She may come too early....

So, had an appointment today.
The doctor told me that the contractions I've been having aren't HB, they are real ones. I'm dilated 1.5 cm....she said that's pretty normal, but the contractions aren't....not this early, anyway. Also my cervix is a little thinner than it should be right now.
My water is still intact, though. So, she told me to keep a close eye on my contractions and call if I think something serious is going on.
My iron is low....real low. I may have to get a better iron pill.
And, I've gained 5 more pounds.

 

Hon, LAY DOWN....Put yourself on bedrest! Drink lots of water! Do everything you can possibly do to keep that baby in until 37 weeks! You can do it! Visualise her growing and staying, meditate, talk to her....Tell her to stay inside for a bit longer.....

YOU CAN DO IT!

 

I was gonna say exactly what HippyFreak said! When they say to do nothing....really milk it for all it's worth! You've got to buy some time right now, and that's means to take it easy! Have they given you shots to get her lungs ready yet? hmmm I think it begins with an "s"... Sorry so vague but they usually give it to moms who may go into labor early. It helps the baby's lungs to progress! Good Luck!! She will be fine if she comes sooner or later!! Good Luck! ....

 

I know I need to take it easy....but in this period (I think I'm nesting....or something like it) it's so hard to just lay around. I want to get everything ready for her. Plus, I'm getting an apartment within the next two weeks....and I have to worry about that. Boyfriend is giving me the money to spend on things we need. Lol.
I'm going to try to do next to nothing. I'll try to just get up to get something to eat (Because I'm the only one here during the day), and to pee. It shall be hard, but I do want her to be healthy.

Critter, no, they haven't given me any kind of shot. I didn't even know there is such a shot. I'm going to call about that tomorrow and see if it's something I need to come in and take.

 

yeah, i was going to say REST, too, but that's already been done with.
As hard as it is to sit still at this point, you have to.
You said that you were trying to learn to crochet....maybe try to play around with that for the next 5 or so weeks.
((((hugs)))) I hope that everything goes well for you guys
I've never heard about that shot, either, but I'd look into it.

 

Send someone to the library for you with a list of books. Hook up the TV in your bedroom, with a DVD player and rent some movies. Your first priority right now is staying pregnant... not buying things. The apartment can wait! Or make your boyfriend do it himself!

 

i also forgot to mention....
my mom went into labour with my sister at 24 weeks,like full-blown labour. She stayed on strikt bedrest for the rest of the pregnancy and made it to 35 weeks. She didn't move at all, and everything stayed in place. So it is possible to make it

 

Here here!! Please, don't try to move (into the apt) right now. You really need to be on total bed rest. I mean, don't get up except to pee. Good luck sweetie....

 

He isn't making me....if that's the impression I let on.

He doesn't want her to come yet, either....he knows she isn't strong enough yet.
I've tons of books and stuff....and a TV in my room.
The crocheting thing is probably what I'll do. I'm getting better by the day. Except....when I start adding rows, the length gets smaller....and smaller.

 

this is getting a little off topic here, but from the sounds of it, your tension is getting a little too tight with the yarn you're holding in the opposite hand your holding your work in.....if that makes any sence......and if I understand what you're saying correctly. PM me if you need any help, I'm kind of a crocheting nut.......and that sounded dorky.....

 

Honey, there are meds and techniques to prevent preterm labor. At 34 weeks gestation there is still a chance her lungs won't be mature. Why isn't your doc putting you on mandatory bed rest and Brethine? Has he done a Fetal Fibromectin Test? This is standard procedure. Good docs don't just sent you home in preterm labor. Take the iron, if you need it, but get a second opinion from a Perinatalogist, preferably in a University Teaching Hospital. If your baby is born now, in a Community Hospital, they will probably have to transfer her to a University hospital with a Level III or Level II NICU. (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.) It is always better to prevent the preterm birth than to have to treat a preterm baby.

