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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

waters broken at 34 weeks, what next?

18 replies

forago · 25/08/2014 17:09

My friends's waters have broken at 34 weeks, first time parents. the baby is fine, not in distress. Normal pg. They've put her on antibiotics and steroids. Is there anything else that should be happenning? apparently they've said she could wait 3 weeks if she doesn't go into labour even though water have broken. Didn't they used to say 48 hours? or does the antibiotics extend the time you can wait?

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cupofsneeze · 25/08/2014 17:12

She needs to be monitored closely for signs of infection and have regular scans to check the pockets of fluid around the baby.

WhyNotSmile · 25/08/2014 17:15

My waters broke at 35 weeks, and I was told that they don't induce you at that stage - apparently up to 37 weeks the risks from being induced and having a premature baby are greater than the risk of infection. They said they'd keep me in, put me on antibiotics, and monitor the baby until I reached 37 weeks, and then they'd induce me. Baby had other ideas and I went into labour a few hours later!

Original poster

forago · 25/08/2014 17:17

thankyou - they are keeping her in overnight and will do a scan tomorrow apparently so sounds like she's in the right place. Do you think they willkeep her in or let her go home? She was due to have a planned C section at 37 weeks due to a minor genetic condition with a statistically increased chance of late stillbirth,

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Original poster

forago · 25/08/2014 17:19

that's what I though smile thanks - balance of risk. She's on the steroids and being kept in overnight so just a waiting game now I guess.

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cupofsneeze · 25/08/2014 17:21

My waters broke at 32 weeks on a Monday morning, they let me go home on the Weds to see how i got on. 2 of my other DC were very prem so i knew what to look out for.

I went into labour on the Friday and Ds was born on the Saturday!

balia · 25/08/2014 17:22

My waters broke at 29 weeks - they said I could go into labour in the next 24 hours (and I had steroids etc) but that I might not - and it is better for the baby to stay put as long as possible. I went into the hospital every day to be monitored and pretty much stayed lying down for the rest of the time. DS managed to hang on in there for another month and was born at 33 weeks, little but fine. Tell her good luck!

Original poster

forago · 25/08/2014 17:38

thanks all - just wanted to check she was getting the best advice. Apparently they've said if she does go into labour next few days they want her to try for a vaginal birth as they don't like doing c sections once you're in labour? That is freaking her out a bit as she was set on C section - but makes sense to me. Will they let her have an epidural if she goes into labour in the next few days? (I had 3 births with just gas and air but she is very scared about the pain - has always said she wanted C section) - I am trying to reassure her that natural with epidural is probably the way to go?

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neversleepagain · 25/08/2014 17:43

My waters went at 34 weeks. I was kept in and monitored, given steroids. Contractions started the next day.

cupofsneeze · 25/08/2014 17:46

Has she already agreed an elective CS with her obstetrician/Dr?

It shouldnt make any difference if she has, lots of planned CS dates go out the window because babies have different plans!

shopalot · 25/08/2014 17:48

My waters broke at 30 weeks with ds2 and I had to take my temperature three times a day for risk of infection and take it easy-feet up etc. He was born at just under 40 weeks...... (Longest ten weeks of my life though!!!)

Original poster

forago · 25/08/2014 18:10

not agreed know it was due to be agreed next week

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Original poster

forago · 25/08/2014 18:10

no, sorry

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Lottiedoubtie · 25/08/2014 18:16

Sounds to me like they may be taking the piss re. The csection.

I had to fight very hard for mine to be agreed- despite 3 diff midwives (2 senior) saying that in my shoes (variety of different physical and mental complications) they would have a csection. The doctors were much more resistive.

Now I have my date agreed I have been assured that should I go into labour prematurely I can have an emergency csection.

Original poster

forago · 25/08/2014 18:24

interesting. i think the reason for a csection may be borderline/spurious and is actually because she is scared of the thought of labour - so maybe their policy is just to steer them away from c section.

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HaPPy8 · 25/08/2014 18:31

Sometimes they suggest avoiding a planned c section if you go in to labour before 37 weeks because the risk of respiratory problems is greater for the baby than if born vaginally and they are are greater risk anyway due to the prematurity.

Original poster

forago · 25/08/2014 18:36

That makes sense HaPPy.

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Original poster

forago · 26/08/2014 02:22

Hi all well she had the baby last night of course! just under 4lb so little but doing well apparently, breathing on her own at the birth etc so little and a drama queen but looks like they are both ok - thanks all

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cupofsneeze · 26/08/2014 07:06

Congratulations to your friend, i'm glad it all went well

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