What if i went into labor or preterm labor at 33 weeks?

Katrina - posted on 07/13/2012

My younger sister had her first a few weeks ago and she had alot of those contractions you were talking about. Also she had alot of diarrhea toward the end. It was a couple of weeks before she had her baby though. Like evryone else has suggested, stay as relaxed as you can. A warm bath and candles. Whatever will usually distract you. I always say, if in doubt, go see a doctor. I agree with Tayler, the NICU's are really good these days. Hope all goes well.

Tayler - posted on 07/12/2012

I got the steroid shots at about 33 weeks to help increase the developement of his lungs. for 3 weeks I was getting the shot to stop the labor also, and was put on bed rest at 30 weeks along with some meds(procardia) daily. Joe was good when he was born(6.8 lbs and 18 in), but he was put on oxygen because of the meds they gave me to prevent seizures. He was in nicu for a week, but he was healthy. Just had issues with his skin coloration. Above all, it seems like you will be okay. If the docs aren't worried right now, then neither should you. Just be careful :)

Autumn - posted on 07/11/2012

My son was also born 5 weeks early. He spent 9 days in the nicu. When my water broke my husband was convinced we should wait at home for a while but because I was early, my thought was, I'd rather be at the hospital surrounded by doctors and nurses in case there is anything wrong. Also the earlier you go in the more likely it is that they may be able to stop labor. If you are in labor and your baby is a preemie, take the time that they are in the nicu as an opportunity to get to know your baby with help. Don't be afraid to ask questions and use the nurses experience and expertise, that's what they are there for. Especially being your first child. But that first night you have to go and they have to stay is the hardest. It's ok to cry. After that it gets better.

Maren - posted on 07/11/2012

Take a few deep breaths and try to relax. (I know this is hard I am 35 weeks with my 3rd and I still worry about preterm labor) Stressing is not going to help.

You went to the doc yesterday, did they seem worried? You didn't mention you are/ were put on bedrest so I am going to assume you are not, so that is a good sign. The babys head is down, which you want, that is how the baby comes out. It sounds as though your cervix is getting ready to go, but you are not yet dialiated (this is a good sign). At your next appt you could be 2 cm and stay there for another 2 weeks, it is very unpredictiable.

Believe me I understand that wet feeling making you think you are bleading so you run to the bathroom just to discover it is only discharge. This is normal and not a problem as long as it is not bloody, or watery (this could be aminotic fluid).

Yes it sounds like contractions are starting. Most likely they are Braxton Hicks and nothing to worry about. As long as they are inconstant it is fine. You may have 4 in an hour and then no more for the rest of the day. Also try changing your activity (sitting to standing, standing to laying down, ect...) this will normally stop BH contractions. If they get constant and more intense and do not stop then call your doc.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_braxton-hick...
this is a good link to read up a little more.

You may not go full term, but remember 38 weeks is considered full term, 36 weeks is preterm, and 37 is not full but also not preterm. This all sounds like prelabor which is different than preterm labor. Prelabor is your body getting ready to go into labor. Some go into prelabor 2 months before they deliver.

These are all questions and concerns that are best for your doctor, so always bring them up at your appts. The dr is the one there with you and seeing what is really going on with you. If they tell you something and you don't understand what it means, ask them to explain it. If you forgot to ask something then call them. I was talking with my doctor a couple of weeks ago and she said most first time moms call once a week with questions, and sometimes twice a week when they get to the last couple of months. So do not be afraid to bug your dr if you have to.

I just looked up online and it says that a baby born at 33 weeks has a 95% surival rate ( I went to several sites and this was the lowest number I found).

I hope all of this helps.

Kay - posted on 07/11/2012

Thank you for your info.. Did your baby have any problems when he was born? what did they do?

Tayler - posted on 07/11/2012

my son was born 5 weeks early. It depends on how far into labor you are, and if they can stop it. If you do have you child early, its okay. There are always health risks involved but these days the NICU is great and will do everything they can to keep your child healthy. Just relax, try not to stress and be careful in this stage.