Possible preemie

Hey so at 28w they spoke to me about possible fetal growth restriction since my daughter was on the small side and had me come in twice a week for ultrasound/nsts. I also had to do an echo because they couldn’t see her heart either. it was like this for another 7 weeks and they scheduled my induction for 37 weeks but when I hit 36 they did an ultrasound and wanted me to go to labor and delivery for my induction because they said my placenta was damn near dead and I wasn’t doing anything to provide nutrition for her so the best thing to do was to let her cook a little more on the outside. she was in nicu 4 days before initial discharge, then went back after her first pediatrician appt for another 3-4 days and was able to come home after. It’s just best to start preparing early

Honestly I don’t think there’s anything you can do to prepare besides being open and talking about the idea that you may have a preemie. My first was 28 weeks and 5 days. I went to my 28 week appointment levels were elevated. They wanted to monitor the oxygen and blood flow. It wasn’t doing well and I was admitted. I made it 5 days before emergency c section. But I don’t think there is a thing I could have done prior to prepare. All the baby stuff in the room waited cause he didn’t come home till he was 2 months old. And the shock of hearing you are delivering at 28 weeks will be there even if it’s happened before. Like my second around 28 weeks they were like oh she is small we are gonna start monitoring you again. And I was not prepared to hear that she came at 40 weeks but I was seen every week from 28 weeks on.

I unexpectedly went into preterm labor at 26w 5d and delivered at 27w 3d. We don't exactly know what caused this, but I have some things to share. My baby's lungs were quite underdeveloped, and she is now 11w old and still in the NICU on oxygen support. So please be aware that you may have a lengthy NICU stay. I thankfully delivered at a hospital specifically known for their NICU. I would look to see if given the option where to deliver which hospital has a better rated NICU to try and avoid a possible transport. Since you have some awareness that you may have the baby early, keep a go bag packed ASAP. I had nothing but my phone and keys on me when I was admitted. Honestly I would keep it in the car ready to go. I hope you stay pregnant a while longer, but if you don't please know that modern medicine is amazing. Sending you positive energy for a healthy baby!

I’m in UK so probably slightly different care, and I’m type one diabetic, not just GD. But my second was estimated quite big and around 33weeks my insulin requirements begun to drop which can normally indicate that placenta is starting to struggle. I was induced at 34+4 and she was born 34+5. She was 6lb 11 born so we avoided NICU until she got ill 10 days later (winter babies) but nothing could have prepared us for anything.

I don’t have any advice for this situation but sending love and hugs to you mama I know it’s scary ❤️ also the subreddit NICU parents has such a trove of knowledge and resources definitely check it out!!

I had slow growth around 28 weeks. There was no real reason for it that they knew and I passed my GD and preeclampsia screenings no problem. Then at my 32 week appointment my BP was alarmingly high (I have a history of migraines and had one that day, so I figured that was the reason). They had me checked again that evening. It was still bad so I stayed overnight in the hospital. I was diagnosed with pre-e and sent home on BP medication. Monitored at home for a week and then ended up hospitalized again for a whole week before being induced at 34 weeks. There are only 2 things I would say as far as preparation. One, I went from a low risk pregnancy to a high risk one overnight. I could not for the life of me find a single OB/GYN who would take on a high risk pregnancy. During the week I monitored at home, I had no doctor as my previous one dropped me as soon as I got diagnosed with pre-e. No one to call if issues arose or just to ask questions of. That sucked. The hospital was my only option.

So I would say if you have a possibility of that happening make sure your doctor is one who can handle whatever happens before it happens. Two, be mentally prepared for a NICU stay. It sounds like you have family who can help with that. Having it be a surprise just increases the stress. Our nursery wasn't even set up yet when I had to go to the hospital. That meant I didn't get to help put it together at all. I'm sad I missed that. So do those kind of things early just to be prepared. Praying for you!

There’s no telling. I had to deliver my babies at 31 weeks and 2 days due to preeclampsia. Please please please have someone advocating for you when you can’t. Check your blood pressure often. Ask about magnesium drip if you have to deliver due to preeclampsia to avoid seizures. Even if you aren’t prepared hospitals have what you need. Premies stay and mom goes home so you will eventually have time to prepare for baby to come home. Praying you go to term and have a health pregnancy, delivery and baby.