Born at 38 weeks - is this safe?

[emmalinewre]

Hi!
Medical reasons mean I may have to have a c-section this week (38 weeks and two days)

I'm worried delivering early may harm the baby in the long run.
Does anyone have any experience of this kind of term and whether baby is ok short and long term/needs NICU/meets milestones later on etc.

Thanks!

Yes. It is safe. Don't worry.

Babies are considered full term at 37 weeks. It’s fine.

Thanks. I read somewhere that it increases chance of breathing difficulties?
And possible special needs later in life?

I was born by c-section at 36 weeks, I’m absolutely fine 32 years later!

My ds was born at bang on 38 weeks via c section on October. Complexly healthy and no breathing issues. There's a slightly higher risk of breathing issues under 39 weeks via c section but it's still unlikely.

Special needs won't be because a child is born at 38+2.

One of mine was born bang on 37 weeks and she was small but healthy. She did however need oxygen at birth as she didn't take a breath but she's now a smart and sassy 12 year old. She is autistic but I don't believe this is anything to do with her early birth.

37 weeks is full term. I had my twins at 37 + 1. My daughter was 5lb 13 and didn't need SCBU. My son was 6lb 5 and was quite sick (chest infection) so he did need special care. Both of them are strong, well, healthy and about to take GCSEs (predicted all top grades). My first child was born at 40+3. He has ADHD, I suspect autism and has struggled his whole life. It's difficult to predict any difficulties but certainly birth dates, unless very premature, won't affect that much. You will learn to accept any issues, and you will always, always love.

37 weeks is considered full term
a baby being born at 38 weeks wouldn’t be considered premature - maybe early but there shouldn’t be any significant complications at that point

DS1 was born by c section at 34 weeks. I had a steroid injection the day before to help his lungs to finish developing. He is now a very strong, athletic 13 year old, with no developmental, respiratory or indeed any health issues at all. If I didn’t tell you, you’d never know he was premature.

My son was born at 36 weeks via c section. He wasn't in NiCU or anything. He is now a perfect big boy no issues. One thing doctors did though is give me injections to mature his lungs to prepare for early delivery.

Anything after 37 weeks is considered full term.

But your doctor will consider the risks of the c section on both your health and the baby’s. Any questions then ask them!

My son was born at 37 weeks, he was perfectly fine, but he did need some help with jaundice.

Classed as full term.

both of mine were c section at 36 weeks. Now 6 foot tall eating me out of the house healthy as horses.
I was home within 24 hours with my second 36 Weeker after my c section. Weighed only 5lbs 4 Oz to teeny.

Worrying over nothing, will be absolutely fine.

25 yrs ago they were routinely done in the 38th week , I reckon they’d have stopped sooner if the outcomes were poor .

I had both mine at 38 weeks on the dot - the first was induced but the second came of their own accord. No health issues and now aged 7 and 9 running around without a care in the world. Good luck OP, you’ll smash this x

Ds was a home birth at 37 weeks .all was fine. As said classedcas full term by then.

My lovely niece (now 5) was born at 30 weeks weighing 2lb 13oz and is now a lovely healthy, tall and clever girl.
Don't worry op 🫶 I'm sure your beautiful baby will be just fine xxx

If they were actually premature yes, but 38 weeks isn't premature.

Dd was born at 29 weeks and is 2 soon. As far as her consultant has said she’s amazing and doing brilliantly. She’s a little goblin though 😂

Never got beyond 37 weeks myself. Both absolutely fine (37 and 35 weeks). 35 week one is really tall! Both around 6 pounds

38 weeks is not early.

38 weeks is full term.

No one can guarantee anything, but of itself a 38w birth isn't something to worry about.

Both my boys were born spontaneously at 37+0 & 37-0 (ie just before midnight). No issues. Both now young adults.

38 weeks isn't 'early'.

I knew 3 babies born at this age, and they were all a little weak in the muscles at the back of their necks, which showed when they wriggled around on the floor. Their heads just sat at a slight different angle from 40+ babies. However, that is a known thing and can be fixed with physio exercises. None of the babies had any long term effects.

The other thing I noticed was that they weren't quite so chubby when they were born as the last weeks are mostly about storing up body fat, but they very quickly sorted that out after birth.

Good luck and I'm sure you baby will be the very best ever and absolutely lovely.