Quick Question to all the expert preemie mom's!

Rachel - posted on 01/25/2009

Hello, our first son Max was born at 31 weeks weighing 2lb 10oz and like your daughter never needed O2 or an incubator and 4 weeks later weighig 4lb was discharged from hospital. Now 5 years on he weighs 19kg and is over 1m tall ~ a little (not much) smaller than his class mates BUT the brighest in the class. Don't worry size isn't everything. Max has  been on the 25th percentile since about 8 months.  Harvey his older brother is quite the opposire on the 98th percentile, weighs 18kg and just under 1m tall. They share clothes which is great, but Max is certainly the "big" boy.

Suzanne - posted on 01/25/2009

Oh my goodness,  ;o) they are so small when they get here mine was 30 weeks 3 lbs 3 oz and was 4 lbs 10 oz when she came home, she's now 17 and 6 feet tall. In other words they catch up.

Emma - posted on 01/24/2009

the doctors, health visitors etc will tell uthat your daughter will be 7 weeks behind development for the rest of her life, DO NOT LISTEN!! (my daughter was born 8 wks early at 32 weeks) my girl is 17 month old - she weighs more and is taller and speaks better than friends baby that were born at the same (ish) time her mental and physical development is 3 months infront - confirmed by a health visitor. not saying that ur daughter will be massively clever - or mine for that matter but trying to put the point across that because they have to work harder from day 1 to lcatch up, they generally pick up things quicker than average. i have found this with my daughter, my brothers (who were twins so born early) and my friends daughter (born at 33 weeks) try not to worry, which is hard i know from experience. but everything turns out ok and the fact that ur daughter was early will only make her more special to your family ... let me know how u doing x

Kelly - posted on 01/19/2009

My son was born at 33 weeks in 2007, he was just under 6 lbs then. Now at almost 13 months old he's about 23 lbs. Typically preemies catch up by age 2, but every child is different. I have 2 friends with almost 2 year old and my son is about the same size as their children. As long as she's eating and gaining weight normally, I wouldn't worry about her size.

Stephanie - posted on 01/19/2009

My son was 14 weeks early and is now bigger than other 1 year olds. He's just a tall and solid little boy. Don't worry sometimes preemies grow up to be the biggest in the bunch.

Melissa - posted on 01/19/2009

FIrst off, I don't think any worry is too little when you have kids, especially a preemie.  I think 6 months and 17 pounds is pretty good.  We had triplets at 31 weeks and the smallest one weighed 2 lbs. 13 oz.  At her 6 month check she weighed 14 pounds.  She is very proportionate though, so I think that is what you need to look at mostly.  And as long as she continues to grow, I don't think you have a problem.  They are certainly fighters, especially the little ones!  Good luck!

Michelle - posted on 01/19/2009

You're right! you do worry too much - but that's ok, it's perfectly natural. Don't worry too much about how big she'll be, it just doesn't matter. If your baby is healthy and developing well that really is the main thing. Concentrate instead on how happy she is, is she progressing well developmentally (at her own pace not the one's laid out in the books!) I'm new to this site so don't want to speak out of turn but don't worry about her weight. If she's gaining weight - even slowly - then she's fine. Good luck with eeverything. The fact that you worry and want to post to this site show's how great a mum you are x

Frombly - posted on 01/18/2009

My little one was born at 30 weeks and is now 10 months. She is a little under weight but as long as she is growing there should not be a problem. You will know if she will be smaller until she grows up...I understand you being worried about the little things but I think that is normal as easy to do with a preemie!!!

Carmen - posted on 01/18/2009

Hi- I had twins girls at 26 weeks.  One weighed 2.3 pds and the other weighed 2 pounds.  They were in the NICU for 2 months.  They are now 14 months and very healthy.  Doctors say that it will take a preemie about 1 to 2 years to catch up to a full term baby.  But my girls are right on track.  Don't allpow anyone to tell you that they should be on a delay beacuse they were born early.  I introduced everything to them and allowed them to work at their pace.   

Keli - posted on 01/18/2009

My son is now 18mths old and although he is still rather small, about 10.5kgs in every other aspect he is normal. Like the other mums I'd say don't worry too much but if it really starts to get to you go seek some advice.

Up until jakson was 1 I was the same, I worried about all the little things but they always worked themselves out.

