New Here/Contractions question

Hi everyone!

I've been lurking here since I found out I was pregnant with twins .. now I'm at 24 weeks, 4 days. This forum's been helpful!

So, 11 days ago I started having contractions. And at first I didn't think much of it - they don't feel like much of anything, so I mostly just ignored it. Then I started noticing how frequently it was happening - 6-8 times an hour, and so I called my OB who sent me to L&D. They checked my cervix, monitored it for an hour. They were only 15 seconds long or so, and they called it uterine irritability, not "real" contractions. Said to get lots of fluid, rest a lot, and call/come back if it got more uncomfortable.

2 days later I was back, because it was uncomfortable to stand up for more than 4 or so minutes, and to sit upright for more than 10-15. They stuck me on the monitors again - they were just as short, but even more frequent, and the OB was uncomfortable iwth how frequent. 2 shots of terb and they stopped, so they sent me home, with the hope that we "broke the cycle" and they would stop, or at least stop being so frequent. When they came back - not AS frequent, but still the 6-8 times an hour - a few hours later, I called again (not sure if it was ok that that had happened), and that OB sent me in again, where I got a different OB. Who sent me home and said I need to expect pain, pressure, and contractions. Because, after all I'm having twins. Doesn't matter how frequently they happen, my cervix is fine!

And at my growth scan yesterday, we confirmed my cervix IS more than fine. More than 4 cm long ... so they told me they'd see me in 4 weeks, and to just ignore the contractions. Which I've been TRYING to do, except ...

I can't sit upright for 10 minutes, without them coming one right after the other. When I'm standing up, they don't let up at all, it just stays rock-hard, and starts to feel tighter and tighter. They're a lot less frequent - so long as I stay still - but even rolling over in bed can trigger one, and it lasts longer than it had before. I've started throwing up again, because my stomach just can't handle the sheer volume of contractions that comes with sitting up enough to eat. It's aggravating my pre-existing GI problems (or my GI problems are aggravating my uterus?) .. but the doctors won't listen to that side of it, because they say it's not an OB problem.

I'm not really sure what to do/think with this. I don't want to keep calling them, because they think I'm just being hyper-sensitive to it. But it's feeling to me like a problem - if not for my cervix than because I'm having trouble eating and my GI problems are getting worse (and heaven knows I need to eat!). And not wanting to monitor this any more closely than they would if I hadn't started having contractions bothers me also - especially after the lecture we got last month about needing to stay on top of appointments because of how fast things can change. (We had put off an u/s appointment with the peri.)

I'm not sure how to ignore it, and yet stay on top of it enough to not miss any other warning signs ... without driving myself insane!

Any words of wisdom or advice?

Thanks!

 

Hello and Welcome!!

I would call them because being dehyrdated can cause/aggravate uterine irritability and contractions. If you can't eat then chances are you aren't getting enough water and could be dehyrated. Like you said, you are pg with twins and it's better safet than sorry!

Good luck!!

 

All I can tell you is that I started having contractions at 24 weeks-I got a shot of terb and my cervix was beautiful, long and closed-the drs words! I was good until 32 weeks, got another shot of terb, but my cervix shortened and thinned drastically. I am now 35 weeks and 2 days and still hanging in with the babies-I stay off my feet and relax all day-I wasn't allowed to go back to work...I just wanted you to see that you can keep on going with these crazy contractions...I also agree-sitting up right is not the best position-I lean to my side most often and I don't stand up for very long b/c it is too much pressure.
As for the GI problems-I would talk to your dr about getting a referral to a GI specialist-there is no reason why you can;t go see one-my ob recommened one to me b/c I was having some issued as well. They are your drs and you have the right to call when you feel off or need advice-don't feel bad about it!
Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Thanks ladies!

I think part of my confusion and not being sure is that the doctors SEEM to be disagreeing. The first two I saw both wanted the contractions to basically stop, because they're SO frequent and persistent ... the other two say just ignore it, it's gonna keep happening. It was quite the turnaround from one giving the terb shots to make them stop, to 12 hours later the next one saying to just let it happen.

