DD was born at 35 weeks - what to expect in the future

[FrozenNorth]

DD was born suddenly at 35 weeks about two weeks ago. She was 5lb 8oz and didn't spend any time on SCBU - it was threatened at one point during her hospital stay, but never materialised. We are very fortunate that we were able to go home after two nights on postnatal. She's breastfeeding well and gaining weight.

My question is, what should I expect in terms of milestones? Is it likely that she will be later to smile, control head etc.? My first DD got to 38 weeks but was IUGR (born at 5lb 1oz) and as far as I remember was about on-time with the milestones, but the paed stressed to me that prematurity was a different scenario. Unfortunately I didn't really get any more of an indication of what to expect.

DD is rather sleepy and slightly jaundiced, but she looks less yellow every day and is getting more alert. I guess I'm a little concerned that it might all start going pear-shaped further down the road: contributions from anyone with any ideas or experience of this kind of prematurity very much welcomed. Thank you in advance!

[ThatDamnDog]

This is probably irrelevant to you just now but it has always impressed me that my 25 year old colleague, who was born at 32 weeks, is one of the most practical, quick-thinking, fit and healthy individuals I know. Absolutely amazing :)

Good luck and congratulations!

[pastmaster]

Many congrats! My DS was born at 34+5 21 weeks ago weighing 5lb 1oz. He had just one night on SCUBU and then we were home three days later, although bounced back in as he was jaundiced. Like you, I didn't feel as though I could get a straight answer about the development stuff, but so far he seems to be about a month behind: we therefore treat him as a four month old rather than a five. I will not begin weaning until he is seven months old.
I actually found the delay very hard in someways. After a tough six weeks with DD1, with little sleep, I was at least rewarded with a beautiful smiling face when she saw me, however with DS2 I had to wait 11 weeks any such reaction. Plus, he was extremely sensitive to his surroundings for a long time, which somewhat restricted what or where I could go. This wouldn't have been so much of a problem if I didn't also have a four year old girl!
BTW, my first was induced at 40 + 15 days, while the second took it upon himself to pop out early after my waters ruptured. Each and every time can be different I guess.

[puglet123]

Congratulations!! Both my DC were prem - DS was born at 35 weeks - weighed 4lb 7oz and DD was born at 32 weeks and weight 3lb 5oz. Apart from being small (although I'm not very tall), they have met all their markers and are now happy healthy 6 and 4 year olds. Don't worry about it - just try to relax and enjoy your DD. :)

[SmilerJane]

hi there.. Our DD was born 11th june @34wk weighing 4lb 14.. No scbu time home 4 days later.. I have been slightly worried of this also and have no1 but my DP who understands.. Shes 12wk now.. Re-calculated age 6wk old now... Smiled at 8wk (actual age) but re-cal age was only 2wks.. apparently we should go from her birth due date not her actual birth date!

to reassure you tho that my DP has 2 DC from a previos relationship born 34wks and 31wks and they are both very clever and doin really great (ages 4 and 6 now)
So i am not worried but the only thing i struggle with is what MollyO said.... Its harder knowing what my other 2 DC were like with milestones and other DC her age bein much bigger etc..

I am trying not to worry as she'll grow at her own pace and theres nothing you can do but enhjoy them bein lil babies longer than the average term baby lol..

T care

[escorchio]

DD1 is now almost 11 and was born at 35 weeks. We were told over and over that there might be problems, and she is now top of her class in everything, musical, and sporty. I honestly think now that any problems she has were because we worried so much when she was tiny. She was desperately collicky though, which was a complete nightmare, and with hindsight, and the benefit of a further two DCs, I wish I pushed for some reflux medication - she threw up everywhere!

Congratulations!

[sharbie]

DD now 13 and born at 35 wks weighing 5lb 14oz - all milestones fine and no problems with regard to birth date at all.Think prem was classified then as being 34 weeks or earlier and 5lb 8oz or lighter - she was in scbu for a few hours but this was due to another medical problem not related to her (pre) maturity ifyswim, so in addition to the early ish birth she had other obstacles, if you like, to overcome as well and managed fine.

Congratulations