Think I'm pregnant.....

[jerin]

My 32 weeker is now 9 months and I think I'm pregnant.
Just wondering how likely a second premmie is and whether I'm likely to get any extra ante natal care?

Congratulations jerin. What were the circumstances of your last prem birth? Know from friends who've had a prem birth and gone on to have other babies that they get the steriod injections to mature the baby's lungs early, just in case. I've seen both sides - some have gone onto have full-term babies, some have delivered early again.

Hi Jerin and congrats.

I had my DTDs at 27 weeks - but DD3 went to 39+5. So you definately can go all the way.

As for extra care - I saw a specialist in premature birth between about 16-30wks. I had lots of internal scans to check the conditin of my cervi in that time. Also lots of swabs to check fro (usually) innoculus vaginal infections and UTIs. Not very pleasent but very reassuring.

I think the cut-off for that treatment at my hospital was if you had a previous pre 32wk labour - so not sure what side of the cut-off you would fall. Your MW will advise you at your booking appointment.

Thanks...just needed some reassurances. Got a BFP this morning but difficult to get excited as I'm worried.
DS just arrived - I had no warning - a few pains and niggles - hospital asked me to go in to check for water infection - waters burst on way - ds arrived an hour later. I will definitely push for extra care.... DS was 31+6 so may qualify if the cut off is 32wks. Plus they are quite close together - dont even want to think about how I'll cope!! Plus I'm not back at work yet and will be telling them I'm pregnant on my first day back!!

You think that's bad. One of my friend's had tell work she qualified for maternity for her 4th before the maternity for her 3rd had even ended!! She never even made it back to work.

I became quite friendly with a woman when I was hospitalised who'd had 3 pre-term babies and she said the first was the worst because she didn't know what to expect. Also the hospital gave much more care in later pregnancies because of the history.

Good luck anyway. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you xx

Thanx Beachbunni....... feel bad that I'm not excited?? Worried I'm silly for getting pregnant again so soon after a premmie and that'll put this one even more at risk. Just I'm getting on and we wanted them quite close.... Not even wanting to think about how I'll cope day to day!!

Congratulations jerin. I'm 28 weeks now, my daughter was born at 32+4 after my waters ruptured at 32+2.

The only difference in my antenatal care is that I've been seen at hospital by doctor every 4 weeks rather than by community midwife. After my next hospital check at 32 weeks they wont see me again and will leave me with midwives as 32 weeks plus is no longer a concern as far as baby goes.

As DontNeedAnything said, I was told that the cut off is 32 weeks or I would have had internal scans to check my cervix.

I asked exactly the same question as you when I found out I was pregnant (just scroll down in the prem section to find 'How likely is a second premature birth'). Got lots of nice replies but nothing conclusive. Hospital have also been vague and non-commital, will have to wait and see in 4 weeks time!

Good luck

Congratulations Caramelbunny..... good luck. How old is your DD now?
I havent even called doctors yet to make booking in appointment but will do soon.

Will def press for extra care and with them being so close I think this is an extra risk.
Will let you know how I get on.. Did speak to the doctor at my 6 week check - well my 4 month check - and she did say I may get consultant led care but she was very vague. Not entirely sure my community midwife didnt cause DS to arrive early so would feel much better seeing someone else.

Depending on the reason for a premature birth I'm not sure there's always anything that can be done to eliminate the risk entirely. I guess that's why they are vague.

'may get consultant led care' This makes me a bit . You should definately get this - you are a high risk birth. (I don't mean to scare you, it's just a name for when women have had problem births in the past) - but I'd ask again and again until you get it.

Where do you live?

I live in Bournemouth and with my DS, after 26 week DD, I had excellent care. I saw a consultant every 4 weeks from about 20 weeks to 34 weeks. They gave me some meds for keeping the womb soft, to try and prevent premature labour, and regular tests for infections, just in case it was that which led to my early one.

There was no known reason for my prem birth, so (in the words on one registrar) they threw everything they had at me.

DS born only 4 days early .

My daughter will be 2 in November jerin and she's fine. She was discharged by the hospital at her 18 month check as they are pleased with her development. I am getting organised for this baby though and have been packing my hospital bag this week. Just know I'll be sat here overdue then have to push out a baby weighing over twice as much as my daughter did!

Hope your care is good this pregnancy.

Ahhh...Caramelbunny it's such a relief when they get signed off from the hospital - my DS was signed of at 8 months and he's doing really well. I dont blame you for getting organised - I have already vowed to pack by bag by 24 weeks. Wasnt done in time for DS and DP brought me in all sorts of weird and wonderful clothes for wearing. Not to mention all my best underwear!! I had tightfitting tops, dresses, evena beach dress/boob tube thing!! As my due date arrived I was kind of relieved, in a funny sort of way, that I didnt have the apprehension of it all! I know someone who had an 11lb baby with only gas and air - I was looking at my 11lb 4 month old when she told!!
Good luck xx

AuntieBranflake - I am under Sussex and Surrey. There was no reason for my DS prem birth - none that they could find. Just knowing what care others have had helps as I can ask for it. Thanks