Previous PTL And Hopeful Surrogate

[FutureSurroInTX]

Dr. Doyle,

I've asked this question on a different board and got a couple of opinions from some of the ladies here on SMO, but wanted to get yours as well.

My first baby was born at 38 weeks without any complications.

My second son was born at 34+1 and was in the NICU for 13 days. Everything was completely fine up until 33+4. I went in for my appointment and she checked my cervix (Later on found out she read the file wrong and thought that I was 38 weeks which is why she checked it) and much to all of our surprise I was 2cm and 50% effaced. I had no pains AT ALL! She didn't prescribe bed rest, procardia, or steroid shots because she thought that I'd easily make it to at least 37 weeks, she just suggested to take it easy. Well, 4 days later I had a backache and went into L&D just in case. Got checked and I was 4cm and 50% effaced. The on call OB came in, went to check me again in case the nurse was wrong and my water broke everywhere! So, needless to say, I delivered my little early bird that day.

Is there any hope in me becoming a surrogate? My husband and I would like another baby so we're waiting until we've completed our family to move forward in our journey. My Dr. suggested taking the P17 shots from 16-36 weeks as a precaution for our next pregnancy.

I'd love to hear your honest opinion, thanks!

[Dr. Doyle]

Since your having delivered at 34 weeks is a significant risk factor for another preterm birth, most clinics would probably not accept or encourage you to be a carrier, especially since twins if they were to occur would probably be born even earlier. But perhaps your preterm birth was due to some kind of treatable problem ( for example, a fibroid, uterine septum, or infection ) and if this could be identified and treated you would be a much more likely candidate. That is something perhaps to look into.