Questioni am 33.3 weeks and i went to the dr. and she said that my cervix is soft. i lost my mucus plug about a week ago. do you think labor is going to start soon? this is my 3rd child. my youngest is only 13 months and my other one is 4 years old. i am hoping the baby comes before christmas, the dr. told me to make it to 35 weeks. if i deliver at 35 weeks will the baby have to stay in the hosptail? how much does a baby weigh at 35 weeks?
AnswerDear Brooke,
Loss of the mucus plug is a sign that the body is getting ready for labor, but it's impossible to predict WHEN labor will start based on when the mucus plug is lost. Some women don't lose their plug until they're in labor.
The softening of the cervix also indicates your body's preparation for the event. The fact that you have had two previous children and the last one was just 13 months ago will affect how quickly this goes. I would not anticipate that you will labor long! And this will be a small one if you go into labor early, so be ready to get to the hospital quickly.
I'm in complete agreement with your doctor. The longer you can keep that baby inside - the better! I know you are getting anxious, especially with Christmas coming. But Christmas won't be quite as much fun if you are having to worry about a baby that is born too small and fragile.
The statistics are that 98 percent of babies born between 32 and 35 weeks survive. Most weigh between 3 and 7 pounds (depending upon week of delivery) and appear thinner than full-term babies since the last few weeks they put on fat needed to keep warm/regulate temperature. Some can breathe on their own but many others need supplemental oxygen to help them breathe. Some can be breast- or bottle-fed, although babies born at less than 34 weeks, or having breathing difficulties, will probably need tube-feeding. These conditions would require extended hospitalization. Babies born after about 34 weeks are unlikely to develop serious disabilities resulting from premature birth, though they may remain at increased risk of subtle learning and behavioral problems.
Those are the statistics for you. I hope I answered all of your questions. I know the statistics are kind of frank and glaring, but I wanted to give you all the information that I could. Babies have a way of coming when they want to, but try to take it as easy as possible, so as not to hasten the process. Get PLENTY of rest! It would be perfectly LOVELY if you could wait and deliver about Dec. 22nd and come home with a healthy, happy little Christmas package! :-)
I'll have a good thought for you. I wish you a joyful experience and a merry Christmas!
Brenda
