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Ask A Midwife

Q. I am 35 weeks pregnant with baby number 6 the first two were full term then next 3 were preemies, this time I am home and not stressed but very impatient. What are my chances of going full term again and what should I watch for to know that it is time. With the preemies my water broke. I am scared and confused...

A. You do not give much information as to why your last 3 were premies nor as to how premature they were. The fact that you are 35 weeks now is very reassuring as the baby can probably go home with you right after birth if all goes well. The baby has a very slim chance of needing special care except perhaps stronger diligence in waking baby for feedings as premies tend to be sleepier. It would be best to get to 36 or 37 weeks, but 35 weeks is pretty far along as far as limiting the potential risk factors for baby. Often, a hidden infection causes premature rupture of the membranes, and I will assume you have been screened carefully for vaginal infections. Having had 3 in a row significantly increases the chances you will be premature again, but that all can depend on WHY the last 3 were premature and if that problem is resolved. Inadequate nutriet intake, poor diet, is the biggest causative factor in prematurity.

Labor usually begins slowly for most people, with some contractions that don't seem very strong. Over a period of time, the woman notices a pattern to them of increasing strength and frequency. She may even find bloody mucous or slight blood on her pad or in the toilet from the mucous plug breaking away.

Vickii Gervais

Vickii Gervais is a Certified Professional Midwife who has attended over 600 births.