While 34 weeks is considerably better than delivering earlier, it's important to understand that delivering at 34 weeks still carries some risks compared to a full-term pregnancy (39-40 weeks). Babies born at 34 weeks are considered late preterm.
Here's a breakdown:
- Increased Risk: Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks face a higher chance of health problems compared to full-term babies.
- Potential Health Issues: These potential health issues can include problems with breathing, feeding, temperature regulation, and jaundice.
- NICU Stay: Some babies born at 34 weeks need to spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for specialized care.
Therefore, while survival rates for babies born at 34 weeks are high, it's not considered as safe as delivering at full term. The decision to deliver at 34 weeks is made by medical professionals based on the specific circumstances of the pregnancy, weighing the risks of prematurity against any risks to the mother or baby by continuing the pregnancy.
