My first daughter arrived 3 weeks and 1 day early, which technically put her in the premature range. She had some trouble learning to nurse, and was severely jaundiced, but other than that (and a few strawberry marks that hallmark prematurity that have faded), you’d never tell. With my 2nd, she was full term but spent about 4 days in the NICU due to the inhalation of fluid and etc. Yup, my 9 lb newborn was in the NICU next to a 2 lb shrimpy. Insane!
The March of Dimes (you all get the address stickers in the mail, right?) has been promoting the warning signs of pre-term labor and fighting for full term babies for several decades now. The United States has an amazingly high number of premature births, given our ‘1st world’ status. As you can probably guess, today is world prematurity day, a day of awareness for all pregnant (or soon to be pregnant) ladies and everyone in their lives to be sure they’re taking care of themselves to keep that baby in for 40 weeks!
If you’re trying to get pregnant:
*Assess your physical and emotional health. Are you ready?
*Take those vitamins (folic acid for baby!)
*Make a financial plan (Cloth diapers save a lot of money, right?)
If you’re pregnant (congrats!):
*Take those vitamins (chewable/gummi ones have less iron and are easier on morning sickness!)
*Stay hydrated, even though it makes you pee THAT much MORE!
*Get moving, wear a pedometer, shopping for itty bitty clothes counts–as long as you’re walking!
*See your doctor after 8 weeks and be ready to make frequent trips to the office!
*Get educated, there are even places (like babycenter) that will email you weekly to tell you how your baby is developing.
If you have healthy children: Count yourself lucky and consider a donation to support those other mothers who need it!
I was born at 36 weeks 6 days, too! I was 6 lbs 14 oz and went home a day or two later. I always wonder if my mom’s due date was miscalculated.