QuestionCan anything be done with regard to lung development? Although not technically a preemie, my son (born at 37w,6d)had RSD due to lung prematurity. He was in the NICU 8 days and required synthetic surfactant and 100% oxygen, among other things. I am concerned about having this problem again if I have a scheduled c/s no later than 38wks.
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Followup To
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Thank you for your extremely fast response. Can you clarify something? My c-section was planned this time; there was no labor. I was 37w6d; why would my uterus be so thin w/o labor? Also, would another pg be contraindicated? We would like to try one more time for a girl, perhaps in a few years.
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Followup To
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I recently had my 4th baby via c-section (third c/s) and the surgeon mentioned that my uterus had only two cell layers. He is not my usual Dr. so I did not see him again or have a chance to follow up. What does that mean? How many cell layers is the uterus supposed to have? thanks!
Answer -
Usually, the wall of the uterus is quite thick. However, if you have been in labor for several hours, the wall of the uterus can become paper thin. We sometimes say that it was only two cells thick and can open it up with our fingers instead of a scalpel.
Answer -
If you were not in labor, the wall of the uterus was not thin. HOwever, the weakest part of your uterus is at the site of the previous scar. There is a 1% risk of uterine rupture at the site of the scar. That is why we usually schedule an elective repeat cesarean section no later than 38 weeks gestation, so you do not start contractions and run a higher risk of rupture of the uterus. You can, indeed, have another pregnancy. Certainly, I would plan a repeat cesarean section and I would also make sure that you schedule it no later than 38 weeks (by sonogram). Good luck.
AnswerIf your son did, indeed, have RDS at 37 weeks 6 days, you may want to have an amniocentesis to assess fetal lung maturity just prior to the elective cesarean section. Then you will be absolutely sure that the baby's lungs are mature prior to delivery.
