WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Is preterm or post-term delivery serious?

Is Preterm or Post-term Delivery Serious?
As you progress through your pregnancy, you may have heard the terms "preterm" and "post-term" in relation to delivery.
These refer to when a baby is born before or after the expected 37- to 42-week gestation period.
It's important to understand the implications of these situations and their potential impact on your baby's health.
Preterm Delivery: The Importance of Time
Preterm delivery occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation.
While preterm birth is a concern, it's important to remember that not all preterm babies face serious complications.
However, preterm delivery can increase the risk of certain health issues, such as:
  • Respiratory problems: Premature babies may have underdeveloped lungs, making it more challenging for them to breathe properly.
  • Feeding difficulties: Preterm babies may have difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, and breathing during feeding.
  • Temperature regulation: Babies born early may struggle to maintain their body temperature without assistance.
  • Infections: Preterm infants are more susceptible to infections due to their immature immune systems.
It's essential for healthcare providers to closely monitor and provide specialized care for preterm babies to address any potential complications and ensure their well-being.
Remember, medical advancements and interventions have greatly improved the outcomes for preterm babies.
Post-term Delivery: Waiting a Little Longer
Post-term delivery refers to when a baby is born after 42 weeks of gestation.
While the precise impact of post-term delivery varies from case to case, it's important to understand the potential risks involved.
Prolonged pregnancy beyond the expected due date can increase the likelihood of certain complications, including:
  • Macrosomia: Post-term babies may be larger in size, which can make the delivery process more challenging.
  • Placental dysfunction: The placenta may become less efficient at providing nutrients and oxygen to the baby as the pregnancy extends.
  • Meconium aspiration: Post-term babies are more likely to pass meconium (the baby's first stool) while still in the womb, which can lead to complications if inhaled.
  • Reduced amniotic fluid: The amount of amniotic fluid may decrease over time, potentially affecting the baby's cushioning and movement.
The Importance of Medical Guidance and Monitoring
Whether you're facing the possibility of preterm or post-term delivery, it's crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider.
Regular prenatal check-ups, discussions about your specific circumstances, and monitoring of your baby's growth and well-being are key. Your healthcare provider will:
  • Assess your individual situation: Your healthcare provider will consider various factors, such as your medical history, gestational age, and any potential complications, to determine the best course of action.
  • Provide personalized care: Based on your unique circumstances, your healthcare provider will develop a care plan tailored to your needs, including any necessary interventions or monitoring.
  • Address your concerns: Openly discuss your concerns and questions with your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance, support, and reassurance.
Learn more
P
Phallen
15 Jan 2024

One of my friends just had a preterm delivery, her baby boy is in the nicu. She had an emergency C-section. I would like to do a care package for her but on the cheaper side. Any ideas on what I could get her & baby?

2 comments
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Muffy&DaGuyz
Balloons Card Preemie clothes 🥂
27 Mar 2024

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Phallen
Thanks that’s what I ended up getting
27 Mar 2024

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TeAnna
28 Dec 2023

I'm at risk for preterm delivery and I'm wondering of its sage to have sex at 31 weeks and 5 days knowing I'm at risk. I'm feeling spicy.

4 comments
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🦋Vanessa🦋
If you're a high risk then I'd suggest not maybe
27 Mar 2024

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🦋Vanessa🦋
Just to be safe and ask your OB if it's okay
27 Mar 2024

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Amanda
24 Aug 2023

89 day or 12 weeks and 2 days till full term but ob has discussed I would deliver between 35 weeks and 38 weeks have seen a lot of post where it says with twin pregnancy that after 36 weeks complications arise and can be more serious I was hoping to carry till at least 37 weeks!! I guess I’m at the point where I’m getting closer to delivering and it’s starting to get real and scary I guess knowing these girls are my last is scary all I. It’s own

2 comments
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Shameika
I carried my twins until 38 and 1 day
27 Mar 2024

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Amanda
I’m diabetic and have high blood pressure so I won’t be able to carry as long as a person that don’t have health issues!!
27 Mar 2024

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Krystal
15 Aug 2023

Anybody gave birth before the 40 weeks and how was the baby?? I'm asking because I'm high risk for preterm delivery and super nervous & scared.

5 comments
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Danielle 🦦🪷
I have a friend that gave birth at 32 weeks I think or around there and she’s a thriving 2.5 year old now who spent months in the NICU
27 Mar 2024

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Krystal
Okay I wanna leave with my baby. I don't want him staying months in NICU 😥 my biggest fear. This gave me hope 🙏🏾 thank you
27 Mar 2024

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Lashanta
17 Nov 2022

My cervix went from 1.69cm back to a 3.60cm after my surgery 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 I was so nervous 😭😭 I started dialating too soon once again and was afraid of yet another preterm delivery. But so far so good, we’re going all the way this time 🎉🥳

2 comments
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Dashauna
GOD is good u got this
27 Mar 2024

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Courtney
10 Oct 2022

Pregnant and anemic.. preterm delivery? Low birth weight baby? Other issues? I just got the results.

8 comments
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Ounyah
I Have To Get A Iron Transfusion
27 Mar 2024

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Isabella
I’m anemic and my iron levels were at 4.5 my whole pregnancy with my first and I went to 42 weeks with him and he was 7 pounds and 4 ounces.
27 Mar 2024

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Leila
28 Jun 2022

Has anyone else baby daddy avoid the serious labor talk. I almost died from my first labor and delivery and he is avoiding the talk again. Says it's not likely to happen... I just want peace of mind. 😔

3 comments
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Marisela
It is absoluty frightening! I almost died with my last baby so I was horrified to find out I was pregnant this time around. I will try not to wrap my head around it and keep reminding myself that not every pregnancy is the same and that there is alot of medical intervention that woukd help slim the chances of that happening. I also pray alot to help give myself some peace of mind and just keep in the back of my mind that anything can happen. Later on down the road as we get closer I will make more preparations in the unlikely event that something should happen to me
27 Mar 2024

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Brandi
Sometimes people process things differently. I had a traumatic experience with my first child and personally I don’t want to have conversations about it happening again this time.. I’d rather enjoy the excitement of knowing I’m carrying my second child (12 years later no less)! I’ll save that discussion for later in my pregnancy when we begin to discuss birth plans with the doctor..
27 Mar 2024

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