I was told that I shouldn't worry about him being small until it effected his development, and as long as he was still eating and drinking it was fine

good luck

Melanie - posted on 01/18/2009

I think your daughter's size will be based on genetics not gestational age when born. Just check out your daughters growth progress against normal growth charts based on her corrected age and normal age. You will see as she gets older the two will start to look similar.

Melanie - posted on 01/17/2009

My daughter is 6 months and weighs 18lbs and she was full term so it sounds to me like your little girl is perfect for weight even after being early. My son was born at 31 weeks weighing 2lbs 10.5 oz and he only weighs 19lbs at 17 months old I think it depends on the child. I personally think when you have a premature baby you tend to worry about every little thing, I know I do. I hope this helps

Melanie - posted on 01/17/2009

My daughter is 6 months and weighs 18lbs and she was full term so it sounds to me like your little girl is perfect for weight even after being early. My son was born at 31 weeks weighing 2lbs 10.5 oz and he only weighs 19lbs at 17 months old I think it depends on the child. I personally think when you have a premature baby you tend to worry about every little thing, I know I do. I hope this helps

Laureen - posted on 01/16/2009

Hi. My son was 30 weeks and weighed 2lbs 4oz. he came home at 2.5 months old. he had double hernia surgery at 2 mo. old and then at 6 mo. went in for open heart surgery to repair pulmonary stenosis and a VSD. He's now 9 years old and weighs 50lbs. and is 4' 1". That's really great for what he went through. He's a bit smaller than the other kids but he's really kept up with most of his peers. Your daughter sounds very healthy, she's a peanut but you wait and see she'll grow and gain weight, it will be amazing!! Take deep breaths and know that you're taking good care and she'll be ok!! :)

User - posted on 01/16/2009

She will eventually catch up, no worries. My twins were born at 33 weeks as well and they were 17lbs at their 6 month check up as well. Of course for now they're going to be smaller than all of the other children around their age (as would your little girl) as a normal singleton that is born full term also went about a month and a half longer than your child did. I have a hard time seeing them around other kids their age as they are smaller and behind in development. I just have to keep in mind that while they're the same age, mine are actually behind and that explains why they're smaller and take a little longer to adapt to things or to learn things. She will catch up by her 2nd birthday and you shouldn't notice any problems at all.

Erin - posted on 01/15/2009

I also has severe preelcamspisa with both of my kids, My daughter was just about 4lbs when she was born came home 2 weeks later and also had no oxygen or anything. She was small up until she was about 2 and then she caught up know you would never know.



My son was born 4 weeks early and was healthy and came home 5days later, but he is small for his age and he turned 1 in oct and just ways 18pds.. so he is small but he is so active. Do not let anyone get you done!!

Lea - posted on 01/15/2009

I do understand where you are coming from though, and I think most moms of preemies start to get weight obsessed. But I learned just to deal with it, and as long as the pediatrian is happy and says he looks heathy, I go with it.

About milestones, he has been hitting most of his pretty much on target too.  He has been actively rolling over since 6 months, my friends baby still doesnt roll that often and he is 7 months.  At 7 months he got up on his hands and knees to crawl (altho its more of a creep right now) and now, at 8 months he does "push-ups" where he is on his hands & toes!  In his crib he can pull himself up to kneeling (hasnt pulled to standing yet tho, but its still early.. lol)

Lea - posted on 01/15/2009

From what I hear, throw away all that percentile growth chart crap.  In other words, do not worry about where he or she ranks with other children of his or her age.  Worry about his or her OWN growth pattern.  As long as your child continues to grow in height and weight, there is no need to worry... I believe a lot of weight and height is genetic.  As long as he is getting properly fed he will grow on his own rate.  I know for a fact there are full term babies smaller than your preemie is at 6 months!

Kate - posted on 01/15/2009

my little boy was born 7 weeks early he is now 3 months and doing really well quite chubby now, he spent 4 weeks in hospital which was the toughest 4 weeks i think any parent has to go through seeing there little baby with tubes every where , thank god for modern technology , does any mummy's have any trouble with reflux and there premmie babys would love to hear from you

Kate xx

Ashley - posted on 01/15/2009

I think you shouldnt worry yourself. My daughter was also born at 33wks. She also did very well in the NICU and was out in two weeks. She is only a month old now but is doing very well and striving. They may start out smaller but they catch up quick. My doctor says God gives them an extra push. :o)

Shea - posted on 01/13/2009

Hello!  Your little one is doing fine...my son was 5 weeks early and was perfectly healthy.  We were in the hospital 2 days...he needed nothing (except they started him on formula right away and I could not breastfeed...another issue).  He is now 8 mos and only weighs 17 lbs.  He is perfectly healthy and so far is developing normally, even reaching many milestones early!  I think you are doing really well!

