Me Again-Can You Help Me W/ Contractions?

Liddle Noodnik · Feb 28, 2005

The problem is I am not sure what I am looking for. My stomach keeps tightening, but I know it could be the baby moving and my stomach tightens all the time, especially when I change position...so how can I tell it is a contraction this early? (32 weeks)
Thanks for any tips!

I don't know much about it, just wanted to say I'm praying for you! God bless!

following_faith · Feb 28, 2005

I don't know much about it, just wanted to say I'm praying for you! God bless!

Thank you!

CA CoCoRN, RN · Feb 28, 2005

ummmmm....go to L&D...insist they put you on the monitor for a bit since this situation has been persisting for you. don't be crabby...just reinforce in the nurses mind what you have been telling us here.

Sounds to me, only from what you've said, that you could be beginning preterm labor. I can't diagnose you from miles away, but it seems you've got more going on than "meets the eye".

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Feb 28, 2005

I agree. Go and get on the moniter, have another cervical check. You may be having regular contractions that are mild, but who cares how mild they are if they are changing the cervix? Find out if it is continuing to change, and if it is you need to be treated- the baby isn't ready to come out. It's true that perhaps you'll stop at 2cm and that you may still carry to term, but if you delaytreatment to find out by the time they start treating you it may be too late to stop the birth.

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2005

I agree. If you are contracting enough to cause cervical changes, you need to get to the hospital/birthing center ASAP to get monitored. Better safe than sorry. Like Canoehead said, it's better to do things preventatively than wind up not being able to stop the birth later. If they do find that you are having pre-term labor, they can give you meds to try to prolong your pregnancy. They can also give you steroids to speed up the development of surfactant in the baby's lungs in case you do wind up giving birth. Please keep us updated. Just my :twocents: :icon_hug: :flowersfo

following_faith · Feb 28, 2005

Thanks everyone. I called last night because I am required to call before arriving-but they told me (again) not to bother going to the hospital until either my water breaks or I am having regualr contractions. I have an ultrasound on the 4th & they told me to wait until then otherwise!

I was kind of shocked b/c I am trying to figure out why they would want me to wait until labor was well under way when I am not even full term!

Jolie, BSN · Feb 28, 2005

Thanks everyone. I called last night because I am required to call before arriving-but they told me (again) not to bother going to the hospital until either my water breaks or I am having regualr contractions. I have an ultrasound on the 4th & they told me to wait until then otherwise!
I was kind of shocked b/c I am trying to figure out why they would want me to wait until labor was well under way when I am not even full term!

Call your office back NOW and inform them that you insist on being seen, monitored, and examined IMMEDIATELY. If they will not accomodate you, then insist that they refer you to a reputable OB/CNM who will. Mention your "uncle, the malpractice attorney", if necessary, but don't take "No" for an answer. I agree that it is inappropriate to attempt to make a diagnosis over the internet, but I am convinced that you are experiencing preterm labor, which will progress very rapidly to a preterm delivery if not properly managed.

At 32 weeks, a baby is likely to require neonatal intensive care, and is at risk for a number of complications, many of which can be prevented by proper obstetrical management.

If you are indeed experiencing pre-term labor, you won't need your ultrasound appointment on the 4th. You'll be able to see your baby quite clearly thru the walls of an isolette.

PLEASE ACT NOW!

Jolie, BSN · Feb 28, 2005

I forgot to mention that contractions which accompany pre-term labor may never become "regular". They are often described as lower back pain, pain in the thighs, pelvic pressure, or menstrual-like cramps. Many a preemie has been delivered to a mother who NEVER experienced "regular" contractions!

Your doctor and his/her staff have to know this!

If they won't agree to see you, then GO TO THE ER!

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2005

Just a quick question in US do they do digital cervical exam for a preterm labor, here in UK we dont do that before 37weeks?

I would definately go back and get checked and have a CTG (trace).

Have you had a previous prem labour or is this new to you?

Fingers crossed :)

Ps have they checked urine for signs of infection as a UTI can often have similar signs in pregnancy as prem labour and you can get tightenings.

Did the same person do the VE, because a 2nd time mums cervix is never tightly shut again.

Also it isnt a post coital bleed is it? (sorry to ask that but it is very common too)

following_faith · Feb 28, 2005

Just a quick question in US do they do digital cervical exam for a preterm labor, here in UK we dont do that before 37weeks?
I would definately go back and get checked and have a CTG (trace).
Have you had a previous prem labour or is this new to you?
Fingers crossed :)
Ps have they checked urine for signs of infection as a UTI can often have similar signs in pregnancy as prem labour and you can get tightenings.
Did the same person do the VE, because a 2nd time mums cervix is never tightly shut again.
Also it isnt a post coital bleed is it? (sorry to ask that but it is very common too)

I have no idea about the digital cervical exam thing...I was checked for UTI and other infections and had none when I was there Saturday. I have never had pre-term labor before and they said they are not "worried" about me b/c I have no risk factors.

I am very appalled at these people. I would really like some proof that they attended medical school!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR HELP!! I am trying to make arrangements for my daughter so that I can get someone to see me. Everyone is freaking out about the noreaster...like we have never had snow in Upstate New York before!

I will keep everyone posted and thanks again!!!!! You are all the best and I send tons of hugs your way!!!!!!

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2005

Good luck

Digital lady parts exam = VE dunno if it is the same in Us. Just means using ones fingers to examine cervix rather than using speculum and looking at it.

Take care and keep us updated