If 1st kid was preemies baby, will the 2nd one repeat the history?

Laura - posted on 09/04/2012

Hi I have four children my 8 yo was born 13 days early my daughter was 15 days early my 3rd was 3 weeks early and my last born was born at 33 weeks so mine r getting earlier but that's not the case with everyone.

Delia - posted on 08/29/2012

Yes, it's highly likely. I've never understood why. My first 3 were term, and the last 2 were both "late term pre term" (36 weeks and 34 weeks+? respectively).

Cola - posted on 08/27/2012

well my son was born at 27wks. and its 3yrs later im now pregnant with my second i worry of preterm birth again but all i can do is pray and hope it wont happen. you and your husband should do the same go ahead and have a second child!

Erin - posted on 04/13/2010

My first was born at 30 weeks, completely by surprise, and we were unable to determine a reason at the time. It was definitely scary to consider having another one, but we had heard some stories of people who had full term babies after a preterm birth, so we decided to have a second. I went to a high risk OB the second time around, and was much more closely monitored. My dr. told me that my risk for a second premature birth was 30%, as opposed to women who have never had a preemie, where the risk is something like 5-7%. As it turned out I have a pretty weak cervix (I'm not sure it would be quite classified as incompetent, though), and it started thinning out around 26 weeks, at which time I was put on bed rest. I spent three weeks at home and then 5 weeks in the hospital on bed rest, and got two rounds of steroid shots. My second son was born just last month at 34 weeks. So, we did have another preemie, but with the closer monitoring and bed rest it is amazing the difference between our first and second babies. Our first came so quickly that we had no chance to do any steroid treatments for his lungs. He spent almost two weeks on a ventilator, came home on a nasal cannula, had stage 1 ROP, and swelling in the ventricals in his brain. He spent 67 days in the NICU. Our second, who had four extra weeks gestation than the first, was on a nasal cannula for the first day, has had none of the other serious problems his big brother had, and came home after only 10 days in the NICU. His only major problem while in the NICU was that he was a sluggish eater. So, while it's possible you could have a full term baby, if you make sure to have close monitoring the second time around, it's possible that even if you have another preemie the outcome could be much less traumatizing.

Kara - posted on 04/12/2010

There are so many variables. For me, I have a connective tissue disorder (learned about it AFTER having my son at 36 weeks and my daughter at 34 weeks) and it virtually guarentees that each baby I have will keep coming earlier. Needless to say we're done having kids. Each person and each pregnancy is different.

Jemma - posted on 04/11/2010

I was toldthat having one premmie puts you at a higher risk of having another, thoughhh not necessarily at the same gestation. The risk is different for each person and may depend on why your first was prem. Talk to your Dr before trying again as they can do tests which may help. My son was born at 27 wks and is a healthy 3 yr old, despite being given an 80% chance of going full term my daughter was born at 33wks, but much bigger and only short time in Nicu to establish BF. info is your friend :)

Hilary - posted on 04/08/2010

Mine was born 10 weeks early. At my 6 week postpartum appointment I was told that the next time I get pregnant I will have to be seen by a high risk OB because there is a very good chance that my next one will come early as well but I don't think it's set in stone. My cousin had one early and her next one was on time. My mother in law has 7 kids.. 2 were early and all the rest were on time or late.

Katie - posted on 04/07/2010

I had twins at 30 wks. due to PPROM. My cervix was being monitored weekly, and I was getting weekly ultrasounds. There was absolutely no sign that anything was going to happen, until it did. They spent 8 1/2 weeks in the NICU in another city. It was traumatizing, to be completely honest. So I've gone to great lenghts to research prematurity...because I am now 8 weeks pregnant. My OB told me that he doesn't know what caused my PPROM, whether it was because there were two babies in there, or for some other reason.

