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Childbirth/Possibility of full term baby after 3 premature babies

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Expert: - 4/30/2009


Question
Hi there, I wondered if there were any cases that you've come across where a mum had a full term baby or babies after having premature babies. I have had 3 premature babies (37 weeks, 34 weeks and 32 weeks) all in that order. I'm having another one and would love to get an information on helping this little one grow to full term. Thank you.

Answer
Vanessa,

This really depends upon the reason for the prematurity in your other children.

It is entirely possible to have preterm babies followed by term babies or vice versa.

Every pregnancy is unique.  I've known mothers who had two premature babies followed by an overdue one.  

However, if you have a health condition or other contributing factor that caused the prematurity, then it may happen again if that same condition is present in this pregnancy.  If the prematurity was unexplained, then it doesn't necessarily mean it will happen again.



Best,
Catherine

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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