Babies born early stats...

Does anyone know the percentage of babies that are born during any given gestational week (i.e. 3% of babies are born in the 32nd week)? I feel like my baby will arrive early and I want to know the statistical chances of that happening. Thanks!

I don't know if this completely answers your question but I found this thread to be particularly interesting.

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=233200

Thanks! That article really helped! I was rather shocked that this type of information was not more readily available.

So, in a nutshell, here is the answer for those of you who may also be interested in the statistical chances of when your baby will be born...

37 weeks - 5.69%
38 weeks - 14.36%
39 weeks - 21.56%
40 weeks - 32.44%
41 weeks - 14.65%
42 weeks - 3.40%
43+ weeks - 0.13%

Sucks to be the .13% at 43 weeks! I presume that number has decreased since doctors are so quick to induce pregnancies now...

I too was shocked at the limited resources. I am sure the numbers have changed quite significantly since this study was done, due to the higher rate of inductions. This study was conducted in the 90's I believe. I am glad I was able to help.  

Yeah, most ob's induce before too long after 40 weeks. It would be interesting to know how long before the induced would have gone into labor on their own. Most planned C-secs are done at about 38 weeks. This would be a hard study to acurately do.

Joy

Shit i am quite worried by the high numbers that go in week 38 and 39.

I dont finish work til the end of week 39  

What are the numbers for 36 weeks? I'd like to know my odds of having my second baby as early as my first...

Figures I'd be in that 4% range. Maybe this one will go overdue and it'll all even out. LOL As long as she comes before January 1, we'll get the tax deduction and I won't complain.

Tys_Mommy05 wrote: What are the numbers for 36 weeks? I'd like to know my odds of having my second baby as early as my first...

Presumably, the 7.7% that is accounted for is all 36 weeks or earlier. This is certainly not the most comprehensive study, but still helps nontheless. I hope you are able to carry your baby past 36 weeks!

You dont want to have your baby before 36 weeks. I had my son at 35 and he just got out of the hospital after 20 days.

I found another site that has more updated info

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5614a7.htm

Quoting saralapacka:“ Sucks to be the .13% at 43 weeks! I presume that number has decreased since doctors are so quick to induce pregnancies now...”

Well I was a 43 week baby, and surprisingly so was my sister.