I just read that giving birth to a preemie can be hereditary. If the women on your side of the family have had preemies, it makes you more likely to have preemies too. And in my case my MOTHER had a preemie (29 weeker)...and that baby was ME. Before I had my twins, I also lost a baby at 5 1/2 months. So it's in my history...I am genetically predisposed to having premature babies. Hopefully this time since there should only be one, I'll make it a little longer. x

Some people know why their babies were born early (TTTS, gestational diabetes...etc.). Some of those things will more than likely happen in every pregnancy. Others will not. If you know why you had your son early, you may possibly be able to prevent it this time, or it may not be a factor this time.

No matter what you choose to do, it's normal to be afraid. The NICU is a place that no one should ever have to experience. XX

Twaina - posted on 08/06/2009

Hi,
Do know that all births are different. My first was full term, second born at 26 weeks, and my last child was a week late. Don't let fear determain the size of your family.

Debbie - posted on 08/06/2009

My girls are 10 months apart and both of them were born premature. It

Esmeralda - posted on 07/17/2009

My first child was born at 26 weeks it is pretty frustating and scare period, but everything turn out well. He is now 4 years old with no disabilities and I have two full term children. I had no complication for the last two pregnancies. Check with your doctor you should be able to experience the joy of having more children

Marlene - posted on 07/17/2009

My daughter was born at 30 weeks. My doctor told me that if I get pregnant again he would probably place me on progesterone shots because my chances of another preemie are greater than other women. They did not determine the cause of me having a premature baby. He also advised me to be on my prenatal vitamins now if there is a chance I could get pregnant.

Shannon - posted on 07/15/2009

My first child was born a day late and my 2nd child was born at 32 weeks. It all depends on your body and the situation you're in. You cannot control what your body does. Each pregnancy is different. You cannot go by what happened with your first pregnancy.

Meilani - posted on 07/15/2009

I think it would depend on your medical history and how well your body adjust each time...I have 3 kids but also have had 3 miscarriages...not to make you freak out or anything after my daughter was 6mos old i found out i was pregnant again with another lil girl but that Dec of 03 I had miscarried right before xmas I was 5 mos preggo they told me I had a possible incompetant cervix there was a possibility that I would need my cervix stitched but it never happened when I was pregnant with my boys...to be quite honest with you me and my husband stopped having relations at the 5 month mark LOL...that was our issues in a nut shell ..so anyway try not to stress yourself out too much cause stress does wear and tare on the body...good luck to you and your fam in the future!

Chassidy - posted on 07/15/2009

My friend had her first baby at 33 weeks and her second one had to be induced at 41 weeks...her third one came on it's own at 39 weeks.

I had my first 2 at 37 weeks (2 different pregnancies) and my 3rd baby was born at 32 weeks.

I think you should go for it. If you are still worried...talk to you OBGYN!!!!!

Tamera - posted on 07/14/2009

I think it depends on why your child was premature. Both of my children were premature due to placenta abruption. They told me after my son was born @ 32 weeks that it was rare for it to happen again. My daughter was then Born at 32 weeks from the same problem, and 2 days earlier than her brother.

Teri - posted on 07/13/2009

My first was born at 28 weeks 5 days. I was watched closely with my second without problems and he was born at 34 weeks 5 day. The first experience made me very nervous during my second pregnancy but everything was fine. Having a preemie doesn't necessarily mean you'll experience this again, situations differ. Talk to you OBGyn about your concerns and find out more.

Isis - posted on 07/13/2009

My first was born at 36 weeks and I was on bed rest for 8 weeks. My second was born at 34 weeks and I was on bed rest for 4 months. In my case, it was a repeat. Good luck.

Angelica - posted on 07/12/2009

My son was born a preemie at 30 wks and was 2lbs 10 oz and then I had my 2nd child who was full term and weighed 7 lbs 12 oz. My preemie was born early because I had Pre-Eclampsia. I was so scared when I was pregnant the 2nd time but I kept the faith and my child was full term. Take care!

Stara - posted on 04/17/2009

Just talk to your Dr. My first one was at 38 week and my daughter was 35 weeks. My Dr said that I would be on bed rest and watch me very closely next time I have a baby.

