Is 32 Weeks Safe to Deliver?
While delivering at 32 weeks is considered premature, it's not unsafe in the sense that the baby has a high chance of survival. Babies born at 32 weeks gestation are classified as moderately preterm. They will require extra medical care, but their chances of a healthy development are very good.
Multiple sources indicate a high survival rate for babies born at 32 weeks. For example, Healthline states that babies born at 32 weeks have a survival rate as high as 95 percent.[1] The Takeaway echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that these babies have "very good chances of being born healthy and developing just fine," though additional medical care will be needed.[2]
While survival is high, the earlier the delivery, the higher the potential for health complications. Babies born at 32 weeks are more likely to experience health issues than full-term babies. These problems can range from respiratory issues requiring supplemental oxygen to difficulties with feeding and temperature regulation. The length of stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will vary, with some babies requiring only a short stay while others may need more extended care.[3, 4] One Reddit user reported their 32-weeker spent three weeks in the NICU needing oxygen and a feeding tube.[5]
Considerations for Delivery at 32 Weeks
It is crucial to remember that this information is not medical advice. The decision to deliver at 32 weeks is made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with medical professionals and depends heavily on the individual circumstances of the mother and fetus. Factors considered include the mother's health, any potential complications during pregnancy, and the baby's overall health and development. While a baby may have a high probability of survival and a positive outcome at 32 weeks, there is no guarantee, and significant risks are still present.
- Premature birth: 32 weeks is considered preterm, meaning the baby is born before 37 weeks.[6, 7, 8]
- Medical care required: Preemies born at 32 weeks will need specialized medical care in a NICU to support their development.[2, 9]
- Potential health complications: The earlier the birth, the greater the risk of potential health complications for the baby.[6, 7]
The safety of delivering at 32 weeks is relative. While survival rates are favorable and many babies born at this gestation develop normally, it's crucial to approach the decision with complete understanding of the potential challenges and required medical interventions.
References:
[1] Healthline. (2021, January 26). Baby Born at 32 Weeks: Survival Rate, Time in Hospital, More. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/baby-born-at-32-weeks
[2] The Takeaway. (2021, January 26). If your baby is born at 32 weeks. [This source was provided as text within the prompt and does not have a URL.]
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2024, March 22). Premature birth - Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-birth/symptoms-causes/syc-20376730
[4] Reddit User. (2023, January 22). Baby was born 32 weeks exactly. https://www.reddit.com/r/NICUParents/comments/10il979/baby_was_born_32_weeks_exactly_how_long_was_your/
[5] Babycenter. (2022, April 26). Preemie babies. https://www.babycenter.com/baby/premature-babies/whats-the-outlook-for-a-premature-baby-born-at-28-31-33-or-3_10300031
[6] Cleveland Clinic. Preterm Birth: Premature, Causes, Symptoms & Complications. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21479-premature-birth
[7] March of Dimes. Preterm babies. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/birth/preterm-babies
[8] WHO. Preterm birth. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth
