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Premature birth

Connect with others and find premature birth support.

Original poster

Early onset preeclampsia - impending delivery

34 replies

VividGemini · 05/05/2021 06:53

Not really sure what this post is for. I'm just the most frightened I've ever been in my life.

I'm 26 weeks pregnant today and in hospital for monitoring until they decide we can't wait any longer to deliver our baby. The baby's growth is restricted due to the failing placenta so there really isn't another option, but they don't need to deliver immediately (although will most certainly be today or in the next few days).

Just really not feeling ready - my husband and parents have been amazing but were not in a place to talk to friends about it right now, which is why I decided to name change.

Some positive experiences of those who have had very early premature babies would be very helpful for me. I understand not all outcomes could be positive.

OP posts:
zaffa · 05/05/2021 06:59

I don't have any advice but wanted to give you a big hug and hand hold x

NotMaryWhitehouse · 05/05/2021 07:20

Hi @VividGemini, I hope you're as ok as can be expected. It is SUCH a stressful time.

My baby was born at 30 weeks, and is such a little super star, no lasting complications at all (so far).

You will meet a lot of parents in the same position over the next few weeks, you may have nothing in common, but you will connect over this.

Take advantage of the amazing nurses, they will listen to you cry at 3am and keep your spirits up! Get on the hospital pumps and start expressing as soon as you are able, it will give you a focus and help you feel like you're doing something amazing for your baby.

There's no doubting it is very, very hard indeed, all I can say is that I am in touch with a couple of women who had babies born around that gestation and they are both doing ok. A few issues with eyes for one, but basically fine.

Please take it easy on yourself. We are so lucky to be in the UK where your baby will be given the very best opportunity to finish baking on the outside.

Also, once you have changed a nappy through an incubator door, you will be able to change one anywhere 😉

Heyha · 05/05/2021 07:25

My friend had a spontaneous labour at 23+6 and incredibly her child is now at school with only a minor health condition that at least one other (to term) child in her class will have. It was a rocky first 12 months for them but all has worked out well, I have my fingers crossed for you too.

Cocogreen · 05/05/2021 07:37

My girlfriend's baby was born at 26 weeks ( in 1992) due to her pre eclampsia and that baby turned 29 in January! He was 800g at birth, stayed in hospital until his due date. He's now a lawyer. Best of luck OP!

Naz2009 · 05/05/2021 07:38

If you're being monitored can they hold on to deliver as long as possible?
Not deliver right away. Can the preeclampsia be controlled with meds.

RandomMess · 05/05/2021 07:40

The steroids they give you make a huge positive difference to the outcome. My boss' baby was born at 27 weeks weighing a lb, although they didn't know for a long time but she is 100% fit and healthy and full of teen attitude.

Original poster
VividGemini · 05/05/2021 08:18

If you're being monitored can they hold on to deliver as long as possible?
Not deliver right away. Can the preeclampsia be controlled with meds.

Sadly not, the placenta is failing and the baby is not getting enough blood through the umbilical cord. Its basically not growing at all. It's a balancing act now of when to deliver, although this is now most certainly measured in days.

I'm stable now but my BP went up to 180/110, and I continue to have extremely high protein in my urine which means there is a problem with my kidneys.

Thank you all so much for the messages, its been so helpful 💞

OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 05/05/2021 08:21

Please don’t worry about your kidneys, I had the same thing, pre eclampsia, which turned into eclampsia after my daughter was delivered and then post natal renal failure. My kidneys made a total recovery.

The doctors know what they are doing and they have done this so many times before with babies at your stage . Please try not to worry. 💐

StylishMummy · 05/05/2021 08:23

I had my babies severely premature - my second was born at 27 weeks. If you're feeling up to it, ask to speak to the neonatal team, they can explain what will happen when baby is born so it's not such a shock. My heart goes out to you, you're in the best place for care and it sounds like they're monitoring you both closely Thanks

Original poster
VividGemini · 05/05/2021 08:25

@Bluntness100

Thank you. I know my baby is in the best hands and that the plan at the moment is the best one.

Just wish I felt more ready for the arrival! I know our baby will be in NICU and then HDU or similar until its reached the due date, but we haven't bought anything so far!

OP posts:
NotMaryWhitehouse · 05/05/2021 08:32

I highly recommend the tiny baby clothes at next, they are adorable and it will be something you can enjoy doing (although baby won't be ready for them for a while of course).

PP is quite right, the doctors do this all the time, they were so incredibly calm when my was delivered and when they were preparing me for my section.