I've been through this four times. My doc INSISTS on bedrest, left side lying, (or Trendlenburg postioning, if your cervix is really dilating, and you need to be hospitalized) and PLENTY of water water water water. A tocolytic (drug which can stop labor) is also Standard Procedure. Did your doc just send you home on your own? This is getting me upset. You doctor should be aggresive in PREVENTING a preterm birth. MAKE HIM do it. Tell him you want a referal to a Perinatalogist at a Teaching Hospital. They will usually see you in a day, because they know how important it is to prevent preterm birth. I've been through this four times, preterm labor often CAN be delayed until your due date, or very near.

Take care, honey. DON'T DO ANYTHING except drink water, rest and gestate that baby. Call that doctor and demand something to be done to prevent a preterm birth.

How many contractions an hour are you having, on average? I was having about 8 an hour, "normally" and one every 2-5 minutes as early as my early second trimester when I was having preterm contractions. I was hospitalized more than I want to think about. I had to take meds during several of my pregnancies, to keep my babies "cooking" until they were ready. I spend months and months on bed rest. It was worth EVERY second of it.

Remember, every day in the womb saves your baby a week in the NICU. MAKE that doctor do something or see someone else. This baby doesn't have to be born until much closer to her due date.

Hugs and love,

Maggie

 

I wasn't put on bedrest when I started having contractions and losing my mucous at 26 weeks with Jenny. Doc did tell me to rest and take it easy, which I didn't really do but wish I had... I did finally quit my job, which was a major stressor right there, and involved walking a mile up hill from where I had to park as the new employee in a huge insurance company. I was not given any shots to help her lungs mature, but they had it ready in case I started dilating. I was given terbutaline (I don't know how to spell that) on several occassions to make the contractions stop, though. I was seen by neonatologists and perinatologists at my ob's request, too. Definitely drink lots and lots of water, eat lots of protein, too. And lay down, rest as much as you possibly can. If you don't have to get up, don't. If someone else can do it, let them do whatever needs to be done. You don't have to go shopping or anything else, really it's not neccessary for you to do anything besides gestate and get lots of rest and take care of yourself and your baby. We made it to 37 weeks, and that was still too early for her to be born.

 

We have a UNI hospital about an hour from here. I'm going to call them.
The doc just examined my uterus....it was a different one than the last time. This was a lady doctor. She put that....speculum? in me and felt around. That's it. I didn't think she was supposed to use one of those with my being so far along, but she said it won't hurt baby?
She just said to keep an eye on contractions....she didn't mention anything about bedrest or meds.
My mom was with me after I picked her up from work (Right after the appoinment). After I told her what happened, she said we'd probably have to switch doctors, or go back to the hospital here sometime today to see a doctor that knows what he's doing. (We have some good....some bad).
Yesterday and the day before I was having 6 or 7 an hour and they lasted nearly a minute each. This morning, one woke me up....that lasted about 30 seconds. Switching what I'm doing hasn't really helped these past 3 days. So, I just breathe and breathe until it goes away.

 

Good idea to see someone else. Preterm birth is nothing to mess with. My OB has the lowest preterm birth rate in the High Risk Unit. He is a BedRest fanatic. It DOES make a difference, especially if your cervix is changing. Seven or even 4 contractions an hour, at a minute a piece is TOO MUCH.

What kind of NICU does your local hospital have? You do not want the baby transfered, and you kept at the local hospital, if she is born too early, and needs Neonatal care that the hospital you delivered at can't provide. I know too many clients and friends this has happened to. My doc gets the MOM to the hospital with teh NICU BEFORE the baby is born. Better the baby is transported IN your womb, than in a bumpy ambulance ride, which could be very dangerous for her AFTER the birth.

Honey, you need a doctor who takes you and preterm birth seriously. If he hasn't put you on bedrest, or done a Fetal Fibronectin test, he or she is not informed.

Take care of yourself. I'll try to get you more information. LIE DOWN! DRINK WATER! Dr. Maggie insists.

 

A spectulum (sp?) won't hurt the babe.

Ok... I lived in Cinci. Thats where the University hospital you were talking about is, right? If so, consider Christ Hospital too... they are really good there. There is also the Children's Hospital which is AMAZING, but I don't know if they do actual deliveries, or if they just take care of sick children once they are outside the womb.

