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Sam, I don't want to scare you (or myself for that matter, as I had PTL with Andrew), but there are many serious complications that are possible for babies delivered that early.

This is a link to the March of Dimes website about premature babies: http://www.marchofdimes.c...fessionals/14332_1157.asp

Here is a list of potential complications to mentally prepare yourself for if they are delivered as early as 28-32 weeks (copied from the March of Dimes website listed above):

What medical complications are common in premature babies?
There are a number of complications that are more likely in premature than full-term babies. Late preterm babies generally have few or mild problems. Babies born before about 32 to 34 weeks gestation may have a number of complications, ranging from mild to severe.

• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). About 23,000 babies a year (most of whom were born before the 34th week of pregnancy) suffer from this breathing problem (3). Babies with RDS lack a protein called surfactant that keeps small air sacs in the lungs from collapsing. Treatment with surfactant helps affected babies breathe more easily. Since treatment with surfactant was introduced in 1990, deaths from RDS have been reduced by about half (4).
  
  A doctor may suspect a baby has RDS if she is struggling to breathe. A lung X-ray and blood tests often confirm the diagnosis. Along with surfactant treatment, babies with RDS may need additional oxygen and mechanical breathing assistance to keep their lungs expanded. They may receive a treatment called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which delivers pressurized air to the baby's lungs. The air may be delivered through small tubes in the baby's nose, or through a tube that has been inserted into his windpipe. CPAP helps a baby breathe, but it does not breathe for him. The sickest babies may temporarily need the help of a respirator to breathe for them while their lungs mature.
• Apnea. Premature babies sometimes stop breathing for 20 seconds or more. This interruption in breathing is called apnea, and it may be accompanied by a slow heart rate. Premature babies are constantly monitored for apnea. If the baby stops breathing, a nurse will stimulate the baby to start breathing by patting him or touching the soles of his feet.
• Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Bleeding in the brain occurs in some premature babies, with those born before about 32 weeks of pregnancy at highest risk. The bleeds usually occur in the first three days of life and generally are diagnosed with an ultrasound examination. Most brain bleeds are mild and resolve themselves with no or few lasting problems. More severe bleeds can cause the fluid-filled structures (ventricles) in the brain to expand rapidly, causing pressure on the brain that can lead to brain damage (such as cerebral palsy and learning and behavioral problems). In such cases, surgeons may insert a tube into the brain to drain the fluid and reduce the risk of brain damage. In milder cases, drugs sometimes can reduce fluid buildup. IVH also is associated with a risk for developing cerebral palsy.
• Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA). PDA is a heart problem that is common in premature babies. Before birth, a large artery called the ductus arteriosus lets the blood bypass the lungs because the fetus gets its oxygen through the placenta. The ductus normally closes soon after birth so that blood can travel to the lungs and pick up oxygen. When the ductus does not close properly, it can lead to heart failure. PDA can be diagnosed with a specialized form of ultrasound (echocardiography) or other imaging tests. Babies with PDA are treated with a drug that helps close the ductus, although surgery may be necessary if the drug does not work.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Some premature babies develop this potentially dangerous intestinal problem (usually two to three weeks after birth). It can lead to feeding difficulties, abdominal swelling and other complications. NEC can be diagnosed with imaging tests, such as X-rays, and blood tests. Affected babies are treated with antibiotics and fed intravenously (through a vein) while the bowel heals. In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove damaged sections of the intestine.
• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). ROP is an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye that can lead to vision loss. It occurs mainly in babies born before 32 weeks of pregnancy. ROP is diagnosed during an examination by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor). Most cases are mild and heal themselves with little or no vision loss. In more severe cases, the ophthalmologist may treat the abnormal vessels with a laser or with cryotherapy (freezing) to protect the retina and preserve vision.
• Jaundice. Premature babies are more likely than full-term babies to develop jaundice because their livers are too immature to remove a waste product called bilirubin from the blood. In addition, premature infants may be more sensitive to the ill effects of excess bilirubin. Babies with jaundice have a yellowish color to their skin and eyes. Jaundice often is mild and usually is not harmful; however, if the bilirubin level gets too high, it can cause brain damage. This generally can be prevented because blood tests show when bilirubin levels are too high, so the baby can be treated with special lights (phototherapy) that help the body eliminate bilirubin. Occasionally, a baby may need a blood transfusion.
• Anemia. Premature infants often are anemic, which means they do not have enough red blood cells. Normally, the baby stores iron during the later months of pregnancy and uses it late in pregnancy and after birth to make red blood cells. Infants born too soon may not have had enough time to store iron. Babies with anemia tend to develop feeding problems and grow more slowly; anemia also can worsen any heart or breathing problems. Anemic infants may be treated with dietary iron supplements, drugs that increase red blood cell production or, in severe cases, blood transfusion.
• Chronic lung disease (also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia or BPD). Chronic lung disease most commonly affects premature infants who require ongoing treatment with supplemental oxygen. The risk of BPD is increased in babies who still need oxygen when they reach 36 weeks after conception (weeks of pregnancy plus weeks after birth adding up to 36 or more weeks). These babies develop fluid in the lungs, scarring and lung damage, which can be seen on an X-ray. Affected babies are treated with medications that make breathing easier and are slowly weaned from the ventilator. Their lungs usually improve over the first two years of life. However, many children develop chronic lung disease resembling asthma.
• Infections. Premature babies have immature immune systems that are inefficient at fighting off bacteria, viruses and other organisms that can cause infection. Serious infections that are commonly seen in premature babies include pneumonia (lung infection), sepsis (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). Babies can contract these infections at birth from their mother, or they may become infected after birth. Infections are treated with antibiotics or antiviral drugs.

Also, information cut 'n pasted from the site with regard to the specific weeks of gestation you are curious about:

What about babies born at 28 to 31 weeks gestation?
These babies look quite similar to babies born earlier, although they are larger (usually between 2 and 4 pounds) and even more likely to survive (about 90 to 95 percent) (5). Most require treatment with oxygen, surfactant and mechanical assistance to help them breathe. Some of these babies can be fed breast milk or formula through a tube placed through their nose or mouth into the stomach, although others will need to be fed intravenously.

Some of these babies can cry. They can move more, although their movements may be jerky. A baby born at this time can grasp your finger. These babies can open their eyes, and they begin to stay awake and alert for short periods.

Babies born at 28 to 31 weeks are at risk for the complications discussed above; however, when complications occur, they may not be as severe as in babies born earlier. Babies born with very low birthweight (less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces) remain at risk for serious disabilities.

What about babies born at 32 to 33 weeks gestation?
About 95 percent of babies born at this time survive (5). Most weigh between 3 and 5 pounds and appear thinner than full-term babies. Some can breathe on their own, and many just need supplemental oxygen to help them breathe. Some can be breast- or bottle-fed, but those who have breathing difficulties will probably need tube-feeding. Babies born at this time are less likely than babies born earlier to develop serious disabilities resulting from premature birth, though they remain at increased risk for learning and behavioral problems.


Sam, I know you LOVE information, so that's why I've put as much in here as I did. Better to be prepared, right? (((hugs)))
I'm so hoping they can stay in your surro beyond 32 weeks.