Original poster
VividGemini · 05/05/2021 08:42

@NotMaryWhitehouse

Were you about to have a spinal block or GA for c section? I'm struggling with the aspect of losing some control over the delivery (and in general! I think I wound up the midwives yesterday when I was transferred because I had lots of questions and a few requests).

Doctors seem confident so far that I'll be able to have a spinal and be conscious but wondered what it was like for GA as well if you had that.

OP posts:
Original poster
VividGemini · 05/05/2021 08:42

Were you able**

OP posts:
NotMaryWhitehouse · 05/05/2021 09:11

I had a spinal and my husband just made it in time! A friend had a GA, but hers was a 'right now' situation, so hopefully you will avoid that.

Definitely don't be afraid to ask questions, especially of the doctors. It was ok really, a very strange feeling, but I felt very comfortable with the doctors. It was the shock before and afterwards that really got to me to be honest.

Take all the pain meds they offer and take it really slow afterwards- they will be able to take you through to the SCBU on a bed and then in a wheelchair for a little while afterwards, then you'll probably be able to wander to and from yourself once you're a bit more yourself.

It's a MAJOR operation so take all the help you can, both there and at home- I had to rely on lifts to and from the hospital once I was home because I didn't drive for five weeks, but I discovered people are very keen to help in any way the can.

DrR78 · 05/05/2021 13:19

I just wanted to wish you well, VividGemini. I was in your shoes ten years ago: in hospital from 24 weeks with failing placenta, tiny IUGR baby, and worsening preeclampsia. My DD was delivered by emergency c section at 27 weeks, 600g. It was a very, very rough time but she is now absolutely perfect - mentally and physically.

Don’t worry about buying clothes - your baby won’t wear clothes for the first few weeks. Maybe visit NICU ahead of the birth to prepare yourself for the environment. Bliss has an excellent website and parents’ handbook that you can order for free.

Tk789 · 05/05/2021 18:17

I was in your position a about week ago, however my preenclamsia developed in to HELLP syndrome. Like you I wasn't ready.
My DS was born at 30 weeks, I suggest speaking to the baby doctors, ask as many questions as you can.

Though my baby wasn't very early so far it has been positive, The steroid injections really helped developed his lungs. My baby is breathing by himself and stable, and putting on weight.

Original poster
VividGemini · 05/05/2021 21:55

Thanks all again for the messages, I've of course been spending time pestering the midwives and foetal medicine doctors.

They have cautiously started to talk about delivering in weeks rather than days, although they are still being realistic and it could be tomorrow dependent on what happens with baby.

At the moment there is still some blood flow from the placenta to the baby, but this could change quickly which is why there is uncertainty.

OP posts:
NotMaryWhitehouse · 07/05/2021 13:00

How are you today @VividGemini ?

Original poster
VividGemini · 07/05/2021 21:20

@NotMaryWhitehouse

So far so good! I'm stable and our baby is still getting some blood through the placenta. The initial shock has subsided now and my husband and I are feeling stronger and more confident. We know that we could be meeting our baby any day now, but hopefully we might be able to hold out a few more! 🤞

OP posts:
MindYourLanguage · 07/05/2021 21:28

I had a 28 weeker, pre-eclampsia and then full eclampsia. He was three months NICU and I was 2 weeks ICU. I have recovered fully apart from abnormal liver which comes and goes and my DS is currently in my dining room sitting his last video invigilated A-level - he has been predicted 3 As. Take care of yourself first, and take all the help you can get (Bliss and Tommies were amazing). BTW my 1lb 10oz premmie is now a six foot, healthy and beautiful boy!

NotMaryWhitehouse · 08/05/2021 02:35

That's great @VividGemini , every day baby is in there is a bonus! Have they given you steroids yet? Hope you're managing to get some sleep.

Original poster
VividGemini · 08/05/2021 04:21

@NotMaryWhitehouse

I had steroids when I first arrived, as we really did think baby (who we now know is likely a baby boy 💙) was going to have to come out as soon as I arrived. I'm getting more sleep than expected but managing my blood pressure has meant a few overnight meds, which is a bit disruptive!

OP posts:
Original poster
VividGemini · 10/05/2021 17:14

Just to update our lovely baby boy was born today (26+5), actual weight of 2lb which we were pleasantly surprised with. He's gorgeous and although he requires a bit of help with breathing, the team are quite happy with his progress so far. Thank u all for your support.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 10/05/2021 17:17

Congratulations 🥳 Thanks

DrR78 · 10/05/2021 20:20

Good weight! Congrats and well done! Wishing you all the very best for the weeks ahead.

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