Do babies born at 37 weeks need the NICU?

All my babies I had early 3 at 38 weeks. My last at 37 weeks no health problems all went home within 2 days. You will be fine. Only thing they might keep an extra day if the babies sugar is high. Good luck

I had my son via schedule c section at 37 weeks. He was perfectly healthy and developed and had no problems latching. I had my daughter at 32 weeks and other then having issues with her temp regulations, she was perfectly healthy too.

Depends on the size of the baby and how well they do outside. My twins were 35 weeks only 2 weeks in NICU but their lungs were doing just fine. They pulled the tubes out so they stopped trying to put them in finally. One went home a few days earlier than the other due to how weight gain was going and eating.

My son was emergency csection at 37 weeks. We both left hospital after 2 days. No nicu

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My daughter came naturally at 37 weeks, she didn’tneed the NICU. Her only problem was jaundice, but that happens to full term babies. No one can say for sure but I would say the odds are in your favor. Good luck to you and your baby.

I had GD and they allowed me to go to my due date. I went into labor on my own 2 days before They has actually scheduled my induction on my due date but after a traumatic labor, he was born healthy and no NICU even though his heart rate dropped. Every baby is different .

I had my twin girls at 34 weeks… no NICU! Both babies weighed 5lbs 3 oz each and were healthy as could be! Prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy baby!

I had 2 babies at 36 weeks and 6 days due to preeclampsia and neither went to the NICU they were just attentive to their breathing to make sure they were doing ok.

My sister had hers at 36 weeks and she was in the NICU a night due to sugars since my sister is a type one diabetic. She went home two days later with my niece. 37 weeks usually doesn’t go to NICU unless they have an issue. My two nephews did because they were early.

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I have a friend who’s son was born at 34 weeks and only stayed 2 extra days in the NICU so I think it just depends on their lungs. 37 weeks is considered early full term so he/she shouldn’t need to. Now I have juvenile diabetes and I’m on an insulin pump. Both of my children spent 2+ weeks in the NICU due to lack of ability to maintain blood sugars. Both we’re 37+4 and 37+6. So their ability to maintain their levels may play a part on if they need a NICU stay as well.

I am a type 1 diabetic and was induced at 38 weeks I gave birth to an 9lb baby diabetes makes babies get bigger faster the last thing to develop are the lungs so as long as that’s good you should be totally fine good luck and congrats

It really depends on baby if NICU would be needed. If labor and delivery go great then more than likely no need. If baby has been measuring fine during pregnancy I don’t see a reason for it.
Congratulations on your little one and sending you prayers for a safe and uneventful delivery.

All 3 of my babies came at 37 weeks but my 3rd went to the NICU as he had 2 pneumothorax. He cried that much when he was delivered he tore a small hole in one lung and the next day he had a hole in his other lung. He had 2 drainage tubes inserted into both lungs and we were in hospital for 8 days. My other 2 babies did not need to go into the NICU

My 1st was 41 weeks 7lb 13 oz, I had to go into theatre afterwards as they got epidural stuck in back but she was a perfectly, health and long baby. My second at 38 weeks weighing 7lb but she was on the small side, didn’t grow very well. Her weight was good when born but very hard to put on at the normal weight at 6 months old she was still 11lb. My third was 36 weeks. She was born at 6 lb and again very small was around 36 cm long my eldest was 57 and middle was 45 cm. all my labours have been quick, last one being 7 mins but she caused more damage. Lucky we had her out quick though. She did go into respiratory distress but didn’t go into nicu. Her temp was low so we had skin on skin but dog let her go home next day. The respitory thing wasn’t due to pregnancy or anything it was down to some meds I was taking and I wasn’t informed what would happen. She was always poorly but got over them quick enough. At 1 week old she had whole in heart but gone at 6 weeks but then whooping cough and we nearly lost her to that. She is now 9 and has asd but she is a very bright, very clever healthy little girl. Hardly ever gets ill now.