Patience - posted on 04/16/2009

My membranes ruptured at 25 weeks. My husband and I went to a specialist to consult on future pregnancies. From what I learned, it's helpful to know why your child was born prematurely--was there infection, preterm labor, incompetent cervix, or some other problem? My primary thought I had incompentent cervix, but the specialist thought that preterm labor was more likely. Apparently, issues with incompetent cervix generally occur by 22 weeks.



I also learned you have to be careful about cerclage. Cerclage can cause inflammation and sometimes infection, both of which produce heat that melts a "plug" that holds your membranes in place. Also, the doctor told me that studies show that cerclages are not shown to really be helpful.



He did say that for preterm labor, weekly shots of progesterone have been shown to be helpful. Overall, I was told that the statistical chance for a 2nd preemie was 40%. If we decide to do it again, the doctor recommended I get weekly progesterone shots and that I have my cervix checked by ultrasound weekly to look for potential thinning/dilation.



I hope this information has helped. Good luck.

Terrie - posted on 04/16/2009

Hi

My oldest was a preemie born at 27 weeks--doctors didn't know the reason why she was early. With my second daughter, I was watched closely, on progersterone shots, was going to the dr. every 2 weeks from 26 weeks on. I ended up being induced at 39 weeks 1 day with her. Me & my husband were scared when we decided to try for a second but we are very happy that we did. Now we will probably try for a 3rd child.

Ashley - posted on 04/16/2009

It really does depend on why you delivered early. My doctors told me after I had my daughter that there was a 45% chance that I will deliver early if I get pregnant. I had severe pre-eclampsia with my 1st daughter, but they werent sure it would happen again. My story isnt very helpful, but I wanted to share it with you just so you know both sides. When I got pregnant with my son, I was terrified, but my doctor told me we would do everything that we could to deliver a full term baby. Well I ended up delivering my son at 23 weeks gestation. Theysaid the same thing happened that the baby stoppedreceiving the nutrients because of pre-eclampsia. He stopped growing for 3 weeks becauseof it and was not moving. Luckily he he doing great now, heis 4 months old and is finally home with us on oxygen and heart monitors, but the doctors did say that if i did get pregnant again, that the chances of me delivering a baby more than 23 weeks is slim to none. They believe that if i do have another baby that it will just keep happening earlier and earlier. I really wish you all the best and good luck with everything!!!!

Angie - posted on 03/27/2009

Having one preemie does put you at about a 30% higher chance of having another premature birth than someone who has not (according to my doctor), however it doesn't mean you will. My 1st baby was born at 28 weeks and very tiny. After spending months in the NICU I decided he would be my one and only. Well, I just had my second baby at 38 weeks. She was 100% healthy, looked fabulous, and weighed 7 lbs. 6 ozs. Even though I was considered a "high risk", I felt so much more confident about my second pregnancy knowing they were watching me just a little closer. Also, there is so much they can do now to prevent and test for pre-mature birth. Starting at 28 wks (because I delivered at 28 the first time), they began giving me a test every two weeks for fetofibronectic. It was a simple swap, took two seconds, and could tell whether there was or was not a chance of pre-mature labor within the next two weeks. Talk about putting my mind at ease.. Good luck if you decide to try for #2, after experiencing both pregnancies, I wouldn't let your experience with the first one stop you from having another if you really want more kids!

Tracy - posted on 03/27/2009

My first daughter was born full-term at 38 weeks the second my membranes ruptured prematurely at 32 weeks and I delivered a week later at 33 weeks and my third was the same thing with my membranes rupturing at 29 weeks and i delivered 3 weeks later at 32 weeks. The obs I had was not concerned at all with me delivering early and therefore i took no precautions in preventing this. So make sure you talk with your doctor about prevention because in my experience...when you have one preemie the next one is usually preemie as well.

