how early is too early?

I went into premature labor at 29 weeks with my first. They were able to stop labor, but we were able to spend time with some of the NICU Dr.s asking questions, just in case he did end up coming early. At the hospital we were at we were told that they would actively work to stop labor before 35 weeks. After that point, they no longer would, other than offering water and rest, etc. Baby would be automatically required to go to the NICU if he was born before 35 weeks, but at 35 weeks or later it completely depended on the baby's condition. There was also no minimum time that he would have had to stay in the NICU. They have three requirements for releasing them: 1) baby had to be nippling all his own feedings, 2) baby had to be holding his own temp, and 3) baby had to be breathing on his own. Other than that, we could go home as soon as we were ready. I am sure that not all hospitals have the same policy when it comes to newborns, but this was the hospital that handles the most premature babies in the state. I wouldn't worry too much about baby coming early. Try to take all the time you can to sit with your feet up and drink lots of water.

It is my understand that the final lung "development" happens between the 32-35 week mark. Most "mainstream" OBs and hospitals consider a baby "full term" after 36 weeks (there is the 2 week +/- issue ). And I agree that it is usually a case by case determination if an "early" baby needs to stay in the NICU. They might take her for a couple hours to observer her but if her Apgars are high, they might not take her at all. It all depends on her.

Try to not worry, that only increases your stress levels. Keep your fluids up and try to rest as much as possible. That's really all you can do to try to avoid early labor at this point.