A friend of mine had a baby at 35 weeks weighing 4lb. She was very healthy, didn’t go to nicu but kept a close eye on baby in hosi for a couple of days. She came home at 4 days only still around the 4 lb mark and is doing reallu well. X

I did emergency c-section at 37 weeks because of blood pressure and gestational diabetes. My daughter had to spend a few more days at hospital but not in the nicu. Prayers for you both!!

Depends entirely on the baby. I had 2 at 36 and neither had any issues or NICU time.

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37 weeks, spent 2 weeks in NICU due to error during delivery - long story short a student delivered without my permission and turned him the wrong way and his lungs filled with fluid :unamused: (babies 2-5 no NICU and 5 was a 36 weeker) The only other of my kiddos was twins born at 35 weeks that were in NICU

I had severe preeclampsia. My son was induced at 36 weeks. I also had to get the steroid shots to help his lungs. They had extra people in the delivery room to make sure we were both okay. But he was born with a successful vbac. No complications, no NICU. He left the hospital at 4.10 lbs.

i had my youngest at 35 weeks. he was born at 6lbs. if his lungs were not fully developed then he would have been transferred to the NICU. Thankfully he was healthy. He only had to stay for a week for jaundice in the the incubator.

No they consider 37 weeks safe. So unless there is a big problem baby shouldn’t need the NICU!!

No my son was born at 37 weeks and perfectly healthy. As long as baby is a good weight and lungs are good and skin color looks good they won’t take them to the nicu.

Not unless there are complications. My daughter and so were both born at 37 week(preeclampsia sucks) and were each barley 5 lbs and we’re ok. My Dr said the main thing to be concerned about is the lungs. If you’re good there I wouldn’t worry (as hard as it is to not worry).

My oldest son was born 36+6. He didn’t need a nicu stay. My current youngest was born at 39 weeks and needed a nicu stay due to severe jaundice. There is no predicting it. I am 35 weeks now and am preparing for a nicu stay just in case. I would rather have packed too much vs not enough. Last time we were blindsided

My daughter was born at 37 weeks. She ended up needing nicu because her sugar levels were off. She latched on good and we did ok until nicu. I wasn’t producing enough milk for her to fulfill her needs and i also had developed an infection from prolonged labor. They ended up supplementing formula. When she finally came back she would get mad when she wasn’t getting enough milk from me so we ended up switching to formula! Today’s she healthy and doing amazing! It will be ok!

My son was born at 36 weeks and didn’t need the NICU… He did great on breastfeeding too… I think he will be fine at 37 weeks

My youngest was born at 35 weeks and if he wouldn’t have had some breathing issues. He wouldn’t have went to the NICU. oldest was born exactly 37 weeks. Was perfect!

I was told the time the baby is in there after 36 weeks is "bonus cooking time " it just gives the baby good development time. My baby was born at 37 weeks and her only issue was jaundice. 24 hours on a billi blanket and under bright lights and she was fine. No NICU, she was with me most of the time.

I would fight that. ACOG recommends not inducing until 39 weeks unless there is a clear indication, such as UNCONTROLLED diabetes. There is evidence that early term babies have more issues. It is your body and your baby. You can decline. I have type 1 diabetes and my last baby was induced at 40 weeks (my choice).

2 of my babies were born at 37 weeks. 1 spent time in the NICU due to withdrawal from the pain medication I was on during the last 4 months of my pregnancy. (1cm size kidney stone stuck in my urethra. Caused kidney infections, my urine was blood. Had a pee bag attached to me for those 4 months too… the pain was worse than labor in my opinion) my other one born at 37 weeks, my water broke. He came out 9lbs 1oz. Went home 2 days later! All was well!

I was induced at 37 weeks exactly (just 2 weeks ago) My son was 6lbs14oz and healthy. It is considered early term. We had some latch issues but we pump and bottle feed. No NICU, and discharged 24 hours later! Good luck k Momma!

