How Early Is Safe?

Oh C., 36 weeks is safe - in fact, I believe it is considered full term. Babies develop their lungs around 32 weeks and gain fat from then on. So if you delivered today, you may have a smaller baby, but all the organs should be good and functioning. My daughter was born at 33 weeks (7 weeks early) and she came out very small 2.6 lbs, but very healthy and breathing all on her own. Which I was so worried about. There were some minor issues, but over all a very healthy baby.

Positively,
M.

My OB had been monitoring me all along my pregnancy because he was worried about my baby being small (I have nutritional issues from a previous surgery) and I went into labor at the beginning of my 37th week. I was worried when I went into labor so early but I delivered a perfectly healthy 5 lb 11 oz baby girl who did not need any special care. I was told by my OB that 37 weeks was that point after which he would not worry about my baby being too small or needing special care. If I remember right 37 weeks is actually considered full term so I wouldn't worry too much.

Time to ask your OB--especially if you are dilating. In the mean time stay off your feet completely. Hard to do but it will make all the difference in your new baby's life and yours.

And congratulations. For the new baby and the wonderful husband. You are very lucky.

Hey, my name is T.. I'm a mother of 7 month old twin girls. If I remember correctly, the safest time to deliver is at 38 weeks. So you're almost there. If you still get Braxton-Hicks contractions then try going to the hospital and sometimes they will give you a shot of something, I forget what it's called now. But it relaxes the muscles to stop or slow down your contractions. I had to have it done twice in my 36th and 37th week. One thing that is always important is to not stress about it. Just breathe and close your eyes and sometimes the contracting will eventually slow down or stop.

Check with your doctor of course but I had my baby at 36 weeks because my water broke and she was just fine. They started her in an incubator at first because they weren't sure she could maintain her own body temperature but after they let me have her and nurse her for awhile they realized that she was fine and didn't put her back in it. She is 22 months now and never had any problems or delays. Good luck!

I have my daughter the last week of my 8th month and she was fine. It all depends on the baby. They say that girls do better than boys and white boys do the worst. Be positive you'll be fine.

I just had a baby girl last Dec and she was born at 36 1/2 weeks and was perfectly healthy. I went into pre-term labor at 31 weeks and my doctor told me that if I could make it to 36 weeks then most likely the baby would be fine. Don't be afraid to call your doctor if something just doesn't feel right.

Don't worry! At 36 weeks you will probably have no problems whatsoever. I gave birth at 37 weeks on the nose and brought baby home the same day, as she was considered full term and healthy.
How exciting! Congrats!

I have 2 boys, the oldest is 9 yrs old and was born at 30 weeks. The youngest is 4 yrs old and was born at 31 weeks. Each case is going to be differant. For us both boys spent 5 weeks in the NICU. You should see them now, they are both just fine!I really think that your baby should be fine. They may give you some steroid(sp)shots to help the babies lungs. Your baby may not even have to be in the NICU. Good luck and if you have any questions about the NICU feel free to ask.

C.,

It will ultimately depend on the development of your child. We delivered our twins at 36 weeks (and they were the size of a single birth at that stage...5, 12 and 6, 3). 36 is not bad. If you can wait a week or two, it is better...just time to develop more fully now.

God Bless,
T.

36 weeks is considered full term so anytime now is fine! It's completely normal to have "practice" contractions and dialate days or weeks before the baby is actually born. Relax a bit and your contractions may back off too! :)

my son is a 36 weeker baby. i think as long as your baby over 5 pounds and in good shape I don't think they will put it in an incubator. Best bet is to ask doctor. My kiddo was fine however, my blood pressure kept spiking and I had to stay in the hospital for 3 1/2 days. A long time for me/us.

37 weeks is considered "full term." My son was born at 37 weeks. He weighed 5 lbs, 13 ounces which was SMALL, but he was fully formed in every way! In fact, he didn't even fit "preemie" clothes at that point. We had to buy some "Newborn" size clothing for him, though (5-8 lbs) because the 0-3 months clothing looked ridiculously huge on him and actually fell off his shoulders. Anyway, don't worry. Just have your husband pull everything together to get ready for that baby's arrival! ;)

37-42 weeks is considered normal and healthy, although 36 weeks is pretty safe and usually not complicated. You will be fine no matter if these contractions mean real labor is imminent or still a few weeks away. Congrats!

Hopefully we've convinced you you're fine. At 36 or 37 weeks labor wont' be stopped. But it sounds like you're not really in labor yet.
I had very strong, regular BH contractions from about 37 weeks on, and I went on to be nearly 2 weeks over due. And there was a BIG difference between "real" contractions and BH, even those that had pain sensations with them.

Good luck! You're almost there!