 

Good doctors do VERY LITTLE manipulation of the cervix and the vagina once preterm labor has been confirmed. My docs did few vaginal checks in my last two pregnancies. They checked a LOT with the first two, in the 1980s, but they know now that too much manipulation of the cervix can actually worsen the situation. The only time they should now be checking your cervix is if EVERYTHING is done to prevent the labor, and you are still having contractions, and delivery may be immenent.


Here is some good data about preterm labor.
Everyone in the hospital thought all my babies were going to be 12 weeks or more early. Due to my doctor and my vigilence, we held off until nearly term for all of them. Hard work is involved to prevent preterm delivery. It is HARD to really lie down and do NOTHING for the next 3-6 weeks. But a full term baby is worth EVERY minute.

High-Risk Pregnancy

Preterm Labor

What is preterm labor?

Preterm labor is labor that begins before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Although the exact definitions may vary, preterm labor may include one, or more, of the following:

• uterine contractions
• rupture of the amniotic sac (membranes)
• cervical dilatation (opening of the cervix)
• cervical effacement (thinning of the cervix)

More than 11 percent of all babies born are preterm.

What causes preterm labor?

Many factors can contribute to preterm labor. Although the exact cause of preterm labor is unknown in many cases, one major cause is premature rupture of membranes (breaking of the amniotic sac). Other related factors include the following:

• Maternal factors:
  • preeclampsia (also known as toxemia or high blood pressure of pregnancy)
  • chronic medical illness (such as heart or kidney disease)
  • infection (such as group B streptococcus, urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, infections of the fetal/placental tissues)
  • drug abuse (such as cocaine)
  • abnormal structure of the uterus
  • cervical incompetence (inability of the cervix to stay closed during pregnancy)
  • previous preterm birth
• Factors involving the pregnancy:
  • abnormal or decreased function of the placenta
  • placenta previa (low lying position of the placenta)
  • placental abruption (early detachment from the uterus)
  • premature rupture of membranes (amniotic sac)
  • hydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
• Factors involving the fetus:
  • when fetal behavior indicates the intrauterine environment is not healthy
  • multiple gestation (twins, triplets, or more)
  • erythroblastosis fetalis (Rh/blood group incompatibility)
  • In many cases of preterm labor, the reason for the condition is never confirmed or known

Why is preterm labor a concern?

Preterm birth is the greatest problem associated with preterm labor. Although most babies are born after 37 weeks, those born preterm are at increased risks for many complications.

According to the March of Dimes, about 12 percent of babies born in the US are born preterm, or before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Of the babies born preterm:

• 84 percent are born between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation (the time from conception to birth)
• about 10 percent are born between 28 and 31 weeks of gestation
• about 6 percent are born at less than 28 weeks of gestation

Premature babies are born before their bodies and organ systems have completely matured. These babies are often small, with low birthweight (less than 2,500 grams or 5.5 pounds), and they may need help breathing, eating, fighting infection, and staying warm. Very premature babies, those born before 28 weeks, are especially vulnerable. Many of their organs may not be ready for life outside the mother's uterus and may be too immature to function well.

Some of the problems premature babies may experience include:

• temperature instability - inability to stay warm due to low body fat.
• respiratory problems:
  • hyaline membrane disease/respiratory distress syndrome - a condition in which the air sacs cannot stay open due to lack of surfactant in the lungs.
  • chronic lung disease - long-term respiratory problems caused by injury to the lung tissue.
  • air leaking out of the normal lung spaces into other tissues
  • incomplete lung development
  • apnea or stopped breathing (occurs in about half of babies born at or before 30 weeks)
• cardiovascular:
  • patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - a heart condition that causes blood to divert away from the lungs.
  • too low or too high blood pressure
  • low heart rate (often occurs with apnea)
• blood and metabolic:
  • anemia (may require blood transfusion)
  • jaundice (due to immaturity of liver and gastrointestinal function)
  • too low or too high levels of minerals and other substances in the blood such as calcium and glucose (sugar)
  • immature kidney function
• gastrointestinal:
  • difficulty feeding (many are unable to coordinate suck and swallow before 35 weeks gestation)
  • poor digestion
  • necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) - a serious disease of the intestine common in premature babies.
• neurologic:
  • intraventricular hemorrhage - bleeding in the brain.
  • periventricular leukomalacia - softening of tissues of the brain around the ventricles (the spaces in the brain containing cerebrospinal fluid).
  • poor muscle tone
  • seizures (may be due to bleeding in the brain)
  • retinopathy of prematurity - abnormal growth of the blood vessels in a baby's eye.
• infections (premature infants are more susceptible to infection and may require antibiotics)