Anika - posted on 03/27/2009

My son was born at 31 weeks but they didn't know why he came so early. A year later in an unrelated ultrasound they found that I have a bicornuate uterus which means the uterus is more of a heart shape. Turns out my son was in the smaller side of the "heart" and didn't have enough room to stay for the whole 40 weeks. So, if I have a second child (if I conceive which can take longer if you have a bicornuate uterus, also increase chance of miscarriage), it all depends on which side the baby is conceived.

Meghann - posted on 03/26/2009

My son was born at 25 weeks and I'm now 28 weeks pregnant with baby number 2.  I've been getting weekly shots of progesterone to try to prevent pre-term labor again.  Good luck!

Cheryl - posted on 03/24/2009

my daughter was born at 26 weeks gestation weighing 3lb 2oz. was in labour for 36 hours but kept being told not in labour til last five mins!!! was told after by my consultant that the chances of a second baby being a preemie is now higher but no certainties. just ensure you have an exact birth plan in place covering all possibilities and youll be fine.

Marie - posted on 03/21/2009

Hi my first sophie was born at 33 weeks but my 2nd wasborn @ 38 weeks then my 3rd was born at 35 weeks so i didnt get 2 40 weeks with my 2nd kelsey but atleast 38 weeks is classed as normal, i think it just depends on different things.

Susan - posted on 03/20/2009

My firstborn was born at 33 weeks due to an abruption and my second son was born at 34 weeks.  I've heard that if you have one preemie, you are more likely to have another, but if you know the reason for the first one, maybe you can "fix" it... like get blood clotting tests, etc to see what is wrong.  Good luck... :)

Amy - posted on 03/20/2009

I too was very hesitant about having a second baby with the thought of having another premie and the thought of the stress of juggling the NICU and your first child. I decided to go a head and again i went early this time 34 instead of 28 weeks, and yes it was very hard juggling being with my daughter and trying to keep life normal for my son and very stressful. The thing in your favour is you have been there before you know that there are going to be good days and bad days your a lot wiser and basicly you know what you need to do to help get baby home, yes they are different and have different problems and you cant expect one to do the same as the first,  but thats the same for any parent who has more than one and thats not just for premies its for all parents. The only good thing was that in  the wee group of five of us that became buddys in the neo natal i was the only one who went early, all the others went on to have normal healthy pregancy, a couple even went late, so i think thats pretty good odds 1 in 5 going early again :)

Tina - posted on 03/18/2009

My oldest was born at 25wks, 1lb 9oz, due to incompetent cervix. She is now a healthy 13 yr old. I had to have a cerclage done for the next 5 pregnancies. My 10 yr old was born at 34 wks and healthy at 7lbs 11oz. I did lose one baby at 13 wks after having the cerclage. My other children were all born around their due dates.

Kendra - posted on 03/06/2009

My son was born at 30 weeks because I had HELLP syndrome. My doctor ran a bunch of tests based on some theories she had that could've triggered HELLP. I was worried too about having another premature child. It's an emotional event and I don't want to "do" that to another baby.  I have to agree with another response. It does depend on what caused your son to be premature. My doc said she'll just be watching me a little closer next time.  I was very low risk prior to this so it was baffling.

Di - posted on 03/06/2009

My second went one day over. The beauty of having the first premmie is they monitor you very well. Good luck, I hope you go back because two are more fun, double the hugs and they can be best friends.

Robyn - posted on 03/05/2009

I still only have the one child but i know my friend had a preemature baby due to placenta previa just like myself and her second child was full term wth no problems.

Kelly - posted on 03/05/2009

My son was born at 27 weeks... we spent 96 days in the hospital it was so scary... he is 2 years and 3 months now and he is better at most things then kids who are his age without the preemie issues. We had a daughter 9 1/2 months ago and she was on time no issues. Now with me they were able to pin point that my cervix was weak so they put a stitch in it... it held her to term.

Schmoopy - posted on 03/05/2009

My first was 29 weeks. She came early due to a placental abruption. (Found out later I have a blood clotting disorder called Factor V that likely caused the abruption.)

