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Original poster

Respiratory distress syndrome and nicu

2 replies

wingingit1987 · 05/08/2025 01:34

My son was born sunday at 38+5. I was induced due to gestational diabetes. Vaginal birth- and he initially appeared ok but ended up in NICU due to respiratory distress syndrome. He is currently on a ventilator and has had surfactant.

Has anyone else had similar? What were your experiences of RDS?

OP posts:
Fungusg · 05/08/2025 01:59

Congratulations on the birth of your baby boy! I’m so sorry you are going through this, it must be so stressful and worrying. Please rest assured that there is nothing you could have done to stop this from happening. RDS is a condition we do see on the neonatal unit on a regular basis, and some factors, like gestational diabetes unfortunately predispose babies to developing it. Your little boy is in the best hands. Surfactant is truly a miracle drug, it will ease his breathing and make his lungs more compliant, whilst the ventilator allows him to conserve his energy until he is strong enough breathe for himself again. He just needs a bit of time, maybe a bit more surfactant, but he will be ok. The best thing you can do is to look after yourself now. Make sure you rest as much as you can, and have something to eat to keep up your energy levels. It must feel very scary, but he will get through this. Big hugs to you x

Original poster
wingingit1987 · 05/08/2025 02:20

Fungusg · 05/08/2025 01:59

Congratulations on the birth of your baby boy! I’m so sorry you are going through this, it must be so stressful and worrying. Please rest assured that there is nothing you could have done to stop this from happening. RDS is a condition we do see on the neonatal unit on a regular basis, and some factors, like gestational diabetes unfortunately predispose babies to developing it. Your little boy is in the best hands. Surfactant is truly a miracle drug, it will ease his breathing and make his lungs more compliant, whilst the ventilator allows him to conserve his energy until he is strong enough breathe for himself again. He just needs a bit of time, maybe a bit more surfactant, but he will be ok. The best thing you can do is to look after yourself now. Make sure you rest as much as you can, and have something to eat to keep up your energy levels. It must feel very scary, but he will get through this. Big hugs to you x

Thank you for your reply. What are we likely to expect in terms of how long he will stay? Are we looking at day or weeks? I don’t know when to expect to be discharged- if it will likely be without him?

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