Oh hun I am sorry I didnt mean to worry you!! I just mean its not Doctors practice to say that about a prem.
I dont see how a prem that needs tube feeding and ventilation is healthy.
I had my girls at 29 weeks and 6 days and they needed tube feeding and C-pap!

I think I'd ask what the Doc actually said. I would be surprised if it was a positive, absolute statement and would be more inclined to think he would have used words like "probably," "likely," "might," "maybe," or to preface the statement with "there is a good chance"

They will know what they can see. Arms, legs, head, everything is there. Internal organs developing normally and all present. Heart rate is good.

What they can't know is how the lungs are performing. This is why all babies at risk of prematurity are (or should be) given steroids where possible.

Any baby born premature will have a stay in NNICU or SCBU. They will probably need some form of help with breathing in the first instance be it ventilation or oxygen. They will have trouble regulating their temperature and certainly before 34 weeks will likely need a tube for feeding. They may be given "TPN" or something similar which is a synthetic alternative to the nutrition a baby gets through the umbilical cord.

"Healthy" is a subjective terms and can mean a whole range of things. The doc may well have been trying to set your mind at rest and there are a number of good reasons to feel positive in your situation. I'd suggest taking a look at the Bliss website and request a tour of your NNICU so they can prepare you for every eventuality.

Thank You Foogirl! That is what i tried to say but obivously not as good as you just did!

Thanks so much girls! I see what you mean! I didn't really think of that. I'm so naive. This is my first so all is new to me, especially the prem stuff. I think I need to do some research to be prepared!

I guess he meant that the condition itself IUGR has not done any damage to the baby as it seems healthy now... but maybe didn't even think of telling me about the risks of prem delivery?

I have another appointment next week so I will ask my questions and hopefully get a better idea as to what they predict. I am changing consultant basically so it will be nice to get his view. I am moving back home to Greece to deliver this baby and I'm looking forward to seeing my doctor there as I know and trust him!

Thank you so much for the info! I guess noone can really tell what is going to happen, but just knowing the risks will make it so much easier if things don't go as planned!

Thanks again!!

Good luck hun. If you manage to please let us know how you get on