It depends on the baby. I am type one diabetic so my dr induced me at 37 weeks. He performed an amniocentesis first to make sure his lungs were properly developed first. He was born at 7lbs 7oz and 19in long. Had to stay in NICU a couple days because he developed jaundice.

(OB nurse here) 37 weeks is considered full term so he wouldn’t need all the testing they typically do with a preterm baby, but the answer is you won’t know until he’s here. There are kiddos that are 39+ weeks that still end up in NICU or won’t nurse and we have had babies born at 35 weeks that nurse just fine and go home with mom. Having gestational diabetes puts you in a higher risk category for other things too so if the doctor is concerned they will take the baby early. The bottom line is the doctor won’t take the baby is they don’t think it is within the baby’s best interest.

My baby was born at 37 weeks via emergency c-section due to hypertension and didn’t need to stay in the NICU. However, at 5 weeks old he indeed up in the PICU due to health complications and my husband is convinced it’s due to baby having to be delivered a little early.
You should trust your doctor as well.
I was extremely disappointed with my baby delivered wasn’t expecting a csection but my doctor reassured me it was for both our wealth being or things could have been worse for both baby and I.
All the best and safe delivery​:pray:t4::pray:t4::pray:t4:

I had my second at exactly 37 weeks and he did not need nicu at all :blush:
Good luck momma

At the hospital I delivered at it was 35 weeks they went to nicu but 36 weeks it was dependent on how the baby did. My son was born on the first day of our 36 week and did great so no nicu for us.

My 2nd and 3rd child were born at 37 weeks & a few days. They were happy healthy babies and didnt need the NICU at all!

I had gd with my youngest and his sugar dropped really low and he was kept 10 days in birthing center but not NICU. It really depends on how your baby is doing after birth. Prepare for it either way. If you don’t have NICU time you’ve just got extra things if you do then you have everything you need and don’t have to stress if it comes to that

my first child was 28 weeks he was 2lbs 4 oz he was in NICU for 2 weeks and new Born for 1 week came home at 3 weeks at 3 lbs he had no medical proublems at all they said there is no reasson why he can not go honme he never had any medical proublems never been sick and very smart he is now 33 yrs old

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My youngest daughter I had to get induced at 37 weeks she had to stay in the NICU for about 2 weeks she was a tiny baby my whole pregnancy with her I had to get her heart checked 2 times a week at the hospital. The cord was wrapped around her neck for awhile so good thing I had her when I did!

They typically do not but everyone situation is different. I am type 2 diabetic and had my oldest at 37 weeks. He didn’t required NICU but we had an extended stay because of my diabetes.

More then likely they’ll give you a steroid shot to help develope babies lungs quicker. My best friend had it done… More then likely baby won’t need to be in NICU. But I guess it depends on how the little one is after delivery

Depends on the babies status. If he/she is breathing on own or if they need any assistance.

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I had my girls at 36 weeks… not induced either, just unavoidable… and with the second she did just fine. I think it partially depends on how the whole process goes. But then again my pregnancies weren’t high risk either

My twins were born at 35 weeks. They were 5.6 lbs and 6.5 lbs. We all stayed a couple extra days but I’d been in the hospital since 23.3 days. They’re 32 years old. My smaller son spent 3 days in intermediate nursery and his brother was in the regular nursery. We all went home together. I pray that everything will go well for you and your baby.

I had gestational diabetes with my second and she came early at 36 weeks. She was weighing 7 lb 4 oz. she didnt go to the nicu at first but her sugars had trouble and she wouldn’t eat so ended up in the nicu for 2.5 weeks. I was told there that 36 weeks is a tricky week. Some babies come have no problems and others act much younger like 33/34 weekers needing more time and care.

I’m a postpartum nurse in a high risk hospital. When it comes to GDM and babies it depends on how your baby’s sugars are after birth. Even full term babies could end up in NICU if they can’t hold their sugars.

I had my twins at 36 weeks and neither one needed anything except a little heat. No NICU for them :raised_hands:t2: I was so proud of them!!!

My oldest was born at 37 weeks and was completely healthy! Every baby is different but I hope everything will be fine with yours!

I had my son at 34 weeks and even though he was in the hospital for 8 days, he never needed any type of supportive care. We were lucky. They just wanted to make sure that he could gain weight and maintain his temperature.

I was induced at 37 weeks and 1 days because of hypertension. Emergency c section because my blood pressure was going off the roof. I got my baby as soon as she was cleaned up. Didn’t need a day of nicu

It depends on the baby and how developed their lungs are.

37 weeks and above is considered full term.

Each baby is different. They will induce you because of the diabetes and it is possible that you are having a big baby because of that.

Also there are more complications with being diabetic such as having excess fluid retention which could cause the baby to more easily get the cord wrapped around their neck at birth amongst other things.

The baby can go in shock before balancing their own insulin levels after birth causing a little time in NICU too.

I had one at 36 weeks and she was 5lbs 5 oz and considered a preemie. She stayed in the NICU for 1 hour and was fine.

Each one is different and anything is possible. But more than likely, everything will be fine because you’re in a more controlled environment.

I think it depends on the situation at the time of birth! I had 2 of my 4 at 38 weeks and neither were in the NICU my other daughter born at 39 weeks all c sections however was because she swallowed meconium! Different situations you never know I pray either way for a safe delivery

My daughter was born at 36 weeks and was 4.3 lbs. No NICU. Breastfed. Has been consistently small for her age ever since, but perfectly healthy.

I delivered 2 of my children in the 36th week and neither needed to be in the NICU they both latched perfectly fine . I had gestational diabetes as well with both of those pregnancies, some babies need extra help and some dont .

Out of 3 pregnancies with severe gestional diabetes,two born @38 weeks,and one at 37 weeks. I only had ONE child that had to go to the NICU. He was the only one who was born hypoglycemic otherwise super healthy. Regarding breastfeeding I was able to with 2 of the 3.None was a latch issue it was a supply issue.

I had my second child at 37 weeks due to diabetes. He was not in NICU, but was in a step down unit for respiratory distress and low blood sugar.

My daughter was born 5/19 this year ~ 37w3d and was just fine and didn’t need the nicu. She was 7 pounds 9 oz and is 12 weeks old and super healthy!

I think its going to depend on the overall condition of the baby at delivery. I had my son at 37 weeks and he spent only 4 hours in NICU to stabilize his blood sugar. My daughter was born at 35 weeks, and missed the cut off for NICU by a matter of hours and ounces in weight.

I went naturally at 37 weeks and 3 days. He was a little lazy to arouse when born but had the cord wrapped twice. He was happy and healthy as a little clam

I had my daughter at 36 weeks and she was perfect. Didn’t need to be hooked up to any machines or put in the incubator.

It really just depends on how the baby is doing. I had my first at 36 weeks and he did not have to be in the NICU and did great! I had my 3rd at 33 weeks and he did stay in the nicu for 2 and a half weeks. He never had to be on oxygen or anything but he had some jaundice and coukdnt leave the hospital until he was over 4 lbs and would take a bottle. He had a feeding tube for a little bit bc at that gestation they don’t know how to latch or suck. It really just depends on the baby and how well they are doing.

I was induced in may at 37 weeks. She is healthy and no nicu. She was 5lbs 3oz, latched on fine and gained her weight. This doesnt sound stupid at all to me because I just went through a rough pregnancy and you just want reassurance :heart: everything doesn’t go like you expect. Prayers :blue_heart:

I was induced at 38 weeks due to gestational diabetes and high blood pressue. No NICU needed. My high risk dr wanted me to go at 37 weeks but there were apparently 83939202 babies scheduled that day so they pushed me back a week.

Depends on the baby. Both my girls were born at 37 weeks. 1st NICU due to weight as she was only 3oz7p.
Second came home the next day, nurses came out and sent her to NICU for jaundice. You’ll be fine. NICU nurses are the best of the best.

