QuestionI am currently 34 weeks pregnant with my second daughter but I'm starting to get that feeling that she is on her way soon. Can you tell me some of the risks I might be facing if she is born in the next two weeks?? She weighed 4 pounds at 30 weeks, and my first daughter was born perfect despite being two weeks early, but I have to say I'm still a little scared for this one.
AnswerThere are several risks with premature infants- one of the biggest ones being that the lungs are underdeveloped. Lung development can occur all the way up through 40 weeks (and sometimes afterward).
I would voice your concerns to your doctor or midwife and see if there is anything that can be done. Some providers may put you on bedrest to try to stave off labor while others may prescribe medicines. I recommend, in addition to this, to taking it easy, relaxing, and visualizing your baby safe where she is, still developing. Sometimes this helps, sometimes it doesn't, but a delivery between 34-36 weeks usually means the baby will be in NICU when born.
Best wishes,
Helen =)
