Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Ready or Not?

I have been wondering if there is something to the notion that babies with Down Syndrome are born early.  I had read the comment on a few blogs and have also gotten emails from some other parents of babies with DS who have said, "You know he'll be early, right?"  My not-so-extensive internet research doesn't turn up any facts about this, just a few conversations between parents.  Mostly, I've laughed it off (I can't imagine what would make it true), but I have to admit that it has been in the back of my mind! 

It was especially in my mind last Friday when we were getting ready for a night out with my mom and aunt.  I was having so much pain I could hardly stand up to get dressed, but it didn't feel anything like contractions as I remember them so I thought I had probably pulled a muscle. We finally got to the restaurant, but I couldn't ignore it anymore. The doctor on call recommended that I come in to the hospital, so we skipped our lovely night out for a night in L&D. When I arrived, the nurse confirmed that I was having strong contractions and even said she thought this was probably "it."  But after a few hours on IV fluids, the contractions were gone.  It was a frustrating night, but I am relieved that Henry didn't arrive too early!

We have scheduled a c-section (so there's the illusion that we have some control over when he is born), but we are starting to realize that he could really arrive any time.  Even though he is my fourth baby, my other labor/delivery experiences were not typical and always included some form of decision-making on my part.  We chose to induce 2 1/2 weeks early with Sydney so our parents could be in town and meet her in the short time we had.  With William . . . I'll say it . . . I drank castor oil to go into labor (hey, I had basically been pregnant for 2 years at that point!) and ended up having a c-section.  Edmund's c-section was scheduled for two weeks before his due date and all went as planned.  I suppose I've been assuming the same for Henry, but one difference is that the c-section is scheduled only 3 days before his due date. I can't shake the thought that I've never been pregnant within 3 days of my due date.

Better go pack my hospital bag . . . just in case . . . .

7 comments:

  1. Not sure how much longer you have but our Bennett was born the day his section was scheduled- one day short of 39 weeks so he was full term. I was not dilated either. Hopefully your son will stay put until it's time!!

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  2. My oldest (of 4) child has Ds. He was only 4 days 'early' but all the nurses and docs said he looked "over cooked." My other 3 were induced. 2nd child was 2 days late, 3rd child was about a week late and my 4th we induced a few days early.

    Most people seem to have babies with Ds early and if not they seem to hear the "over cooked" statement too. Have you checked out the forum on www.Downsyn.com? It is a great place. I used to be very active on there- years ago! But with 4 kids surrounding me I don't get on it anymore.

    Good luck on the rest of your pregnancy. Love the name Henry.

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  3. hi!! just found your blog and congrats. our youngest is three and was born with DS. WE didnt know she had DS until after she was born but she was born 3 weeks early!! my older two were born on their due dates so i was shocked to go into labor early!! it is pretty common!! Good luck and i cant wait to see henry!

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  4. Ben was actually one of those who was mistakenly overdue. When they did his 20 week u/s, he measured small so they just pushed his due date 3 weeks further out. Didn't catch the DS, though...when we was born, they were shocked to see a little tiny 5 pounder, no amniotic fluid and an "aged" placenta. Poor guy would have been so much better off being dx in utero with a more controlled birth. He ended up being an emergency section because of the lack of amniotic fluid -- he was compressing his own cord. Henry will be closely monitored, so his birth will be such a joyful event...I am thrilled for you!

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  5. hello! I too just found your blog, and my son, with Ds, was born 3 weeks early due to my pre-eclampsia and a decelerating heart rate (although he has no heart issues that required surgery). You are right that many babies with Ds are born early and mostly due to poor results of stress tests done in the weeks prior to the birthday. Some say lack of oxygen to the placenta. Anywho, good luck and congrats!

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  6. Hi there... I found you through Rebecca... I am currently taking a poll on this topic. So far 67% of parents who have responded had their babies more than one week early :-) Come visit...
    http://downsyndromenewmama.blogspot.com/

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  7. Joaquin was born 2 weeks early so although that is still considered full term it was still early for me :)! I too have 3 fun boys and I just LOVE it! Come check us out at www.trisacharm.blogspot.com. I absolutely love having three boys!

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