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Question for MD's (baby question)

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by fanatic1, Feb 14, 2006.

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  1. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

    Nov 1, 2003
    561
    columbus
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    philip
    #1 fanatic1, Feb 14, 2006
    I hope someone can answer a fairly basic questionI think. My friends wife just had a baby. he came by Emergency C Section. He is 4 weeks early. I know that's not that much, but he is in an incubator right now, and will probably be there for 2 -3 weeks. They said that when WE breath we need 21% something.......I don't know, but the number was 21 %. When the baby was born he was at 52%.......he's been in an incubator for about 3 days and he's now at 32%......they said when he reaches 21% they can release him.....what do these numbers mean? Is it serious? Common? Thanks for any help.....I tried a google search, but I don't really have enough info to search well.
     
  2. Dubai Vol

    Dubai Vol Formula 3

    Aug 12, 2005
    1,418
    back in Dubai
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    Scot Danner
    #2 Dubai Vol, Feb 14, 2006
    Not an MD but I learned a bit working in hospital: they are talking about the oxygen content of the air. 21% is the normal composition of the atmosphere. Premature babies' lungs aren't quite well-developed enough to supply enough oxygen from normal air, so they give them a bit extra. They know exactly how much to give by taking a blood sample and doing a "blood gas analysis." Modern medicine, it's amazing what they can do.

    Four weeks premature is actually not that big a deal these days, and the fact that the amount of extra oxygen the baby needs is steadily decreasing means (s)he is doing well. Tell your friend not to worry. He will anyway, that's what parents do!

    Give them my congratulations.
     
  3. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

    Nov 1, 2003
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    philip
    #3 fanatic1, Feb 14, 2006
    Ah, thanks for the info. I didn't think 4 week premi was too big of a deal, I guess I was just surprised that they weren't able to bring the new baby home with them. They are very excited. It's thier first!
    Thanks again.
     
  4. MWHC4S

    MWHC4S Karting

    Jun 30, 2004
    84
    Brainerd, MN
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    Mark
    #4 MWHC4S, Feb 14, 2006
    Based on the information you have provided, right now the baby is requiring supplemental oxygen to achieve adequate oxygenation. This is not uncommon with premature neonates. Babies born early often have immature lungs(i.e. the lungs aren't developed enough to adequately provide oxygen to the body). Although, 4 weeks early is usually not much of a problem.
    Essentially, we all survive on (and breath) air which is 21% oxygen (content)
    They initially started the baby on 52% oxygen. This is what the doctors determined that was needed to provide the baby with enough oxygen content (in the blood) to safely survive. As the baby's lung function improves/matures the doctors are able to decrease the percentage of oxygen needed. So far they have been able to decrease the baby's oxygen (air) from 52% to 32% concentration. When they are able to decrease the oxygen from 32% to 21% (i.e. room air concentration) then the baby will be considered for discharge from the hospital.
     
  5. Enzo

    Enzo F1 Rookie

    Feb 14, 2002
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    Pat Pasqualini
    #5 Enzo, Feb 14, 2006
    We just had our son 4 weeks ago and he was 3 weeks early. Thankfully he didn't require this procedure. Sounds like this baby is going to be doing fine. They are awfully cute when they are that little? How was the baby's weight?
     
  6. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

    Nov 1, 2003
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    philip
    #6 fanatic1, Feb 14, 2006
    His weight was good. 6 lbs. 7 oucnes, 18 inches long......I think his lungs may be even a little more underdeveloped than most 4 week premies.......
     
  7. jungathart

    jungathart Guest

    Jun 11, 2004
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    Komrade Jung
    #7 jungathart, Feb 14, 2006
    Congrats on your newborn.
    Essentially, the right info have been given in preceding posts, so I have nothing to add.:)
     
  8. LetsJet

    LetsJet F1 Veteran
    Owner

    May 24, 2004
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    Mr.
    #8 LetsJet, Feb 14, 2006
    Hey Philip,

    Sounds like the baby will be just fine. I used to date a NICU nurse and I witnessed a lot of premi care. I wouldn't worry about a thing...........
     
  9. Enzo

    Enzo F1 Rookie

    Feb 14, 2002
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    Pat Pasqualini
    #9 Enzo, Feb 14, 2006

    THat is a pretty good size for a premie. Our son was 5lbs and 15oz
     

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