I have 3 children all were born before 36wks. None of them had to go in the NICU. My last baby I was induce to my liver failng there were alit of people in the labor and delivery room with my 1st and last child. I’m saw a high risk Dr. also.

It can depend on the labor and the child. I had 3 at 36 weeks. Two went home fine. One went to the NICU because he inhaled fluid.

It just depends on how big your baby is, if there’s any complications or not. My first 2 children were at 37 weeks and neither one of them needed the NICU.

My daughter was born between 37-38 weeks by measurements. I still got a period for the first 6 months of my pregnancy so I couldn’t go by date. She was fine. No nicu stay

I had a 4lb 11 oz baby at 38 weeks, she came out healthy and breathing on her own…didnt need the nicu at all…i also had gestional diabetes and preeclampsia!!!

I had twins at 36 was and 4 days. One of my sons had to be in the NICU overnight and the other didn’t have to at all. They were both 6lbs. A lot depends on the individual babies, but many are just fine at that age.

My son was born by emergency c-section due to fetal distress. My water had broken and I didnt know it. Due to the lack of amniotic fluid, his glucose level was 11 and he was put on an IV for antibiotics and to get his glucose up. 3 days later we are rushed to WVU and spent 13 days in the NICU. I had no issue in my pregnancy and they couldnt determine exactly what caused his hypoglycemia. We had to go back to WVU until he was 3 to monitor his development. 5 years later he’s a perfectly healthy little boy, no lingering complications. All in all, it depends on the delivery, I’d say.

I had gestational diabetes my water broke at 38 weeks my daughter was perfect no nicu. Good luck. And Congratulations

It depends. My son was born at 36 weeks and he did not need the NICU. However I’ve heard some that early do.

It can really depend on the baby. I had my aon at 37 weeks and he spent 2 weeks in the NICU because of respiratory distress syndrome. He was 6 lb 6 oz, but had fluid in his lungs and difficulty breathing. Six yrs later I had my daughter at 37 weeks 3 days and she went home with me. No complications. My granddaughter was also born at 37 weeks, she weighed 5 lbs 8 oz and went home with her momma. My OB explained to me that there is a very small percentage of babies born at 36/37 weeks that will have complications. If there are health issues with mom, then it becomes a decision of weighing those health issues against the very small percentage that the baby may have problems at birth. My son is a healthy young man now. You would never know his first couple weeks were so difficult. I wish you all the best on your new baby.

I had my son at 30.5 weeks- he was in the NICU for 1 month. In Florida, the babies must be at least 34 weeks gestation, 4lbs, able to regulate their own temp, feed through bottle or breast, not have any abnormalities in their heartbeats and breathing for a week, and pass a car seat test to be released.

My Daugherty was born at 30 weeks and my son at 34 weeks they were both in the NICU but no long term issues really my daughters muscle behind her right eye didn’t develop all the way so she wears glasses now but it’s from and is now at 78% in only a few years I wouldn’t stress about it to much momma

My twins were born at 32 weeks. They were in the Nicu only till they gained weight. It was quieter in their and my girls got xtra special attention. It will be fine

Usually not. But I’ve had 2 at 37 weeks and they were in nicu over night (both csections). It’s dangerous to leave the baby until 39 weeks with diabetes because they can be very overweight and it’s dangerous for your health

My oldest was 37 weeks…back in the old days. He weighed 3lbs 14 oz. my placenta had failed. He was perfect! He could eat, drink, regulate body temp BUT in those times you could not come out of the incubator until you were 4lbs 8oz and you could not go home until you were 5 lbs. fast forward 10 yers…my friends son was 36 weeks same weight. He went home in a week. Weighed 4 lbs!

It all depends on the baby. My 37 weekers and my 36 weeker were all absolutely fine and didn’t need any NICU time, but I’ve known a 36 week baby that need a week of NICU time because her lungs were not ready. It really just depends on how baby is doing when they come out

My son was born at 37w and 2 days. I’m diabetic and he was not in nicu… My first son was born at 39 weeks and he was in NICU for a little bit with low blood sugar. Best of luck with your delivery praying everything will be fine and no nicu.

