Hi mizzsocial,

My son was born at 32 weeks. He was only small (1796g) but he was just fine. He had apgars of 8 & 9. We had a little bit of warning that he was going to come early and I was given steroid injections in the days before he was born to help his lungs to mature. They must have done the job because he was breathing unassisted from about 6 hours after his birth. He did have to spend 4 weeks in hospital though as he had to learn how to feed. At first he was given breastmilk through a tube in his nose and as he grew bigger and stronger, we began to incorporate breastfeeds. When he was strong enough to do all his feeds on his own (all BF & no tube) he was able to come home. He is 8 months old now and is doing great. He has suffered no ill effects from his early birth.

There are a number of girls on BB who have had their bubs at an even earlier gestation who will have positive stories to tell also.

34 weeks is obviously not an ideal time for a baby to be born, but at the same time, it is a "good" gestation if bub does have to come early, if that makes sense?

All the very best to your friend. I'm sure she and her bub will be in good hands, there is so much that can be done for premmie bubs these days.