Its always better to play it safe especially when it comes to your children. I understand from my dr's that everyday they get better equipment and tests to help keep new babies as healthy as possible. I had all of mine by 38 weeks and all of mine were bigger babies and fine. honestly my biggest and 2nd baby scared me the most. he was born at 38 weeks or just under weighing 10 lbs 1 oz and 22 1/2 inches long but he was the one that stayed in the hospital the longest, 1 1/2 -2 weeks. He had very low sugar levels and almost didnt come through but he responded very well to the doctors and nurses immediate treatment and feedings. He was completely developed but because i am diabetic and they wouldn't let me eat after more than 12 hrs of labor it messed his and mine sugars up. Today he is healthy and happy. My 4th child had to stay in the hospital about 2 1/2 days due to her sugars being a little low and she had a little bit of a hard time staying warm at first. thankfully they had let me eat some so her sugars were more from the long labor and emergency c-section when she got stuck. but she was born at around 38 weeks a hair less, and weighed 9 lbs 15 oz and was 20 1/2 in long until she finished strechin after being couped up in there. (lol) Try not to stress and talk to your doctor regularly! Stressing will only make it worse. Good Luck and Congratulations on the new baby when it arrives! B.

Hey C.,
I wouldn't worry too much about it, I had braxton hicks from my 5th month on and only delivered a week early.
I also remember my doctor telling me in the last month not to go anywhere because it could be anytime....at this stage it wouldn't be considered a premie.
Good luck and congratulations!!

Have you talked talked to your doctor? That is the best way to know for sure and to put your mind at rest.

I believe that anything after 37 weeks is usually considered full term. Don't stress too much. I'm sure it is making things worse.

My daughter was born at 39 weeks and she was just fine. Take it easy and check with your doctor. Your baby should be fine.

Big hugs!

At 37 weeks the baby's lungs are more developed and you are safer to deliver. Call your Dr. and get checked out but it could just be your body. I was like that for weeks but ended up having to get induced at almost 41 weeks b/c he never did come on his own! Relax, rest and drink plenty of water!

Anything after 35 weeks is considered "gravy". In all likliehood if you delivered today, all would be just fine. My second child was 33 weeks. I wouldn't recommend that, but she was just fine too. Try to relax, talk to your doctor if that would help. Enjoy this time :)!!!
Laurie

Hi C.:

don't worry, with 36 weeks you're well into your safe-zone. My sister just delivered a healthy baby girl at 35-36 weeks, and there's no incubator around. The little one was in a bed with a heating blanket for a few days, but that's it. Full-term is considered here in the USA at 37 weeks, in Germany it's 36 weeks, so you see, you're definitely on the safe side. Your baby might be a little smaller than others, but definitely not dangerously small.

Good luck to you and a safe delivery! S.

You'll be fine. 37 weeks is considered full term.

My water broke at 36 weeks and I delivered a very healthy 17lb 15oz little girl who was 21 inches long. The only issue she had was getting a little jaundice so we spent a couple of day in the hospital (because she was early) under lights. She is now 11 1/2 and great!

Good Luck!

Doctors usually prefer that the baby stay in as long as possible at least till the 39 week mark. Just to ease your mind a bit, I was dilated to a loose 2/tight 3 cms since 35 weeks with my last pregnancy. I had normal contractions frequently and a few times was almost admitted. My midwife kept me reassured by reminding me that nowadays with all the advancements in medicine babies born a few weeks are usually fine. Good Luck!

Well, C., dear heart - the good news is --- it may be perfectly safe now--- the bad news is- it may not--. Each baby has their own make up--- incredibly sturdy??? big but fragile? -- each one is unique--- . 26 years ago I was in exactly your situation- and was put on bed rest until the contractions had been gone for -- 3 days --- My daughter is now a mother - and was perfectly healthy-. Do what you're told - and I'll be praying for you.

J.

You can relax now. Babies born after the 36 week mark are fine. I am a midwife, and though it is not common, it is considered "no risk" to deliver out of the hospital once a woman reaches 36 weeks. All of baby's organs are developed, including the lungs. Hopefully you will get lots of good stories in response to your question from women who have had their babies around 36 weeks. Good luck with everything, and may you have a safe and smooth delivery.

36 weeks if you go into labor on your own would be ok. they may try and give baby a steriod shot for the lung developement before born. that is what they did for me. it boosts growth in the lungs so they get stronger. other then that they dont worry too much. good luck and just breathe!!!

C.,

I think you'll be fine. 27 (almost 28) years ago I was born 8 weeks early and spent my first 30 days in an incubator. Medical technology has come a long way since then.

If you are really concerned/worried call your doctor and voice your concerns/worries. They should be able to answer any questions you may have.

Congrats on your soon to be new addition and I hope all goes well. I'll be thinking about you.

Melissa

I'm sure that your new little baby will make its entrance when the time is perfect. I have two pregnant daughters due in April and May.

You do sound like a very busy young mom. What 2 home businesses are you doing?

I have my own home business...love it...love the flexibility...and love working right from home.

D. C.
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You should talk to a Dr. but you and the baby will be fine. Stay off your feet and yes you are a little early but not too early. The lung and eyes are the last to develop and you are past that time. Mainly weight gain and size happens now.

36 weeks is usually pretty good - their lungs are developed and most things turn out well. My daughter was born at 35 weeks - she was in good shape - but really that was a surprise - she did have steroids when I went into the hospital two weeks prior.

