At the Hospital (Pre-term Labor, 33 weeks)

Hi, ladies. Just a quick update on me. Last night I suspected I lost my mucus plug, but wasn't sure since I've never been pregnant. Even though the pregnancy book I have said it wasn't a big deal, I decided to call my OB to be on the safe side. She had me come in and lo and behold - 1-2 cm dilated. I walked over to the hospital for monitoring and when another check showed me at 3 and my cervix as "tissue-thin," they decided to admit me. I've been here for about 8 hours and had a steroid shot, antibiotics, IV drips for fluids, a catheter, and magnesium to forestall labor. My contractions have remained steady at 3-5 minutes, but I'm afraid they might be getting stronger. I think these babies are determined to come in the next few days. It's still pretty early, but I'm trying to be optimistic. Wish me luck! I'll update when I can.

 

I hope they can stop it. Keep us updated!

 

Good for you for going in! I'm also hoping they can stall labor- at least long enough for you to get both shots.

 

:hug: Michelle! The steroid shots will help. :good: Please know there are many of us, me included, who have had our twins prematurely and they are doing fantastic. :good: It is amazing what they can do with little babies. Just wanted to give you some hope, I know I needed that when I was going through it. Hang in there. :hug:

 

I hope the twins can stay in your belly a little bit longer but I don't think is problem they born at 34 weeks, if they give you the steroids. Last week, my doctor send me rest at home for at least I can make until 34weeks. We always hope that you can do full term, but they said if we make until 34 weeks everything is going to be ok.

 

Hi Michelle, I hope they're able to get your contractions stopped, I know how scary that can be! I had a similar situation with my first son except that I didn't realize I was having contractions, they were found during the course of a non-stress test. Anyhow, they got the steroid shots in me, the contractions stopped, and I delivered my son at 35 weeks. He was perfectly healthy, with strong lungs, but was just on the small side (4lb 1oz). Praying everything goes well for you! Keep us posted!

 

I don't pop on this forum anymore, but I thought you might like a good story. My guys were born at 33 wks 6 days and did very well. They were in the NICU for 2 weeks, but it was mainly for apnea and brady's. They are also boys, girls are supposed to do better than boys. I had the steroid shots, but at 27 wks. I hope you are doing better and that you do ok on mag. My guys were 4 lbs 10 and 5 lbs. There's a great chance if they have to be born that they will do great! I'll keep you and your girls in my prayers.

 

Thanks so much for all the support, everyone! Makes me feel better! The contractions got pretty strong last night, but they eventually started spacing out. They were only coming every 10 minutes by morning and by afternoon, they were coming irregularly, so it looks like at least for now we've stalled it. I'm due to get the 2nd steroid shot in just a little bit, which is great - I'm so glad we made it to the second one. The magnesium they gave me to stop the labor has finally started doing its worst and I'm feeling really out of it (this may be due to the lack of food, too). I have to say the catheter is the worst part of all this. I'll be able to go off the magnesium and have the catheter removed tomorrow evening. The positive side of all this is that the babies are still doing great as far as we can tell. They never got distressed and they're as active as ever

It looks like I'll be here through the weekend. Thanks again!!

 

Go Michelle Go! We're all cheering you on ... keeping them in another few days will be great ... so encouraging to hear of so many who have very few problems at 33 weeks. I'm right behind you at 33 weeks today ... have been on terbutaline for a few weeks, my dr said I can stop it after I've completed the 34th week, after that generally they are pretty healthy and have little to no time in NICU. I sure will say a prayer that all works out well for you and your babies. Take care.

 

Thanks, mbj46. Are you on bed rest or just taking the terbutaline? Good luck!

Update: They took me off the magnesium this morning, earlier than expected, as I was feeling short of breath and having trouble focusing. Catheter out! Yay! And it turns out I have a latex allergy - which is probably why the catheter was bothering me so much. Off the IV's. Off the monitors, except for intermittently. My cervix is still dilated at 3 cm, though now they think it's only 70% effaced rather than 90%. Babies are doing good so far. I'm still facing bedrest, but I'm trying to take it one step at a time. Right now, off the magnesium, I'm feeling on top of the world. Well, that, and a little hungry - woohoo for solid foods!

 

Thinking about you!!! Glad it seems you will be going home after the weekend, and that you've had your steriod shots! Fingers crossed your sweet babies stay put a little longer but good to know things WILL BE FINE if they show up a little early. Take care, keep us posted!!

:youcandoit:

 

Magnesium sulfate is miraculous and torturous! Keep up the great work! My boys came despite the magnesium sulfate at 27weeks, they needed to come out and they are doing amazing! Hoping for another few weeks for all of you!

 

So glad to hear everything is going better. I remember that magnesium sulfate as being some kinda nasty... ugh! Praying you're able to keep those babies in there baking at least a couple more weeks

 

Hang in there and stay positive! Ill be thinking about you!!!

 

Michelle_m - I'm on house arrest - bed rest as much as possible, very little activity other than showering, preparing a quick lunch for myself, or sitting (reclining) in a chair to work from home. I've been on this house arrest for almost 16 weeks. YUCK!

I'm so glad you were able to get off the magnesium - I've heard that it does the trick, but it sounds like it definitely makes people feel awful. Go eat tons of protein and make those babies huge!

 

Hang in there. Sounds exactly what happened to me, kept me for 3 days, home bedrest until 35 weeks, didn't deliver until 38w2d.
Good luck.