Planning for pregnancy after two preterm births

[Ashrat]

Hi guys, I have two kids who were born premature (both boys 13 and 4 years old). DS1 was born at 30 weeks due to placenta abruption while in the second pregnancy I gave birth at 31weeks + 5 days from infection and rupture of membrane. During the first pregnancy, I went to labour suddenly after having heavy bleeding at 30 weeks (the baby was born via c section) however, the second pregnancy was very difficult even though I was being monitored as a high risk pregnancy... I was on baby aspirin and complete bed rest but had heavy bleeding at 12 weeks, then frequent contractions starting from 23 weeks, and started bleeding from 30 weeks again so had to be hospitalised and given antibiotics until I gave birth (natural birth with epidural this time). Thanks God they are both healthy now and we are so gratefull for this but DH always wanted to have a girl as well . We are so scared to go through this again specially with our history of preterm births being one of the main risk factors...one thing I want to mention is that I was suffering from depression and was not eating well (was underweight) for a long time including my first pregnancy and 2 years prior to my second pregnancy, but currently I am in a healthy weight range 21 bmi, have got treatment for depression, been eating well and taking elevit constantly for around 2 years now just in a hope to prepare my body in case there is chance of having another child. I visited a very good maternal fetal specialist as well and he said I can try but considering my history, there is always risk of it happening again....considering my age(37 years old) and the situation with COVID I'm scared even more. Just wanted to get opinions of you guys out there and see if anyone had successfull pregnancy with a history of pretem birth? I really appreciate your opinoin and experiences you had. Thanks!

I was thinking about asking the same. I had an ED for years, and was still there when pregnant with my DD. She came around 6 weeks early, but I was in/out of labour from week 31. It turned out that it was caused by dehydration, undereating and too much exercise. I am currently in my first trimester of a second pregnancy, and I am so determined not to have another NICU baby, but I really don't know how my body will react to this one, and honestly I am scared of it happening again. I'd say the fact that you are healthy now is a very positive sign. I am the same, and making the lifestyle changes pre pregnancy is hopefully enough to change things.

I had 2 preterms 32 and 34 weeks no actual reason both spontanious labour my 3rd was born 2 days before due date

@madeleine85 I wish you all the best with your pregnancy as you mentioned hydration, proper eating and rest/relaxation are important factors which decrease the risk of preterm labour. I know it is a stressful situation but please take care of yourself and look forward to having full term birth this time

That is amazing @Tesoroxx! I am so happy for you thanks so much for sharing your experience it gave me so much hope....

I have a friend whose first was born around 29 weeks (iirc), helicoptered to bigger hospital, nicu, etc. that was placental abruption. Her second, around five years later, was full term. I believe she had some extra monitoring but all was fine.

My first baby was born at 28 weeks and my second was full term 5 years later but I had to do a lot of work on my health before attempting to conceive second time. I had a thyroid condition that went undiagnosed in first pregnancy. Defo look into that as a lot of my mum friends from the nicu also discovered they had thyroid issues post premature delivery. Another thing you could investigate is hormones. I had to supplement progesterone in second pregnancy as I discovered I was deficient in it. Best of luck.