Premature babies can have long-term health problems as well. Generally, the more premature the baby, the more serious and long lasting are the health problems.

Other problems associated with preterm labor include complications of the treatment. Medications used to treat preterm labor may have risks for the mother and fetus.

What are the symptoms of preterm labor?

The following are the most common symptoms of preterm labor. However, each woman may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• uterine contractions, especially more than four in one hour
• menstrual-type cramps
• pelvic pressure
• backache
• intestinal upset
• vaginal discharge of blood, mucus, or water

If you notice any symptoms of preterm labor, be sure to call your physician as soon as possible.

The symptoms of preterm labor may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is preterm labor diagnosed?

If preterm labor is suspected, most women are evaluated in the labor and delivery area of the hospital. Usually, an electronic monitor is used to check the frequency, duration, and strength of contractions. This monitor has a transducer that is placed over your abdomen with a belt. The contractions are transmitted and recorded by the monitor. The fetal heart rate may also be monitored at this time.

Other ways of assessing preterm labor may include the following:

• cervical examination - an examination by a physician's gloved fingers of the cervix can help determine if the cervix has softened, shortened, thinned, or dilated (opened) - all signs of preterm labor.
• ultrasound (with a vaginal transducer to measure the length of the cervix, or with an abdominal transducer to check the fetus and amniotic fluid levels)
• testing for premature rupture of membranes (the amniotic sac)
• testing for fetal fibronectin (FFN) - a protein that helps glue together the tissues of the placenta. FFN may be released when there is a disruption in these tissues or with infection. The protein is then found in cervical secretions where it can be sampled and tested.

Treatment for preterm labor:

Specific treatment for preterm labor will be determined by your physician based on:

• your pregnancy, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the condition
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

Treatment for preterm labor may include:

• bedrest (either at home or in the hospital may be recommended)
• hospitalization (as specialized personnel and equipment may be necessary)
• tocolytic medications - medications to help slow or stop contractions. These may be given in an injection under the skin or intravenously (IV). Tocolytic medications often used include terbutaline and magnesium sulfate.
• corticosteroid medications - medications that may help mature the lungs of the fetus. Lung immaturity is a major problem of premature babies. (these are only given if delivery is expected within 24 hours. It will not permanently “mature” the fetuses lungs, if this drug is given and delivery does not take place in 24 hours, then an other dose will need to be given, later, if delivery is imminent at an other time.)
• cervical cerclage - a procedure used to suture the cervical opening. Cerclage is used for women with an incompetent cervix. This is a condition in which the cervix is physically weak and unable to stay closed during pregnancy. This is only done in the second trimester, in cases of “cervical incompetence.” It is not used for regular preterm labor, with contractions and normal cervical dilation and thinning.
• antibiotics (to treat infection) ONLY in cases where a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected.
• delivery - if treatments do not stop preterm labor or if the fetus or mother is in danger, delivery of the baby may occur. Cesarean delivery may be recommended in certain cases.

Prevention of prematurity:

Because of the tremendous advances in the care of sick and premature babies, more and more babies are surviving despite being born early and being very small. However, prevention of early birth is the best way of promoting good health for babies. In 2003, the March of Dimes launched a five-year, $75 million Prematurity Campaign for research, awareness, and education to help families have healthier babies.

