake better than others" at a baby shower! From about 34 weeks is when your child's chances of  coping outside of the womb os a lot higher

Answer

It really depends on the baby. I think any baby born before 35 weeks gets an automatic NICU stay, at least to monitor how well they are breathing and eating. Any baby born between 35-37 weeks does get an automatic stay, but they are monitored more closely and may go to the NICU if needed. Babies born after 37 weeks are usually pretty healthy and don't need an NICU stay. Though, it does happen from time to time that full term babies need a little NICU help. At least, I think this is the policy most places. I'm sure some hospitals do it differently!

Answer

Depends on baby. Each one is different.

Born before 40 weeks... question?

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