Possible 36 week delivery, hospital has no NICU

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I'm looking for input from both L&D and NICU nurses. I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant with my 3rd, and home on strict bedrest due to contractions. Had two trips to L&D in the last few weeks with frequent Braxton Hicks (>15/hr the first time, >20/hr the second). The first time I was sent home after a negative fFN, the second after 2L of LR and 2 doses of terb. I should add I have had two c-sections, the first vertical d/t spina bifida/hydrocephalus in my son. My second son was born via emergency c-section at exactly 37 weeks after they were unable to stop my contractions with terb and he started having decels. The hospital I will be delivering at has no NICU, although they can deal with minor complications, I'm just not sure what (will be asking at my next appt). My husband and I have talked about this, and would still like to deliver at my original hospital, if my little man (yes, ANOTHER boy) gets transferred, my husband will go with him. I also cannot take Procardia d/t low BP (often 80s/40s at rest normally). I'm sorry this is so long, just wanted to make sure you had all the facts and background I could give you. I'm just wanting any input you all can give me on what to expect if I go before 37 weeks or if baby needs transferred. I know all babies are different. I'm not looking for sugar coating. I need facts on what you have encountered in your careers. My doc seems comfortable with a 36 week delivery if it happens. What are your thoughts? I'm an Oncology nurse, don't know nothing 'bout no babies!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I'm sorry, we cannot give medical advice.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

That said, every 36-weeker is different. Many do just fine. Mine had to spend a week on a vent. Boys tend to do worse than girls.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

The best way to get these facts are to speak with your physician, not an anonymous message board where anyone from the general public can respond by posing as a health care professional.

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Specializes in Labor & Deliery.

Per allnurses.com terms of service, we cannot give medical advice or help you make medical decisions for you or your baby.

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My daughter was a 36 weeker and needed an overnight stay in NICU for a little O2. She graduated to the regular nursery and went home the day after I did. THAT was a rough night, I'll tell you!! Since the folks here can't give out medical advice, I'll give you an idea of how to get some. Yes, you can call your doctors office, but another place to try is your insurance carrier. Most of them have a nurse advice line now, many are 24 hour. They can really be extremely helpful and comforting and offer some insight and peace. Many prayers for a happy, healthy boy and an easy delivery!

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I'm not looking for medical advice, I'm following my doctors advice and have already made the choice to stay at my hospital even without the NICU. I'm just interested in what you who work in this field have seen. I know best and worst case scenarios, and have been a NICU mom once already. I'm just one who does better with more information. I'm very comfortable with my doctor and my choices, but the more ideas I have about what I may be able to expect, the calmer I am about it all. When my oldest was diagnosed with spina bifida, I did as much research as I could, including speaking with parents and other nurses, as well as meeting with many different doctors. I'm just someone who likes to know as much as I can, including real life stories. And watch, after all this worry, I'll make it to my scheduled section with no further problems! Hey, one can hope!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Well, like I said, every baby is different. Some have no problems, some do. Girls do better than boys. White babies do worse than AA or Latino babies. Every late preterm baby needs additional lactation support, including pumping in addition to breastfeeding until the baby reaches at least 40 weeks adjusted age.

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Breastfeeding is one of my concerns, but at least this is #3. My first wouldn't nurse until he was six weeks old, I pumped and bottlefed.him until then, although my supply was always on the low side. My second was a slow eater, he was the 37 weeker, so it wasn't a surprise. He usually took about 45 minutes to eat, and we just gave him the extra time. He got the hang of it at about a month old. One of the reasons I'm staying at this particular hospital is that they are one of only four in the state of Florida that is designated baby friendly. And the LC there is amazing. She helped me out even with my first, and was born at a different hospital.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Gotta go with your comfort level. Some 36 weekers are good to go, others not so much, and we don't call them wimpy white boys for nothing! Remember, due dates can be off unless you are in virtro and know the exact date. Hope everything goes well!

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I agree with Klone, I've had 36 weekers who behaved and some that did not and bought themselves a stay in the nicu.

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Being a NICU nurse has conditioned me to believe I would never deliver at a hospital without a level 3 NICU. I know most babies do perfectly fine but since my job is caring for the teeny minority that don't, my perception is shifted. Only you and your doctor can determine what you are comfortable with and what's best for your situation.

Congrats on baby #3, mama!

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