Tina - posted on 01/13/2009

Wow, yes you are a little overly worried I think. My son was born in 2004 at 31 weeks and weighed 3 lbs, 2 oz. He was in the hospital for about 5 weeks and came home on oxygen briefly. At a year old, he weighed just under the recommended 20 lb car seat limit, probably around 18 lbs or so. So if your daughter is 17 lbs at 6 months, that is great! I definitely wouldn't worry unless she starts not meeting developmental milestones. Hope this helps.

Lea - posted on 01/12/2009

Quoting Nikki:

I had my son at 25 weeks. He was in the hospital for 5 months. He as well is going to be smaller then the rest of the children. But who cares.. they are in this world and healthy and that is all that matters.. if being smaller is what you are worried about, then dont worry at all... because at least she is here to worry about.

OMG bless youre heart...25 weeks?  5 months?  i was so antsy to get my son home and he was in hospital 2 weeks!  I am glad to hear he is healthy now tho!

Lea - posted on 01/12/2009

thats good!  my boy was a week away from 8 months before he hit almost 17lbs.... he was almost at 34 weeks when he was born, and 4lb even, also came home 2 weeks later needin no oxygen or anything either.  (all he needed was billyruben lites and the heated isolette for 1 week, then from there 1 week in a normal crib, the whole 2 weeks he had a feeding tube, that was it, but the last day there that ws even gone...

are you nursing?  I was at first, but for some reason I had so much trouble producing enough milk, and with my son being in the NICU and getting bottles for suckling practice he always rejected my breast, so i just became so exhausted of attempting to BF, failing, then feeding EBM, or sometimes supplementing formula, then pumping so as to keep up production... I was never getting more than 2oz at a time and i never had enough to satisfy him so I eventually went to strictly formula...

Leanne - posted on 01/12/2009

My daughter was born at 34 weeks and towers over her friends. You would never know she was a preemie, she is 16 now. When she got to be about 3-4 months old she caught up pretty darn quick and never looked back. She is 5'7 and still growing, EEK!

TJ - posted on 01/12/2009

She'll be fine! She won't be smaller due to being a preemie, that's all genetics! If she is healthy, she will be as big as she was meant to be.

My son was also born at 33 weeks and was 3 lbs. 5 oz. He was on a respirator and had complications after delivery but he is great now! He was in NICU for 2 months before coming home but once he was home, he florished! He will be 1 yr on Thursday and weighs 22 lbs. He's a healthy, active boy now and it's hard to believe he was so little when he was born. No one would even know!

It's ok to ask questions! That's why we're all on here in the first place! Good luck and I hope to talk to you again!

Tracy - posted on 01/11/2009

Not necessarily.  My dd was a 27 weeker(2lbs) and is now in 1st grade.  She is small, but so was I and she is not the smallest in her class.

Valmai - posted on 01/11/2009

My son was born at 34 weeks and was a wopper at 6pds 9oz or nearly 3 kg but he was immature and it took him till 18 mths to catch up he was late sitting rolling and all that he is now 10 and of average height but the docs have told me he will be about 6ft so it wont be long till i look up to him. Dont stress the little things ask your doc and just enjoy the time you have with bubby now as all too soon they only come home to eat lol.

Lisa - posted on 01/11/2009

My daughter brooke was born at 29 weeks, weighing only 2lb 11oz. she is now 2 years old and a little small, and about 25lb (ish) but shes so active doesnt sleep during the day and really doesnt sit still for a minute! i really dont tink its anything to worry about, brooke is going into size 12-18 months but i have a friend with a 3year old who is in 18-24 month clothes loads of babies who are delivered at 37 wks owards are small too.