As for the GI problems ... I DO have a GI. Who can't do anything for me. Because technically my GI problems are endometriosis, which they all falsely believe is under control due to pregnancy. But more than that, the intestines are just really irritated and getting a LOT of pressure put on them, which they aren't reacting well to. The OB I talked to about it at the beginning doesn't want me going into labor at all ever (doesn't want to wind up with an emergency GI surgery case) ... and he is also the one who gave the terb shots .. the rest of the OBs in the practice/hospital look at me like I have 10 heads when I bring it up as an issue.

I AM staying hydrated, and taking it really easy (do I have any other choice? It's too uncomfortable not to). I just wish this would stop.

 

I know this would be hard but speaking from experience if you don't feel comfortable with your dr's find a new one. I had too many bad experiences where I didn't switch and regreted it. Now when I don't like what a dr. says, I get a second opinion, it never hurts.

 

Welcome to Twinstuff! Congrats on your twins. Glad you decided to de-lurk.

I would encourage you to join our Big Sister Program. You will be matched up with another Mom with older twins and she will support you and answer any questions you have throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Click on the link in my signature for more information. It's a great program.

I look forward to getting to know you better.

 

I just read your post because I am having the EXACT same problem....except my dr gave me nothing and allowed me to go back to work...I am a teacher. I go back on Monday and I am going to ask about getting the shot b/c my contractions come freq. but they are still so random....it seems like when they hook me up to the monitor they stop...strange.... I am only 23 weeks. I am very concerned. Can stress also cause uterine irritability?

Shannon

 

QUOTE(Expecting mommy of twins @ Oct 13 2007, 07:44 PM) [snapback]449148[/snapback]
I just read your post because I am having the EXACT same problem....except my dr gave me nothing and allowed me to go back to work...I am a teacher. I go back on Monday and I am going to ask about getting the shot b/c my contractions come freq. but they are still so random....it seems like when they hook me up to the monitor they stop...strange.... I am only 23 weeks. I am very concerned. Can stress also cause uterine irritability?

Shannon


:sign0016: Stress can absolutely cause uterine irritability! I had an irritable uterus from about 14 weeks on, and I had to drink ENORMOUS amounts of water to keep them at bay. A combo of water and lying down were the two things that helped me. They probably stop when they hook you up to the monitors because you are laying down, relaxing somewhat. Did your doctor tell you to call if you had more than a certain amount in an hour?

 

QUOTE(Expecting mommy of twins @ Oct 13 2007, 07:44 PM) [snapback]449148[/snapback]
I just read your post because I am having the EXACT same problem....except my dr gave me nothing and allowed me to go back to work...I am a teacher. I go back on Monday and I am going to ask about getting the shot b/c my contractions come freq. but they are still so random....it seems like when they hook me up to the monitor they stop...strange.... I am only 23 weeks. I am very concerned. Can stress also cause uterine irritability?

Shannon



Hi Shannon, yes stress can cause uterine irritability. I wish you the best! I am 23 weeks and 4 days....I spent some time in L & D 2 weeks ago...with contractions and also had to be given shots of terbutaline...I still have some contractions...but my cervix so far is unchanged.

Good luck to you and keep us posted

Missy

 

I'm surprised they're letting you still work at a job where you have to be on your feet so much! I would bring that up with your OB again. Find out at what point they want you to stop working. Stress could certainly be aggravating the situation. And where they stop when they hook you up, it COULD just be that rest is all you need.

I've been having contractions for a full 5 weeks now. Still 6 or more times an hour, and I've found that NOTHING helps. I'm ridiculously well hydrated, laying down .. and none of it makes the contractions slow down. In fact, they've just gotten stronger as the weeks go on. But my cervix is intact, so ... they're just going to let it continue, and hold off on the meds. I think I COULD be off bedrest and things would still be fine, but .. it's more comfortable to be laying down (most of the time) and it's not something I want to test.

Hang in there. I can't say it gets easier as time goes on, but it does get a little less worrysome. If you feel like you should be out of work, don't leave that office until they write you whatever sort of letter you need!