Going full term after premature first baby

[cherryjam]

Hello,

I have have DS1 who is 14 months old and my husband and I are hoping to get pregnant soon. DS was IUGR and stopped growing by 28 weeks and was delivered by EMCS (not in labour) at 32 weeks - he was very small, just 1kg. I am a bit worried that my scar (inside and out?) is from an early delivery - I have two questions really...

1. If I am able to go full term will there be problems as my scar was from an early delivery? That is, will it stretch or tear at all?
2. How likely will it be that a natural birth will be possible?
   I would appreciate it if anyone could give me any advice from their own experiences. Thanks!

My DD was delivered at 31+3 weighing 1.128kg... and I went full term with her younger brother 2 years later. There was no suggestion that there would be any issue with my scar. I did have a 2nd CS, but that was because I wasn't going to be allowed past due date and they won't induce a previous CS. If I'd gone into labour naturally then they would have happily let me go for VBAC if all was progressing well.

You'll be closely monitored I'm sure and will get the best care & advice.

Good luck!

Aw thanks EcoLady - I know I am probably being silly about the scar issue - I just had a worry that scar tissue may not stretch properly.

If you don't mind me asking, did the Doctors know what caused your early birth? I was also concerned that IUGR may happen again.

Thanks so much!
:)

I had pre-eclampsia both times - hospitalised from 28 weeks with DD, then on medication from 26 weeks then admitted at 36 weeks with DS. I'm sure that your docs will be able to answer any Qs you have about your first pregnancy and any implications for your second - I found it very helpful to go through all of my notes with a midwife counsellor.

Yes, I'll give it a go - though my Doc is not communicative and the midwife did not know what IUGR was which was rather worrying!

Thanks again!

Hi cherryjam we have a little thread in the premature birth section for those pregnant again after a previous preterm baby and there are some stories on there you might find interesting.

I'm 21 weeks with DC2 after DD was born at 31 weeks. I had a CS with DD and I've had a few meetings with the doctors who seem really well informed and nobody has suggested the scar stretching will be a problem.

I just have my fingers crossed this one will stay in there longer!!!

Oh also meant to say my GP referred me for what they called 'pre pregnancy counselling' so I could talk through what happened with DD, risks to future pregnancy etc. hopefully you can get something similar.

Hi KD0706

Thanks for the information - the counselling sounds really interesting - I had been a little concerned that the GP might not give any info until I was pregnant and had had a scan. Congratulations on your pregnancy - keeping my fingers crossed for you too! Will head over the the thread you mentioned.

Thanks again!