27 weeks 100% effaced

Hi,

I am writing this for a friend of mine.  She is pregnant with twins and was just placed on bedrest because she is 100% effaced and 1cm dialated.  The doctors have her at home on medication to control the contractions and she is only to get up to use the restroom.  How many weeks is it possible for her to get to before delivery.  She has made it from 26 to 27.  I am just very concerned for her because I had a preemie and it was scary and very difficult.  She doesn't even use the computer so I am posting this to find out for her.  Has anyone had a similar experience?  Thanks.

[pearl451]

Iwas also put on bedrest at 27 weeks. I was having pre mature contractions & had to take meds every 4 hours. I was told when I hit 32 weeks I could get up & move around but no activity & at 36 weeks I was pretty much out of the woods. I delivered at 38 weeks. I know it is different for twins though. I would say they should put her in the hosp. for the rest of her preg. just to be sure.

[disneymom2]

I have never had this experience but I have seen several T.V shows where a woman with multiples was placed on bed rest.  I have seen a woman on bed rest for several weeks.  But while it is possible to be on bed rest for several weeks, it all depends on if they can continue to stop the contractions.  If they can't then they have no choice but to deliver.  It's a waiting game.

[disneymom2]

....but 27 weeks isn't bad at all.  You know now a days they are saying a baby born at 24 weeks has a really good chance. 27 weeks can only be better.  I have a co-worker who's baby was 3 months early and she's perfectly fine.  I'm sure your friend is following doctors orders and that's the best thing.  Even if she does end up finishing out in the hospital that will still be good because she'll be getting 24 hour care.  Hang in there and keep her company!

[workingmom4]

my dd was born at 24 weeks.  she wears glasses, but no other problems.  she is quite the miracle...after 28 weeks, if i remember right, your chances of no disabilities really goes down.  after 32 weeks, you have really good chances.  she just needs to make sure that she is close to a NICU.  if she is in a small town with a small hospital, maybe think of getting closer to a larger hospital.  i know this can be an impossible task. have her talk to her dr. if this is a problem.  there are people to help/ ie) ronald mcdonald house, childrens miracle network, etc.  maybe contact the march of dimes organization.  i wish your friend luck.  its possible she might make it to 38 weeks and they will have to induce.  :)  wonders never cease!

[Christina McCurdy]

I was put on bedrest at 24 weeks, and my son was delivered at 30 weeks, I had SEVERAL steroid shots, they are not fun.
My son made it through just fine, he was very smart and was not delayed at all. Hope this helps.
XOXOXO
CHRISTINA

[meikman]

I am wondering why she isn't in the hospital where she could get complete monitoring and immediate help if needed?  Has she had the steriod shots to help with lung development?  With my son when I was admitted we weren't sure how long I would be there but they wanted me to get the steriod shots right away.  They give the first then the second 24 hours later they gave me the second 12 hours later.  I was told that it didn't matter if I deliver this week or 5 weeks later that the medicine would do the job and that I wouldn't need a repeat.

I don't know what state you are in and I believe this site to follow is for Indiana resident but you could look into it.  It has good info.  It is "JT's Hand.org"  I believe Hand was or is a Colts player and His wife Tanya runs the website.

Give her support and help her to stay calm.  The longer the baby cooks the better.  NICU is never fun and I still find myself reliving it as silly as that may seem.

[twinsmommy]

Long function starts at 26 weeks I believe, but every day extra helps and the steroid shots are a good idea as well.
I just wanted to say that my dr. told me that, if anything, twins are under more stress because they have "to fight" for their space and she told me this is a good thing for their development.
Also, until about 28 weeks, there is usually space enough in your belly so they should be as big as a singleton at this stage. Maybe this helps put your friend a little bit at ease. But I hope she'll make it a couple more weeks!
I think I would also ask the dr. to put me in the hospital if I lived far away as someone suggested. I think just knowing that you are being monitored closely and you have a team at hand in case you need an emergency C-section and the NICU around the corner will help you relax a little bit.

[workingmom4]

YES, good comment above, have her ask about the steroids shots.  the lungs are one of the last things to finish develope and they need every bit of help they can get.

[luv_babies]

Thanks workingmom4, I forgot to add that, she was also on steriod shots to help develop the lungs.

[luv_babies]

A co-worker od mine, his wife went into premature labor at 23 weeks with twins. She was on bedrest at home. She delivered them at 29 weeks. They are doing really well right now. Lilly came home about a month ago and Jack just came home two weeks ago. I hope everything is good with your friend.

[Ninnity39]

Hi,

Thanks everyone for the posts.  She did have the shots for lung development.  I thought she only got one set of shots, but I might be wrong.  They are saying the boy is about 2lb 14 oz and the girl is about 2 lbs 5 oz.  So they are a good size.  I'm not sure why tehy haven't put her in the hospital.  We live in PA so I am not sure what the rules are here.  She said taht the doctors said she would pretty much be doing the same thing at home as the hospital.  I don't agree.  I think she would be safer at the hospital.  She takes medicine to control the contractions right now but I know she feels like  atime bomb.  It is so good to here that some people make it 6 weeks or more.  My daughter was born at 32 weeks and was in the NICU for a few weeks.  It was so upsetting.  I am praying she makes it to atleast 32 weeks.  This is her first pregnancy and she tried for a year and a half. They really want to be parents.  Her fear is that she will lose one or both.  She is very depressed.  She doesn't want any company or phone calls.  It is really tough cause I am very concerned. Thanks so much.

[Christinag]

I had my baby 3 months early he weighed 1lbs13oz hes doing alot better,Hes on and off the cpap because he was having spells where he would forget to breath but they said its nothing to worry aboth they where minor.hes weighs 2lbs4oz now and there feeding him 16cc.They didnt give me steroids so your friends baby lungs should be strong.
I whish her the best of luck and out prayes are w/ her

[Christinag]

I had my baby 3 months early he weighed 1lbs13oz hes doing alot better,Hes on and off the cpap because he was having spells where he would forget to breath but they said its nothing to worry aboth they where minor.hes weighs 2lbs4oz now and there feeding him 16cc.They didnt give me steroids so your friends baby lungs should be strong.
I whish her the best of luck and out prayes are w/ her

[Cheyenne_08]

I was 100% effaced and dialated to one at 27 weeks. After 3 days in the hospital, I was sent home on complete bed rest. 4 days later, I had a check up at the doctors and was dialated to 4, so I was placed on hospitalized bed rest and monitored very close. I had a c-section at 31 weeks after they found the cord around his neck 6 times. Did they mention giving her the steroid shots just in case she goes into labor???

[Cheyenne_08]

Ha Ha Ha....I just read that the initial question was from 2006....guess my question doesn't matter...lol