I'm now pregnant with my second, and I'm at 29 weeks. It has been a ROUGH pregnancy. First of all, I have to take blood thinner injections in my stomach b/c of my blood clotting issues, which is both uncomfortable and EXPENSIVE! Then I found out I was pregnant with twins but lost one (which was a threat to the healthy one) so they put my on bedrest for a few weeks. All the while I had HORRENDOUS morning sickness - nauseous all the time and throwing up at least once a day for many, many weeks. And at about 22 weeks I began having several Braxton Hicks contractions a day (often 4 or more an hour). So my OB has put me on moderate bedrest. Most recently I found out I have Gestational Diabetes, so I'm having to alter my diet drastically.

I have to be honest: if I knew all this would go down, I'm not sure I would have pursued this second baby thing.

Do you know why you delivered early? I would consult a perinatologist (high risk specialist) and get his/her opinion on your chances of delivering another preemie - and what you'd have to do to avoid it. I'm sure that'll help you make your decision.

Good luck!

Lizzie - posted on 03/04/2009

My first son was born at 40weeks, my middle son was born at 38 weeks and my little girl was born 35 weeks.  I was given any real answers to what caused premature labour.  They didnt believe I was in labour as my contractions didnt pick up on the monitor and I wa due to have a pre planned c-section.  So it was too late to stop it happening.  I think every pregnancy is different, but it is important to discuss all your fears and concerns with a doctor , so you get a good picture.  Having my daughter  early wouldnt put me off having another, as luckly she needed no special care but  has been really poorly since.  It would be the horror of a fourth c-section NO THANK YOU. Good luck in your decision as every little baby is a miracle.

Melissa - posted on 03/04/2009

My daughter was born at 33 1/2 weeks.. there was no 'known' reason as to why I went into premature labour.. I actually went into labour at 29 weeks and was hospitalized for the rest of the time. My two previous pregnancies were healthy and fullterm..but if I was to have another child, my risk is higher in having a premature birth again..

Kristi - posted on 03/04/2009

Do you know why your baby was premature. I believe that the cause of the prematurity does have some impact on the chances of it happening again.

Melissa - posted on 03/04/2009

Hi.. Having one child born premature does put you at a higher risk, but does not mean that you will have another premature birth. Your doctor will monitor closely, it might help to talk to your doctor and explain your fears and he/she will be able to answer any questions you may have.. Good Luck!!!

Crystal - posted on 03/04/2009

Hi I am crystal and I want you to know that it doesn't mean# 2 will be preemie my daughter was born at 25 weeks 1lb5 oz and my son my second child was 8 lbs 4 oz.The technology they have to prevent second time preemie is amazing they gave me progesterone shots and that worked for me.One shot once a week and it basically keeps you pregnant.Good luck and if you strongly feel its time, pray about it and talk to your doctor and see if you need the shot.

Christy - posted on 03/04/2009

Having a preemie the first time does put you at risk for having another, but doesn't garuntee it. It depends a lot on what the cause of the prematurity was.



My story is not very encouraging, but thought I'd share anyway...



My first son was born at 28 weeks, my daughter at 32 weeks and my last one at 30 weeks, all due to premature labour. Needless to say, my baby-making factory has been well and truely closed!

Amanda - posted on 03/04/2009

People are not kidding when they say every pregnancy is different!! My 1st was born at 25 weeks. My second I was watched very, very closely and she was born at 34 weeks. If you want to try for another one, good luck and best wishes to you. I am having no more, even though my daughter at 34 weeks was not as intense as worrisome as my son at 25 weeks I don't want to go through the preemie stuff/NICU stuff ever again.  But since you have a history I'm sure your doctor will watch you very closely.

Marcia - posted on 03/04/2009

Hi

My 1st son was born @ 31wks i was worried about that too but my 2nd son was born fullterm the son #3 was born @38wks in saying that i have heard of repeat premmies but it didnt stop me from having a 2nd chil speak with ur DR 1st if ur worried about the possibilities.

marcy