[*krista*]

My friend had her baby on Friday morning at 29 weeks. She had HELLP syndrome. I feel bad for her, she didn't get to see her baby until today. Anyway, baby's lung function is pretty good for her gestational age. She has a little jaundice. Overall she seems to be doing all right. My question is, at 29 weeks are they still on shakey ground, or can you be fairly confident she will come out okay in the end and not suffer any long term effects after some time in the NICU?

As a very OT side note (didn't think it was worth another thread), I have had a headache for like 2 weeks! I don't know what is wrong with me. I even wake up in the middle of the night with it. It isn't my sinuses either. Think it could be dehydration from BFing? I've tried to stay hydrated. I'm producing about 40 oz a day for Charlotte.

[Mjp121212]

29wks is VERY early. I really don't know how to answer that one. Maybe just google the prognosis now. I know there's a lot that a good nicu can do.

As for your headache.....try drinking a glass of water each time you nurse and see if that helps it. And are you sure it's not dry sinuses?

[niknok]

General rule of thumb is that a 29 weeker has a 90% chance of survival. Long term abilities/disabilities are too far away to predict.

[**Jenn**]

I was going to say what Nikki said--29 weeks, you have a great shot. It's amazing what can be done these days.

I used to teach a set of twins who were born at 29 weeks due to twin to twin transfusion syndrome and they did great! They were a tad delayed with their speech but I think that was due more to them being twins and not being early.

Sorry about your headache. I would say you're probably dehydrated a bit. It's amazing the amount of moisture your body loses a day just because of breastfeeding! I have no idea how much I produce for Lila but I'm sure it's quite a lot because she'll suck down 3oz from her sippy cup not long after she's been fed! lol I swear, that baby can always eat!

[~*sierra*~]

wow 29 weeks is scary. my midwife told me a baby can survive after 24 weeks gestation which really suprised me. and freaked me out cuz i could have a baby in like just over 2 weeks....

definitely dehydration causes a headache like that. when i was really sick just a little while ago, i constantly had a headache.

[Mars]

Ditto to the preemie answers.

As for the headache, I'm not sure. If it seems really odd perhaps you should call your doctor.