Kerri - posted on 01/10/2009

My son was born at 30 weeks, weighing 3 lbs, 12 oz. and was in the hospital for 5 1/2 weeks.  He is now 4 1/2 years old and is the same size as majority of kids his age that we know, maybe slightly smaller.  But neither me or my husband are very large framed people.  My daughter, who is now 2 1/2 years old, was also a preemie, born at 34 weeks, weighted 5 lbs, 12 oz.  She is on the small side for her age, but again, we're average-sized people.  So many people will tell you that your child will be small forever because they were a preemie and it's just not true.  Don't worry about it, and just enjoy your baby girl, big or small!  :)

Nikki - posted on 01/10/2009

I had my son at 25 weeks. He was in the hospital for 5 months. He as well is going to be smaller then the rest of the children. But who cares.. they are in this world and healthy and that is all that matters.. if being smaller is what you are worried about, then dont worry at all... because at least she is here to worry about.

Susan - posted on 01/09/2009

Preemie doesn't mean they will stay small.  My son Noah was born at 32 wks 6 days and was 4.5 lbs.  He took a little bit to start gaining weight, but by 1 yr, he was 20 lbs (which is normal since that's when the carseats have to be turned forward).  He is now 75% for weight and has a little budha belly.  Starting out small doesn't mean they'll stay that way, just that it will take them a bit to catch up sometimes :)

Lindsey - posted on 01/09/2009

Every baby grows at their own rate.  The only thing that matters is that she is healthy! 

Jayne - posted on 01/09/2009

Quoting Marissa:

thanks everyone!! i thought there was nothing for me to worry about...but i just wanted to ask people who know first hand! glad to hear everyone's "happy" stories and i hope all is well with your family and perfect preemies! god bless!

 Its always nice to hear comments and reassurance from other mums that have been there as you never know what s gonna happen next

 

Melissa - posted on 01/08/2009

My daughter was born at 30 weeks and she was 4lbs. She stayed in the NICU for 4 weeks before i was able to bring her home. Now she is 8 weeks old and already weigh's 7lbs. She does get brest milk but it's by bottle as i found feeding directly from the breast was too painful!! She was 16inch when she was born and is already 19'1/2 :)

Marissa - posted on 01/08/2009

thanks everyone!! i thought there was nothing for me to worry about...but i just wanted to ask people who know first hand! glad to hear everyone's "happy" stories and i hope all is well with your family and perfect preemies! god bless!

Kari - posted on 01/08/2009

I had a daughter at 34 weeks, she weighed 6 lbs ( which saved her life) at birth and 4 lbs, 8 oz when I took her home 2 weeks later. She suffered multiple preemie problems the most severe being necrotizing enterocolitis of her bowel.For 6 years she was a tiny little girl - always on the 25th percentile of the charts. All of a sudden something kicked in and now at age 8 in grade 3, she is one of the taller girls. You would never know she was a preemie. The only lasting effect is some hearing loss which is quite common with preemies. I also had my first child at 36 weeks. He weighed 5lbs 10ozs. At 19 years old, he stands 5ft11in.We have 6 children in all and I never carried one full term although these two were my smallest. I'm pretty sure you have nothing to worry about.

Jayne - posted on 01/08/2009

My first daughter was born at full term, but daughters 2 and 3 were both premmies, Daughter 2 was born at 27 weeks and no problems at all she only weighed 2lb 7 oz and is now a happy and healthy 1 1/2 year old weighing 2 stone on average as for baby 3 we had her 4 months ago and its been one hell of a rollercoaster. and still not over. Shes had no end of problems,Ventolation,Cpap and now surgery on her throat to widen her airway. we step 3 up and fall back 5. All my babies were started on breast and then on to formula dont think it makes much of a difference as long as they start off on breast to give that extra fighting chance as well

Geneviève - posted on 01/08/2009

My daughter was born at 35 weeks. My water broke when I was at work and then I started labour.

She was born at 5lbs 6oz. She was under the 10 percentile. At her 6 months check up, she weighted 18lbs. She is now at the 95 percentile. She is bigger than both my friends daughters born at term (They're about 1 month older than my daughter).

Also, I nursed the first month and the rest of the time she as been on formula.

Elrie - posted on 01/08/2009

i would like to join

Anneke - posted on 01/08/2009

Dont worry to much. my daughter was 3.8pds and was on O2 for 3 days she developed a lung infection, jaundice she kept on pulling out the feeding tube and had a lot of complications. Now she is almost 6years still petite but very inteligant. prem babbies are special they get al lot of love and afection meaning they get more atension and learn things quick. dont stres just give her as much love as you can!!!