Prenatal care is a key factor in preventing preterm births and low birthweight babies. At prenatal visits, the health of both mother and fetus can be checked. Because maternal nutrition and weight gain are linked with fetal weight gain and birthweight, eating a healthy diet and gaining weight in pregnancy are essential. Prenatal care is also important in identifying problems and lifestyles that can increase the risks for preterm labor and birth. Some ways to help prevent prematurity and to provide the best care for premature babies may include the following:

• identifying mothers at risk for preterm labor
• prenatal education of the symptoms of preterm labor
• avoiding heavy or repetitive work or standing for long periods of time which can increase the risk of preterm labor
• early identification and treatment of preterm labor

Some women at high risk for preterm birth may be candidates for treatment with the hormone progesterone. This hormone and its derivative, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, are naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Recent studies have shown promising results in reducing the risk of preterm birth in certain high-risk women who received these types of progesterone medications beginning in early pregnancy. More research is needed for this and other ways to help reduce the incidence of prematurity.









http://www.aafp.org/afp/990201ap/593.html



about preterm labor an other aritcle

Blessings and prayers for a continued pregnancy, sweetie. LIE DOWN, NOW!!!!!

 

I went to the other doctor. They did all kinds of junk. I don't even remember half of the stuff. I was given a shot....though I can't, for the life of me, think of the name. I'm not sure what they said it did, either. They also told me to lay down. Said if I'm up more than I'm down, I'm doing it wrong. So, I should only get up to pee and eat. That's going to be so tough.
Ice....I was talking about the one in Lexington. I didn't even think about the one in Cinci. The Lexi one seems to be good, though.

Maggie....the local hospital has a NICU. From what I hear, it's a good one. But, I only know of 2 ladies that have had to experience that.

 

When I was 32 weeks with my son I went into labor and dialated to 4cms. I even ended up spending the night in the hospital. I meditated and asked him to stay for a while longer. I ended up making it to 34 weeks before he was born. He had to spend the first couple of nights in NICU for O2 problems (which was heartbreaking) but he's not had one problem since.

I really believe he would have been born at 32 weeks if I hadn't been so adament about getting him to hang on a while longer.

 

I also talked to my babies (all four of them) and asked them to PLEASE wait. I also meditated on keeping my cervix CLOSED (as I was completely effaced and several cm dilated by 25 weeks or so.) I envisioned my cervix as a fist, tightly closed, and prayed and meditated on keeping the dilation where it was.

It worked every time. Everyone thought I would deliver all my babies too early. On several occasions, I was in the hospital and they had the Isolete there, and the Neonatalogist IN the room. I didn't have the baby then. I must have regenerated more cerival plugs than I remember. I was on aspirin therapy with Sage, but you can't do this after 34 weeks, as they are too afraid of the small risk of the Arterial Ductus closing (the duct between the lungs and heart that changes at birth from fetal ciculation (by passing the baby's lungs) to newborn circulation (letting the lungs get blood in the way it needs it.) Anyway, we had no problem with this, and I carried to 38, 39 (almost) 38 and 36.5 weeks of gestation, respectfully.

NOTHING got me out of that bed. There was no internet (with the exception of my pregnancy with Sage) to order things, so as after the first one, I knew I might have a problem, I bought what I needed before 22 weeks. So many people at the damn stores were going, "Oh, honey, it's too early for you to be buying diapers and Desitin!" (I use disposable for the ride home and until our service started.) And I would just tell them either to mind their own business, or that my baby was going to come early. Sheesh, it is amazing how people get INTO your business, without being asked when you are pregnant. I bought a new crib for Sage (as I had never bought one before, and I wanted one for the occasions we used it, and the second hand cribs we had for the other kid were long gone to churches, womyn's shelters ect) and people at Baby's R Us told me it was "bad luck" to buy it so early. Sheesh. It would have been "bad luck" to go shopping when I was supposed to be in bed.

 

I don't know if this will help, but this is what my doctor told me. I had HPV, but now it's gone. It weakened my cervex. My doctor told me that I may have a problem carrying a baby full term and said that bedrest would be best towards the end if i ever get pregnant. I remember reading that you had HPV before and this could be the cause.Just rest rest rest!!!