If your doctor is really concerned then they will let you know - call them and figure out if there is anything you need to do.

Relax it's almost time.

I wanted to add - when there are problems and risk of preterm labor the hospital I was in as well as many other friends really just push to do all they can do to make it to 36-37 weeks.

You're probably seeing your ob-gyn every week now, ask them this question. Babies can show up anytime 2 weeks early to 2 weeks late and there usually aren't any huge worries. This is your 3rd delivery and early deliveries aren't usual. Sounds like you need to get off your feet more and slow down. Again, talk with your doc. You're dialating and things are progressing. You're having a happy, healthy baby and your family is going to be so excited to see this new sibling. Enjoy this time, get some rest, sleep if you can.

I think you will be fine too! Try to stop worrying so much. I had tons of contractions with my first, so they put me on bedrest for 6 weeks and gave me medicine to help stop the contractions. Once I got to 36 weeks they took me off bedrest and told me to stop taking the medicine. Why? Because at 36 weeks they feel like the risks of trying to stop labor outweigh the benefits. That being said, I think the common thought is after 36 "most" babies are just fine and will pick their own time to be delivered.

Talk to your doctor and see what they suggest. Many dr suggest an ultrasound if you or they are concerned to see how the baby is doing. Many babies are well developed by 36 weeks, but the longer you can keep them in there the better if things are healthy,.

First C., let me congratulate you on your beautiful family. I have three children and experienced similar problems with two of my pregnancies. Juggling life even when you feel you are "keeping off your feet" can be stressful enough to cause the symptoms you are experiencing. Please look into some self-calming strategies. I used hypnobirthing and I still use the relaxation techniques regularly to manage through a busy life. I know it is easier said than done but if you do not find ways to calm your entire body and soul I am afraid you'll still struggle. And that stress is not healthy for you, your baby, or the rest of the family. Best of luck to you!

Hi C.-

I just had a baby in November who arrived at 37 weeks and she was healthy, though a bit smaller then my usual 8lb. babies. She was 6lbs. 1oz. and other then catching us by surprise, there were no other problems. We had no need of any extra care (other then mine as it was a c-section) and we were able to take her home with us. I think they generally say that a baby is pretty much fully developed by 35-36 weeks. I wouldn't worry too much because that isn't going to help you. Just relax as much as you can and if you're really concerned talk to your doctor. Good luck!

-J.

You baby is considered full term at 37 weeks, so if "it" (I hate that term) is born now, it would only be a week before term.

Babies are considered full term at 37 weeks. In fact, twins often come at 37 weeks, because going the full 40 would make them too crowded, probably. My midwife can do home births for anyone between 37 and 42 weeks, so 36 weeks, I'm guessing, probably means an extra couple of days at the hospital at worst.

So don't freak out. Talk to your doctor and just try to get through the week. Once you reach 37 weeks you'll be in the all clear zone and if you have the baby then, you can thank yourself and him that you were spared the last 3 most miserable weeks of pregnancy!

Don't worry! At 36 weeks, I think you should be fine. My daughter was born at 33 weeks and was out of her isolette after a week or so. The best thing you can do at this point is relax - might actually hold off labor for a while.

Definitely check with your doctor, though. He/She will give you the best advice.

FIrst, all my best thoughts are headed your way. My daughter was born at 33 weeks and was never in an incubator. She was a little jaundiced, but she passed it all out on her own. I didn't need a steroid shot for her lungs either. 36 weeks, while early and of concern to a new-again momma, should be great.

Sounds like you are in pre-labor. I was in pre-labor from 36 weeks on and still delivered 3 days past my due date. I too was freaked out and sure I was going to go into labor at 36 weeks. :-) I even had a weird panic attack when my husband and I were out shopping one day.

A normal delivery can happen from week 37 on, however, full-term is considered anywhere from 38-42 weeks. You should be at the point that you're having weekly examines with your doctor/midwife. I would bring up your concerns at your next appointment. Every baby is different, but even if you had your baby at 36 weeks, most likely they would be fine (or have minimal problems).

I was pregnant at the same time as a friend of mine. She was due one week earlier than me (to the day) but went into labor 4 weeks early (so our kiddos are 5 1/2 weeks apart in age). It was actually lucky for her, because he baby was big and would have been huge if he went full-term. He had jaundice that cleared up in about a week after having light therapy at home. He also had a problem latching on, but they found out later it was because he was tongue-tied and should have had his tongue snipped by a doctor. With a lactation consultant, he was fine. Both of these things could have happened even if he was full-term.

I hope this helps put your mind at ease. It's totally natural to start stressing about when the birth of your baby will happen at this point in time. I think it's our way to prepare for birth. Try to relax and take it easy (as much as you can with 3 other kids). I wish you all the best! :-)

37 weeks is the safe mark, but you want to go as long as you can. Try to relax and if you are really concerned call your doctor. I don't think you have to worry until the pains are more regular. You've been through this before so you know what real contractions feel like. Try to distract yourself with a project off your feel. Seriously though, call the doctor with any concerns.