Reply #38: Preemie babies are being born earlier and earlier (23- 24 weekers) [View All]

[rainbow4321]

Working in a NICU, I can add that once upon a time that it used to be that 25 weekers were the youngest we would see..now, with medical technology we are caring for 23 weekers who spend 7 months or more in the NICU...most with severe health problems (breathing/vision/**severe** neuro deficits/ long term feeding issues).
There are many times that some of us start to wonder if it is right that just because we CAN keep 23 weekers going, should we? And also can't help to think that maybe the parents have not been given the big picture on what lays ahead for their baby, both over the next 5,6,7 months AND for their entire lifetime...potential for total dependency on caregivers, never getting out of a bed, frequent hospital readmissions, the list goes on and on.
NICU's bring in LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of money for hospitals..the units are the hospital's "cash cows". Can't help to think that is what drives some of 23/24 week "saves". When they are born that young, you are looking are a hospital bill of million dollars or more if it is a multiple birth (twins/triplets in the unit for 5-7 months at a time).

Gives "Million Dollar Baby" a whole new meaning.