It can be such a shock for new mums to experience the beginning stages of labour before the 37th week that many women fly into a panic and doubt their readiness for birth.

We hope the information here will soothe your concern about early labour and prepare you for an unexpected early birth if it should happen.

If your baby is in the 10% of babies born premature, they can usually be cared for like a baby born at full term and do not need special care. A further 2 - 3% of babies born at term but with a low birth weight relative to their gestational age will need special care.

Generally speaking, a baby born with a birthweight less than 2kg (4lb 7oz) - either because they are premature or are small for dates (SFD) - will be taken to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). Other premature babies may be above this weight but still might have other issues, such as needing more time for their lungs to develop to enable them to breathe unaided.

Let’s take a look at what to expect when your baby is in the special care unit.

What happens in the Special Care Baby Unit?

This specialist unit is the best environment for premature babies:

Babies are protected from infection by limiting access to all non-essential people. Essential people are parents, medical staff and the baby's immediate family.
There is a high ratio of carers to each premature baby.
Babies are constantly monitored to ensure any problems detected will be dealt with immediately.
Parents are encouraged by medical staff to participate in baby care, helping parents to feel very involved.
Counsellors are available for parents to talk to, and many units have baby-feeding advisors to help with breastfeeding.
As many premature babies are put into an incubator to breathe, this can be shocking for parents, so medical staff will be on hand to reassure you and provide answers to any questions you may have.
You will be encouraged to stroke and talk to your baby while they’re in the incubator. Once they are stronger and can breathe unaided, you can hold them and learn how to change their nappy. Parents can stay in the SCBU for as long as they like.

Now let’s take a look at how you can cope emotionally when your baby is in the special care unit.

How do I cope emotionally?

Going home without your newborn baby can be a severe blow, particularly if your baby is unwell.

The most important thing is to remove any guilt you may feel (easier said than done, we know!). It’s unlikely that anything you’ve done has contributed to your baby being premature or sick.
Rest assured that your baby is in the best care available, which means that when they are back in your arms, they will be as healthy as can be.
When you go back home after birth, try to rest and regain your strength and make any necessary adjustments you hadn’t managed to make due to having an unexpected early birth. You do not need to be at the special care unit every waking minute - particularly if you have other children, as this could lead to feelings of resentment and hinder their ability to adjust to the new arrival.
If you have other children, the time your baby is at the hospital can be a helpful adjustment period for them.
Even though you are not with your baby constantly at the very beginning of their life, there is not one shred of evidence to suggest that this will negatively impact you and your baby’s connection and love for one another.

Now, what can you expect when going home with your premature baby?

Going home with my baby

Babies will usually go home once they are able to feed fully, either with breast milk or formula. They will also need to weigh over 2kg (4lb 7oz) when they are more than 34 weeks gestation and be able to gain weight and maintain their body temperature.

When the baby is ready to go home, the mum will usually stay 1 or 2 nights prior. This gives mothers the confidence to take care of their baby before taking them home.

Studies have shown that giving your baby lots of cuddles and touch helps them put on weight, so give your little one as much physical touch as possible to help them grow and feel more secure.

How do I care for my premature baby?