question about milestones..

[missyk]

I am getting through this pregnancy milestone by milestone. After all it took to get pg. So my first milestone was 12 weeks. Then it was 20. Now I am trying to get to the milestone of viability. I am 24 weeks 3 days. Do you think that 24 weeks is a milestone of viability for the baby? Can a baby survive if born that early? What would my next one be? Sorry if this is stupid.

[sallymay101]

I considered viability to be my next milestone after 20 weeks, too. I thought closer to 26 weeks, personally. I think technically it's considered 24 weeks, but with a small percentage??

After that it was 28 weeks (when I figured 3rd trimester started and also when my neice was born, who is now almost 3 years old... so at that point I knew if she were born she'd be ok).

Now every week seems like a new milestone. I'll be at 34 weeks Sunday.

[homeschoolmom]

Hey Missy!
I'm not sure if a baby can survive at 24 weeks yet? I did have a friend who delivered at 26 weeks and her ds survived. It's been a really tough road for the lil guy, but he's starting to catch up at almost age 2.
I would think the next best milestone would be 28 weeks. I know the survival rate is pretty good at that point.
You are doing a great job! You and your lil one are in my prayers!

Blessings!
Michelle

[RavenlyAgain]

YES!!!!!!!!!!

24 weeks is an incredible milestone to hit because babies can and do survive at that age! The youngest I've heard is 22 weeks for survival. The bad side are the potential for long term disabilities and developmental delays...I am pretty sure by 32 weeks this drops dramatically to the point of practically a full term infant, altho even tho at 32 weeks baby will still spend some time in the NICU. Here is a great breakdown I found online:

23 Weeks Gestation
Babies born at or before 23 weeks gestation are too fragile to live. Only 1 or 2 out of every 10 babies born this early will survive. Babies who do live will need a ventilator to help them breathe. Many of these babies will have long-term breathing problems and need special medical equipment at home after discharge from the hospital. About 1/2 of the babies born at this age will have some kind of long-term health problem. The problem may be mild, such as weak or awkward movements, needing eyeglasses, a hearing aid or learning problems. One out of every three babies will have serious problems such as blindness, deafness, mental retardation, or problems moving and needing a wheel chair.

24-25 Weeks Gestation
Babies born between 24 and 25 weeks gestation have a 7 or 8 out of 10 chance of survival. Babies born at this time will need a ventilator to help them breathe. Some will need special medical equipment at home after discharge from the hospital.

These babies are at risk for long-term health problems. One out of 3 babies born at this age will grow up without problems. One out of 3 will have mild or moderate problems and 1 out of 3 will have problems that are more serious. After birth, it is impossible to tell which babies will have problems and which ones will not. It may take months or years to determine their health problems.

26-29 Weeks Gestation
Babies born at this time weigh about 2 pounds and are about 15 inches long. Their chance of survival is very good. Nine out of 10 will go home. Many of these babies grow up healthy. Four out of 10 will grow up without long-term health problems. Another 4 out of 10 will have mild or moderate problems and about 1 out of 5 will have problems that are more serious. The closer to 29 weeks gestation your baby is born, the smaller the risk for long-term health problems.

30-33 Weeks Gestation
Most babies born between 30 and 33 weeks gestation do very well. Babies born during this time weigh between 2 ½ and 3 ½ pounds and are 17 inches long. They may need a ventilator to help with breathing or they may just need some extra oxygen. In the beginning, your baby will probably be fed through an IV. Babies who are doing well will be fed breastmilk or special premature infant formula a few days later.



34-36 Weeks Gestation
Babies born at this time usually weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. They are about as likely to survive as babies born closer to their due date. Some may need help breathing for a short time, but most can breathe on their own. IV feeding may be needed for a short time, and will be followed by breast milk or formula. Once a baby reaches 34 weeks gestation, there is very little chance of long-term health problems.

I consistently look this up to check out where I am at/how baby would fare if born now sorta thing!

Congrats on your milestone!!!!!!!!!!!