by 2 people |
About Me
When I was pregnant with my son, I had numerous complications. I was high risk. My uterus is bicornuate. I bled heavily throughout the second trimester. My physician believed my son had Down Syndrome. They told me twice during the second trimester that I was most likely miscarrying. The list went on. As a result, everybody, myself included, believed, at the very least, my son would be a preemie.
Of course, like any expecting mother, this worried me tremendously. I ended up finding a chart on infant survivability rates when I was about 20 weeks and kept it posted next to my computer. While this chart might worry some women, for me it provided solace. Once I got to 22 weeks, I knew there was hope and each week that hope grew.
I am not a medical professional. The information I share is meant to supplement the information given you by your doctor. If you feel your doctor is not doing enough for you or not willing to listen to your concerns, I strongly encourage you to take what you've learned here and get a second opinion.
On This Page
One in eight babies in the United States is born prematurely
Infant Survivability Rates
by gestational week
at 22 weeks: 0-10% survival rate
at 23 weeks: 10-35% survival rate
at 24 weeks: 40-70% survival rate
at 25 weeks: 50-80% survival rate
at 26 weeks: 80-90% survival rate
at 27 weeks: greater than 90% survival rate
Some Thoughts About Those Numbers
Unfortunately, a number of the babies born before 25 weeks do not survive very long after the birth but it is important to note that a number of them do survive.
The Neonatal Research Network has a quick quiz you can take if your infant is a very early preemie (up until 25 weeks). You put in your infants information (i.e. gestational age, birth weight, sex, etc...) and you can compare similar outcomes (i.e. survival rates, impairments, etc...).
Some Extreme Preemies in the News
Yes, even before 25 weeks, there can be hope.
World's Youngest Baby Born In Miami Baby Amelia's mother lied about the gestational age. She went into labor at 19 weeks but told them she was 22 weeks so that the doctors would give the baby a chance. Amelia made headlines as the world's youngest baby to be born and doctors say her prognosis is excellent.
Born before the 24-week limit, the children who prove the law is wrong This article follows several children who were born before 24 weeks. In the first story, young Will was given up for dead when he was born at just 22 weeks.
The 1lb 6oz miracle baby born at 23 weeks - and he survived Young Madison is a fighter and aptly named after Madison Square Garden
Faith's story born at just 24 weeks and showing no signs of long-term health complications
These are just a few of the stories out there. If you do a google search, you'll find many more.
Articles on Preventing Pre-Term Labor
Can You Prevent Preterm Labor? Parenting.com's take on preventing early labor.
My Stories
and articles
My Own Misdiagnosed Blighted Ovum Story
- After turning down the D&C twice, we found my baby at nearly nine weeks!
My First Misdiagnosed Miscarriage
- During my first pregnancy, we believed I was miscarrying at 12 weeks
A collection of Misdiagnosed Miscarriage stories
Bleeding during the First Trimester
What your Doctor may not know about your pregnancy after IVF
Coping With A Miscarriage
Miscarriage News and Research
hCG levels and Pregnancy FAQ
When You've Been Diagnosed with a Miscarriage
Tilted Uterus and Early Pregnancy
16 Days Past Ovulation (DPO) and hCG levels
Blighted Ovum FAQ
Infant Survival Rates during Pregnancy
Progesterone and Miscarriage
Asherman's Syndrome: Why you may want to rethink your D&C
So You've Been Told You Have A Blighted Ovum
Non-Doubling hCG Levels in the First Trimester Do Not Mean Inevitable Miscarriage!
Can Stress Lead to Miscarriage?
The First Trimester: Enlarged Yolk Sac
Getting a Second Opinion about a Miscarriage Diagnosis
Why You May Want an Ultrasound Right Before Your D&C
Is This Really an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Did you find this page helpful?
- Rate this lens:
- Email it
- Favorite it
- Lensroll it
Comments?
If I don't reply to you here, please feel free to e-mail me directly at bonzobean@gmail.com
-
Reply
- Happiegrrrl Happiegrrrl Nov 22, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
- Thank you for sharing this information as well as the related topics on your other lenses. Your words are very kind and could well bring the hope and support to a person in their time of need.
by Cari_Kay
Explore related pages
My NICU Baby has Died: Now What?- Many parents consider the loss of a child to be the highest level of loss. The i...
My NICU Baby is Dying: Now What?- This lens is developed to support the 1,000's of NICU Parents each year who must...
Preemie Patch- Preemie Patch is dedicated to bring your preemie and small newborn babies qualit...
Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Babies- Becoming a new mother is a joyous and exciting time - from the moment of concept...
Preemie Twins- PreemieTwins.com is Dedicated to Macy & Mallory - Million Dollar Miracle Bab...
Preemie Baby Clothing and Other HELP- I'm going to help you find access to many different options when it comes to pre...
