V-DAY!

So, as I have mentioned previously, today is V-Day (i.e., viability day). I'm not sure how the term was coined, but it is common lingo among pregnant women these days.

The idea is that once a baby is 24 weeks, the baby has over a 50% chance of surviving if born prematurely. Obviously, this does not mean that is okay if a baby is born this early. Even if the baby survives it will almost assuredly face serious health issues for months, years or even a lifetime. So, while it is cause to celebrate, as is any other milestone in pregnancy (especially for those who are constantly paranoid, like myself, due to a previous loss), the notion of V-Day should be taken with a grain of salt.

A great chart showing viability percentages by week can be found at this website.

Many people have a "personal V-Day" as well - a date where they will actually relax a little bit more with the knowledge that they will be taking home their baby. Based on the chart linked above, I think my personal V-Day is more like 27 weeks, when the chance of survival is over 90%. I like 90% much better than 50%.