Erin - posted on 01/08/2009

My daughter Lauren was born at exactly 30 weeks, she weighed 3lbs 3oz and was 16 inches long. She just turned 3 on 12/23 and she weigh's 34lbs and is 34 inches tall. A few of the kids at daycare that are the ame age as Lauren are alot smaller then she is.

Donna - posted on 01/08/2009

I dont think it is definite that she will be smaller but from what I have seen over the years the growth is stunted most of the time. However, my son born 25 weeks, 1 lb 8oz  and was the shortest and smallest for a long time, puberty didn' start until age 15 and this was normal for preemie boys. From the age of 14 1/2-16 he went from 4'9' to 5'7' so they do catch up eventually.

Michelle - posted on 01/07/2009

My son was born at 28 weeks and was 2 pds 9 oz when he was born.  I also have a full term baby who at 16 months is wearing clothes his big brother wore at 3.  My preemie is now 14 and is right where he is supposed to be.  He's not the tallest in his class, but he's not the shortest either.  He has always been on the smaller side compared to the other kids in his classes, but not anymore.  He seemed to catch up this past year when puberty kicked in.  My guess is that even if she doesn't catch up when she is young, she will eventually catch up with the others.

Melissa - posted on 01/07/2009

My daughter was born 6 weeks early and weighed 4lbs 6oz and 18 inches long. She just had her two year exam and she is in the high percentile for height and 9% for weight. Since it was a new doc they questioned me like crazy abut her eating habits. Which she eats all the time. he is tiny for a two year old but I also look at the possiblity that she is like her father who is extremely skinny and tall. I wouldn't get too worried about the weight thing if they eat and are active then she is doing great.

Jeanie - posted on 01/07/2009

My first daughter was born at 32 weeks, weighing 2 lbs, 7 oz. and was in the hospital for 5 weeks. I was told that due to how early she was and how small she was, it would take her until about 8 to fully catch up. She was small, hovering around the 5th percentile for a few years, but gradually caught up. She is 8 yrs old now and is average in height and just a little below average in weight. You would never know she was a preemie, but she did stay small for a while. I wouldn't worry about your daughter's size as long as she is staying on her own growth curve. Good luck!

Ambra - posted on 01/07/2009

My daughter was born at 32 weeks, due to HELLP (severe pre-eclampsia).  She was 3 lbs.  Unlike many moms here I don't breastfeed her (she received breastmilk in a bottle until 2.5 months and I couldn't keep up the supply, so it's now formula).  She has been growing fine and although she currently has problems taking her bottle, I'm quite sure I'd have the same problems breastfeeding her (she's too active and wants to do anything but eat).  She was in the 1st percentile when she was born and at our last check up (2 months ago...) she was in the 55th percentile and on the charts for a regular baby her age.  Size aside, she is very well developed and the physiotherapist we've seen a couple of times says she's very close to her age group in terms of physical development and likely past others in terms of mental.  I know, I worry too, especially now since she won't eat much, but I think it's typical preemie mom paranoia...

Angela - posted on 01/06/2009

oh by the way, she was all caught by the time she was 2....

Angela - posted on 01/06/2009

My daughter was born at 25 wks, weighed 1lb 10oz and was 12 inches long, staying in the NICU for 89 days. I too had severe preclampsia, to the point of my entire body shutting down and almost causing enough damage to my kidneys to require dialysis..anyway, I will never forget, after being out of the NICU for a year, her neonatologist looked at her dad and I, and due to our size, both short people, said, "She'll never play basketball." Well, she is 10 yrs old, and one of the tallest in her class, already damn near exceeding me in height at 5' 2". And you are entitled to get worried about the little things, besides she is one of the "little things". Enjoy her and remember this time well, because believe it or not, the day will come where you wish you could go back to when she was tiny...10 yrs later, it all seems so much easier back then....

Cynthia - posted on 01/06/2009

I had my daughter at 29 weeks and she weighed 2 pds, 2.8 oz, she stayed in the hospital for almost three months, take a look at my pictures. She caught up with the kids around her by age 5. My son was born at 27 weeks, weighed 2 pds, 2.8oz he was the same say. now by looking at their pics you cannot tell they were preemie and they have no medical problems at all. I have been very blessed!