(This information is from March of Dimes "Why Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait")
More and more births are being scheduled a little early for non-medical reasons. Experts are learning that this can cause problems for both mom and baby. If possible, it's best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks. If your pregnancy is healthy, wait for labor to begin on its own.
Babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born later. Being pregnant 39 weeks gives your baby's body all the time it needs to grow.
Here's why your baby needs 39 weeks: Important organs, like the brain, lungs and liver, get the time they need to develop. Your baby is less likely to have vision and hearing problems after birth. They have time to gain more weight in the womb. Babies born at a healthy weight have an easier time staying warm than babies born too small. They can suck and swallow and stay awake long enough to eat after they are born. Babies born early sometimes can't do these things.
What questions can you ask your provider about scheduling your baby’s birth? If you’re planning to schedule your baby’s birth, print out this article and take it with you to your next prenatal care checkup. Ask these questions as they pertain to your specific situation.
If your doctor or CNM suggests or recommends:
-that you have your baby before 39 weeks, ask:
· Is there a problem with my health or the health of my baby that may make me need to have my baby early?
· Can I wait to have my baby until I’m closer to 39 weeks?
-inducing labor, ask:
· Why do you need to induce labor?
· How will you induce my labor?
· Will inducing labor increase the chance that I’ll need to have a c-section?
-having a c-section, ask:
· Why do I need to have a c-section?
· What problems can a c-section cause for me and my baby?
· Can I have a vaginal birth in future pregnancies?
The March of Dimes Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait®™ education campaign and obstetric provider groups advise that you wait until at least 39 weeks to induce labor or have a c-section if it is needed. Wait this long unless there are medical problems that make it necessary to have your baby earlier. To learn more about Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait®™ visit www.marchofdimes.com.
~Merry, Baby Basics Moms Club of Virginia Project Coordinator
.
More and more births are being scheduled a little early for non-medical reasons. Experts are learning that this can cause problems for both mom and baby. If possible, it's best to stay pregnant for at least 39 weeks. If your pregnancy is healthy, wait for labor to begin on its own.
Babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born later. Being pregnant 39 weeks gives your baby's body all the time it needs to grow.
Here's why your baby needs 39 weeks: Important organs, like the brain, lungs and liver, get the time they need to develop. Your baby is less likely to have vision and hearing problems after birth. They have time to gain more weight in the womb. Babies born at a healthy weight have an easier time staying warm than babies born too small. They can suck and swallow and stay awake long enough to eat after they are born. Babies born early sometimes can't do these things.
What questions can you ask your provider about scheduling your baby’s birth? If you’re planning to schedule your baby’s birth, print out this article and take it with you to your next prenatal care checkup. Ask these questions as they pertain to your specific situation.
If your doctor or CNM suggests or recommends:
-that you have your baby before 39 weeks, ask:
· Is there a problem with my health or the health of my baby that may make me need to have my baby early?
· Can I wait to have my baby until I’m closer to 39 weeks?
-inducing labor, ask:
· Why do you need to induce labor?
· How will you induce my labor?
· Will inducing labor increase the chance that I’ll need to have a c-section?
-having a c-section, ask:
· Why do I need to have a c-section?
· What problems can a c-section cause for me and my baby?
· Can I have a vaginal birth in future pregnancies?
The March of Dimes Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait®™ education campaign and obstetric provider groups advise that you wait until at least 39 weeks to induce labor or have a c-section if it is needed. Wait this long unless there are medical problems that make it necessary to have your baby earlier. To learn more about Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait®™ visit www.marchofdimes.com.
~Merry, Baby Basics Moms Club of Virginia Project Coordinator
.
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