If the size of the baby is good 37 to 38 weeks isnt that bad…I was 38 weeks with my first planned csection and he was 7lbs 2 oz and no NICU… my second was at almost 35 weeks he was in NICU for a bit because he needed oxygen and he was only 5lbs 8oz

All of mine were born between 37 and 38 and they didn’t need any NICU time, my 36w and 2D baby spent one week in NICU

It just depends on the baby’s health if they can breathe and eat on their own all my kids were born at 36 weeks. I had 4 only 1 stayed in the Nicu because his brother was squashing his lungs…all of them are healthy now

I had gestational diabetes and was on nightly insulin. I ended up having pre-eclampsia and needing to have my c-section at 37w vs the scheduled 39w. My now 8 mo is perfect :two_hearts: no NICU needed. I did have to have a steroid shot to help her lungs since she was coming early.

My first son was born at 37 weeks and spent 2 weeks in the nicu. My second son was born at 35 weeks and spent a couple days in the nicu but left the hospital when I did. I really think it just depends on the situation. Both of mine were c sections and I had preeclampsia.

Just depends on the baby and delivery. 36-42 weeks considered full term. My first son was 39 weeks only weighed 5lbs and needed a feeding tube cuz he wouldn’t eat and spent 3 weeks in nicu but my second was 8lbs born and 39 weeks and went home on day 3

My son was born at 37 weeks. He was perfectly fine and healthy. Only issue we had was he inhaled too much amniotic fluid. But he was a c-section. Just don’t stress yourself out. It will all be alright

I had my both at 37 weeks due to hypertension. Both born healthy. First one had issue with breastfeeding so fail with it but my second child successful with breastfeeding. I would say depends for breastfeeding.

Did you ask your doctor any of these questions? Seems like every single case is specific enough to you and your baby that the only people who can actually give you advice like this are your doctors.

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My oldest daughter was born at 37 weeks 1 day and we were home after 24 hours.

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My youngest was born at 36 weeks and never went into Nicu. I was high risk and had to have a c section due to her being an ablation baby and getting pregnant a year after a c section. She was perfectly healthy. I on the other hand had a ton of problems with that labor.

My daughter was just born last week at 36 weeks. She came out needing oxygen for a min and had fluid in her lungs. Besides that she has been doing great! No ICU needed. :heart::heart: She got to come home with us.

My son was born at 37 weeks and didn’t need any NICU time. I think it can vary, but everything was developed fine on my son!

Generally speaking babies born after 36 weeks are considered full term. My niece was born at 33 weeks at only 4 lb 9 oz. and she didn’t have to spend any time in the NICU and went home after 2 days. My oldest born 41 weeks and had to spend 4 days in the NICU due to meconium being present that he aspirated on. So you never know what can and will happen. Good luck!!

I had GD and my son was delivered at 37 weeks. He was perfectly healthy and latched as soon as they layed him on my chest. We left the day after he was born (csection) and we were both doing great.

Its perfectly fine!!! Have that baby…ready or not! Im a momma of 2 healthy babies but one in between was stillborn (no reason ever determined :pensive:)…but my rainbow who is 6 now was born at “38” weeks planned c-section… its absolutely fine
… get that baby out and love and enjoy them!!! Nobody is ever really ready!!

My daughter was born at either 37/38 weeks I can’t remember but she was 6lbs 6oz and didn’t require NICU. She latched right away and came naturally. I’m sure your baby will be fine!

37 weeks is right on the line of being determined as a premie. I had all 3 of mine naturally at 37 1/2 weeks and none were considered premie and never had to stay any longer at hospital. If that’s what the doctors feel is necessary then I wouldn’t worry. Everything will be fine and your baby will be perfect I’m sure :blush:

All 3 of my babies were born at 35 weeks with no nicu stays. All 3 came home within 2 days of being born all perfectly healthy. My last one even weighed over 7 lbs!