friend gone into labour at 28 weeks pregnant

[redhappy]

I don't what to say to her, don't want to say the wrong thing.

Is the baby likely to be ok? Will they try and stop labour?

Any info appreciated, she just texted and I'm about to reply, just trying to work out what to say first...

Hello- I had my little man at 27 weeks and he's 13 months now, a little small but fine. I was told that a 28 week baby who is the right size for dates has a 90% chance of being fine provided they are cared for properly. And they usually say expect the baby to be in hospital until the due date.

I didn't go into labour (my son stopped growing around 23 weeks and they had to whip him out) but I would have thought they will try to stop it if they can. They will probably give steroids to mature the baby's lungs.

So mum and baby have a great chance. Where is your friend? They might have to transfer her to a higher level neonatal unit depending on where she is. If she would like advice and support the boards on the Bliss website (bliss.org.uk) are full of mums with experience of her situation.

HTH

Under 32 wks can be touch and go.

I'd say something generally supportive ("wishing you all the best"?), and ask if there is anything practical you can do - bring things to the hospital for her? (I doubt she'd gave a bag ready), babysit or petsit? Go and check she's left her house OK? Notify anyone else?

And also get in touch with her DH/DP, reiterate offers if help, and ask that you be on the list of people to be informed when there's news.

Yes, offered lots of help. She has just replied to say they are waiting for her to be fully in labour and then they will deliver, as she has gestational diabetes and it's causing problems. We know each other through our dps, I will get mine to ring hers and see what we can do to help

Willbean that's great he's doing well btw, and will let her know about bliss, thankyou

Hi Redhappy,

Glad you have had a reply, hope all goes well for your friend. If you are close by, one of the things I found really helpful in the early days was people bringing snacks and drinks to the hospital for DH, as he didn't have hospital meals and didn't want to leave to get things, also I sent Mum out to buy big pants and comfy trackies (but I had a section so this may not apply to your friend). And a dressing gown and slippers for walking back and forth to SCBU in.

You sound like a really good friend. Hope to hear good news.

Have offered to have kids one day next day (this is their 3rd in 3 years!). Have asked which hospital she's in too.

She was sposed to have elective c-section, but would be her 4th, so not sure what they are planning now.