Lung maturity...silly question

[SoCalTricia]

Okay, so after yesterday's elation because this pregnancy is almost over, today I'm nervous that the lungs won't be mature enough to induce and I'll be disappointed. Does anyone know what percentage of babies have mature lungs at 36 weeks? I'm just hoping hoping hoping that this baby's lungs are okay to be born!

Tricia

[YvetteY]

Not sure if this helps any for your issue concerning lung maturity....but I was watching something on discovery health channel...Maternity Ward and the woman in labor was exactly 36 weeks. She'd gone into labor, but they didn't do an amnio on her.  The doctor, however, was saying that most babies will have lung maturity at 36 weeks....so that sounds to me like a bit over the 50% mark.    Just thought I'd let you know.  

[SoCalTricia]

Yeah, I don't think they put them in NICU unless the lungs aren't mature. And if the lungs aren't mature, they wouldn't induce. So I'm not really worried about that part! And, really, why would the lungs NOT be okay? My son, like I said, was born at 36 weeks, 4 days and he was absolutely fine. He had jaundice, which is apparently common in 1) induced babies 2) early babies and 3) boys. But it wasn't a huge deal.

You are definately correct...that light at the end of the tunnel is very encouraging! (I'm just praying it's not an oncoming train! LOL!)

As for the furniture and all...I'm TOTALLY ready. Room is decorated, clothes are washed and put away, got a good stock of diapers and wipes and blankets, got the car seat...now we just need a baby to put in there!

[YvetteY]

Oh no problem I completely understand.  I was taken aback with the news when my OB told me and of course I didn't think of questions until I was on the drive home.  When I called and asked the nurse the same question you posted, she said oh you need to ask the doctor that on your next visit (7/7).   Great!!   I asked the question again to my ins companies Healthy Pregnancy Program and they told me ....every babies different.  They did say that the little girls mature faster than the little boys.  From research I've been doing it looks like it's going to be a coin toss as to the lungs being mature at that point.  

I was really starting to freak out because I thought baby would have to be in intensive care unit and that the baby wouldnt' be able to suck.  I didn't like the idea of IVs and not going home with the baby.   But it seems this situation is quite common and most women who have to do this go home with their babies and it looks like most of them get good amnio results at 36 weeks.  

In any event i did like the idea of getting 4 weeks shaved off my waiting time.   My husband's been procrastinating and we don't have the any baby furniture.   I don't even have the bassinett.  I've got all the little things, but that's it!  

Anyway's I will be watching for your posts.   Sounds like you will find out the results for you amnio before you go in...please post yay or nay!!    

maybe i mentioned this....they said they're doing amnio in the AM on me on Sat 8/8 and then they'll do the C/S that night if the lungs are mature.   I'm not sure what I'll be doing between the amnio and the C/S.  I hope I'm not lying in the hospital or something like that!    

It sure is good to see a light at the end of the tunnel, huh!!

[SoCalTricia]

Yes, Yvette...you understood my question. I am scheduled for an amnio on July 8. If the lungs are mature, they'll induce July 10. And I SO HOPE that two weeks from today I'll be holding this little dude. I've just started mentally preparing myself, I guess, for the disappointment if the first amnio shows that his lungs aren't ready. And, yes, same as you, they said if they aren't ready, they'll do another amnio on the 15th of July. However, my concern - and my OB's - at that point is that he'll just have another week to get bigger. I don't want to end up with a c-section, and I don't want to go through another two hours of hard pushing because the baby is stuck at the shoulders (like with my son). I just feel like I don't have the energy or the emotional strength for that again! So, I've gotten myself worked up over the idea that I need to seriously consider a c-section if the lungs aren't okay in two weeks. That's what the OB said - to weigh the risks and benefits of vaginal vs. c-section if I have to wait until 37 weeks. My son was born at 36 weeks, 4 days and he was already 8.5 lbs and his shoulders and chest were HUGE. And I didn't have GD that time! So...I'm kind of a mess right now. And I know I'm rambling. :::sigh::: Sorry, gals. :-/

Tricia

[mlb1234]

I bet you will be fine since 37 weeks is considered full term.  Best of luck - those last few weeks are so hard!!

[YvetteY]

Hi Tricia....I got the same news from my OB doctor too.  At 36 weeks they want to check for fetal maturity with amnio.  If lungs are mature then that they'll take baby.   I interpreted your questions a bit differently than there other ladies.  I thought you were wanted to know what is the likliness that the amnio results with show that the baby's lungs are mature.  I've got the same question.   The nurse said it's hard to tell every baby's different....good answer huh!  

I was also told by my OB that the GD works against the lung maturity.  But if you've good BG levels and it's been under control I can't imagine that it'd be an issue.  I was also told that if the lungs weren't mature they'd wait a little bit more and do another amnio.  OB said worse case scenario is that baby would have to be in NICU for a week.   Not that I want baby to be in NICU, but I'd rather have her there than in a casket.  


Unfortunately I don't ahve a percentage for you, I would certainly like to know if you find one.  But I think you've got a good chance at the lungs being mature when they do the amnio, especially since your baby is bigger.   Mine's still a little peewee...so maybe the NICU thing was just specific to me.

They didn't mention anything to me about giving me steroids to help with lung maturity.   Did they mention anything to you???   I read somewhere that it was pointless after a certain period of time.

[rdh1981]

I thought that is why they were going to do the amino??? The amino will be able to tell your doctor if your baby's lungs are fully developed.  I seriously doubt they will induce with doing the amino.  

36 is pretty close to fully baked, so I am sure there will be no problems at all!!!!!!

Yay, we are so close to the end!!!!!!

[adgal]

I also don't know the answer, but wanted to let you know I am cheering you on!  I am sure all is going to be just fine!!  XO

[Tanker Chic]

I don't know the answer to your question, but my son was born at 36wk6d and he did not require any special care.. he was a little skinny so they had to monitor his temp closely, but that was it.. he stayed in my room with me at the hospital and came home with me..

best of luck.. i'm sure everything will be perfect..  

[PamelaBee]

It seems to vary anywhere from 32-38wks.  Every baby is different.  I receive weekly email pregnancy updates from several baby websites, that say "If your baby were born now, etc"  and at 36 wks most babies are fully developed, that is, if there are no serious problems or complications with Mom or baby.  The percentage of babies born needing little to no medical assistance (oxygen for lungs) at 36wks looks extremely high/positive.  In short, I would say he will be just fine.  Pam