Anyone went through nursing with preterm labor?

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Specializes in M/S, home health, LTC, rehab/orth.

I'm 23 weeks pregnant with my 3rd daughter, had PTL with both of them but it didn't start until about 29 weeks. I was already in the hospital for a few hours last night, having contractions every 5 minutes. I had a bolus of IV fluids and that didn't help and my urine and CBC were perfect, so they gave me a shot of terbutaline which knocked them right out. They let me go home but said if they started like that again, I had to go back and expect to stay at least overnight. I see my perinatologist tomorrow and they are planning to start progesterone shots which the dr says works very well in preventing PTL in people who are prone to it. I was planning to work as long as possible in my pregnancy b/c we're buying a house and need the money, but I'm so scared of delivering this early. I know the baby would require a lot of NICU care at this point, if she survived at all. Anyone else been there? Anyone who wants to, prayers appreciated. Thanks. Tonya

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We'll be thinking about you!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I'm surprised that your doc/midwife didn't put you on bedrest starting last night.

PTL is nothing to mess with, as you already know. Having had PTL with 2 consecutive pregnancies makes you statistically at extremely high risk for it again with this pregnancy, and in all likelihood, it will begin earlier this time. Progesterone shots, terbutaline, and other treatments are aimed at prolonging pregnancy in patients who are experiencing PTL, coupled with home monitoring and bedrest. I have never heard of these methods being used to "prevent" PTL in a patient who is already symptommatic and is continuing with normal activities.

Please have a detailed conversation with your perinatologist about how long you can realistically expect to work, and plan accordingly. I know from personal experience (11 weeks of bedrest with my first baby, and 14 weeks with my second, who was still premature) how tight movey can get when your work plans are interrupted, but NOTHING is worth risking precious days and weeks of pregnancy where a preemie is concerned. Arrangements can be made in advance with your mortgage lender to help you thru the few months that you may need to be out of work. Also, find out now what your institution's policy is on FMLA, and start to get that paperwork in order.

Best of luck to you, and please keep us posted. I'll definitely keep you in my prayers.

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Specializes in NICU/Neonatal transport.

What gestation did you deliver your other two? That heavily plays into things....as is how far you have currently dilated. Are you having fFNs done? serial cervical length scans?

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I strongly urge you to follow the directions given to you by your physicians. Your baby's life is @ risk. Please.

And, since this a medical advice seeking thread, it is against the Terms of Service. So I will close it.

Miranda--I hope you don't mind!

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