Premature 1st baby likely hood of 2nd??

[MrsLadyL]

Hey ladies just fancied a rant. Just been to my consultant appt and feeling really down. My daughter was spontaneously born at 29weeks so was referred to consultant this time round. Currently 21week and they basically said no reason why it happened before. It might it may not happen again we can't tell or prevent it. I was under the impression I'd be monitored more but no nothing. Midwife care only. Is anyone else been in this situation? I understand it's one of these things but still feel uneasy and little upset to be honest. Has anyone had a prem first preg and full 2nd what are the chances?

Thank you

MrsLadyL, I've been in exactly your shoes. My first was not quite as prem as your daughter: born at 32weeks. Like you, there was explanation - it was spontaneous, waters broke and she arrived. Am currently pregnant for second time and have miraculously (it feels!) reached 37 weeks and am still going. Midwife team kept saying that because there was no explanation first time round, there was no reason for it to happen again or prevent it. It didn't stop me being pretty anxious throughout, particularly from 24 weeks to about 36 weeks - eg a long time! The "premature birth" boards on mumsnet were great, and so were the forums on Bliss and also advice on Tommy websites. The only thing suggested to me in my case was to stop work early this time round - I have a job that is high stress & v physical and demanding. I did stop early, think it might have helped but the whole thing is a mystery. I did do quite a lot of relaxation therapy, hypnobirthing preparation this time to deal with the stress of it all.
There are some good past threads on mumsnet with helpful stories about how people handled second pregnancies after having a prem. Good luck

Should have said "like you there was no explanation. Sorry!

Can you discuss again with your midwife? My first DC my waters broke at 28weeks but I was kept on antibiotics then induced at 36eeeks - told it wouldn't happen again. 2nd DC my waters started leaking even earlier - and was induced 34weeks - told it was strange and wouldn't happen again
Dc3 - lo and behold despite numerous discussions with then saying no way 3times - I had a major leak at 21 weeks and then more at 25weeks until she was delivered at 35weeks.

I'm not saying any of this to worry you - more to make you aware just to listen to your body and you are always entitled to a second opinion! Perhaps request a cervical length
Check at 24weeks to be sure given your previous pregnancy in sure this can be arranged.

Good luck and here's to a happy healthy further 19weeks :)

Very similar situation - first baby my waters broke out of the blue at 35 weeks and she was born a few short hours later. Was referred to the consultant for this pregnancy, who I saw at 18 weeks. They said pretty much the exact same thing you've been told - there was no known reason for it happening the first time, so they have no way of knowing if it will happen again, so they are taking a "wait and see" approach and basically not actually doing anything! Ive not been reassured at all and am pretty much already worring over every Braxton hicks and I'm only 28 weeks!

My friend gave birth at 32 weeks and has had regular appointments with the consultant this time round. Shes had her cervix measured a few times as well. Yesterday at 32 weeks again she thought her waters started leaking so went into hospital, she's being kept in for a few days - again had cervix measured and been given steroids to mature babies lungs as her cervix was starting to shorten which means another early bubba is imminent.
I had a 35 weaker and have a consultant appoinent booked when I'm 16 weeks and will also get my cervix measure at 25, & 30 weeks - same hospital as my friend. Maybe it depends on the area but I'd put my foot down for cervix measurements - even 1 towards 26-28 weeks just to get an idea.
Good luck rem babies are scary but give you such strength xxx

Thank you very much ladies. I think I will request this cervix measurment. Just got to tell myself no two pregnancies are the same and hope it doesn't happen again. Il keep you informed. Thanks again

this is very good info, my second baby born at 28wks and I'm now 4 weeks preg and I was wondering about this... very reassuring :) no need for me to ask this question lol :D x

I had DC2 at 36 weeks. DC1 came at 37 weeks so all midwives and consultant said no3 wd prob come around 36 weeks too but she held on till 39 weeks. So I'm afraid I'm in the "every pregnancy is diff" camp.

Good luck!

DS1 was born at 32 weeks, with DS2 I had cervical length checked at 30 weeks and steroids at 30, 32 and 37+3. He was born by ELCS at 38 weeks!

I had a 34 seeker and now 30 weeks pg with my 2nd. I've had 2 consultant appointments and will have 1 more at about 34 weeks, but to be honest they have been extremely short appointments and all he's done is the usual midwife checks and sent me for thyroid tests. Its worth having that tested by the way if you haven't already. My thyroid is slightly under active but within 'normal' range but my own research revealed it may have been the cause of my early birth and subsequent 4 mcs. I'm on thyroxine now and praying that its fixed the problem I don't give birth early again. The medical profession still view my early birth as unexplained however and seem frighteningly relaxed about the prospect of it reoccurring. I on the other hand am terrified!

Seeker = seeker. D'oh!

WEEKER! Oh jeez...