White baby boy syndrome?

[chelleyve]

I work in complex health care dealing mainly with children with ventilated needs, and whilst there is some truth to the fact, we are finding we are dealing with as many boys as we are girls now so even when born with breathing issues the chances of recovery is very very high, as is returning home asap. x

 

[Kess]

I've also read studies which say boys develop slower, so have a lower survival rate when born premature. Not read anything about race affecting survival rates, but I do know one of the risk factors for preterm labour is being black - so I guess it would make sense for black babies to be better at surviving prematurity.

 

[Flick]

I think caucasian women tend to carry about a week longer/behind, which I guess might make a big difference if it's at a crucial point of development?

Since the 40-weeks is a generalisation for all, I'd hazard a guess that 'preterm' (before 37 weeks) might not really be 'preterm' if you tick all the boxes for a faster developing baby - and likewise "fullterm" might not mean "fullterm" if you tick other boxes

My sister tells me that in france, they count 43 weeks as overdue, rather than 42. So it's all a bit random, maybe

 

[lkkha]

I think there is definately some truth in boys taking longer to 'mature/develop' than girls. I have had 5 babies, 3 boys & 2 girls, and the boys were born at 39+2, 39+2 & 38+4 and the girls at 36+0 & 35+4, they were both absolutely fine being born at that gestation, no problems breathing/feeding so for me, I must just 'cook' girls quicker than boys!
I am expecting a boy this time, so not expecting him to arrive before 38 weeks inline with my others! x

 

[AfterAbigail]

What a helpful co-worker to give a mummy-to-be something to worry about! Thing of how many "white baby boys" there are out there that are born perfectly fine - if you son happens to need a little help with breathing when he is born than this is perfectly normal as most babies born "early" do. I wouldn't worry though x x x

 

[RebeccaR19]

What a helpful co-worker to give a mummy-to-be something to worry about! Thing of how many "white baby boys" there are out there that are born perfectly fine - if you son happens to need a little help with breathing when he is born than this is perfectly normal as most babies born "early" do. I wouldn't worry though x x x

I still can't believe some of the things people say to you while you are pregnant...they don't think what could get you worried. Although, she didn't have me worried so much as curious because in all my life I had never once heard of that. Plus, I know 3 people off the top of my head who had white baby boys prematurely and all of their boys were fine. One of them was even born at 1 pound!

It is good that we have the medical intervention that we do today.

 

[nullaby]

I dont think it has to do with babies born at term,to my knowledge it relates to preemies. When my daughter was in the NICU the nurses said that African American girls do the best, then Caucasian girls, African American boys then Caucasian boys I dont think its a syndrome though.

 

[JShaw]

I had my little boy at 36+4 (6 lbs) and they tested his lungs as perfectly fine even though he was considered a borderline preemie. His development was measured at 10 days ahead when he was born, so not considered behind in the least. Sounds like a myth and would like to actual statistics to support it as an actual condition or syndrom.

 

[Pippin]

Never heard of this just ignore it's another thing to scare us!!

 

[LHill2010]

My baby boy was just born at 35w4d, and yes, my doctor jokingly called it "wimpy white boy syndrome." Connor is in the NICU because of his lungs, but they are quickly developing more and healing themselves. It is important to make it as close to your due date as possible, regardless of the race or gender though. I would give anything to have him still growing in my belly, but he's here and he's safe!!

 

[lindseymw]

I've never heard of this!

My son was born at 33+5 & never had problems with his lungs. I was given a steriod injection, was a due another but he decided to be born before it.

There were 3 girls in SCBU, all born around the same gestation -/+ a couple of days & my son was the first to be discharged.

 

[LoveleeB]

My son was born at 31 weeks 0 days. While I was in labour the head doctor of the NICU came to speak with me and asked if I knew the sex of the baby. When I replied Boy, he told me that was too bad as girls lungs develop faster than boys and they require less assistance for breathing when born premature (not helpful to hear when you are already a worried mum in labour ). But I do think this only applies to premature babies and is only a general rule, not an absolute.