Pre-term labor

Hello! I have read about women not being able to feel contractions but find themselves in PTL. If you can't feel them at all, how do you know you're in preterm labor?

I am 24 weeks and 4 days now, and very worried about preterm labor.

 

I was having some BH at 23 weeks and being a first time mom I had no idea what it was. I went to L& D, the doc ran routine tests and he told me I was experiencing PTL (not due to BH), still dont know why. I had no idea, I was feeling great, so it was a surprise. I guess my body was warning me to slow down.

Yolanda

 

I couldn't "internally" feel the contractions, but my stomach would tighten up pretty hard. It didn't hurt at all. I noticed one night it was happening a lot (actually DH noticed), and we called the dr. He called me in some terb, and saw me the next morning. I was 80% effaced, and had started to dilate. I was 26 weeks, and went on strict bedrest that day. If I hadn't read about BH, contractions, etc., I wouldn't have given a second thought to what I was experiencing.

 

That's me. I had a 20-week routine ultrasound, and found out I was in pre-term labor.

Looking back, I probably should have noticed a few of the "signs." At 19 weeks, I started to have a change in bowel movements (as many as three a day) that I chalked up to an increased fiber intake. I also started to breathe a bit heavier at work and I felt a lot more "full" - even when I hadn't eaten. I lost my appetite that week, and could feel tightening every now and then in my abdomen, but as busy as I was, I didn't think twice.

I've been on hospital bed rest for four weeks - hitting 24 weeks today. My advice? Take it easier than you think. Lie down a lot, and get the weight off of your cervix. Drink heaps of water, and continue eating a lot of protein. If you feel something strange, definitely call your doctor.

Enjoy your pregnancy. You've made it to 24 weeks without hassle; that is certainly something to be proud of.

Best.

 

I didn't know. I was really uncomfortable with some cramping and back pain. I called my Dr. and she had me go into L&D, and when they put me on the baby monitor they found that I was contracting. It never even crossed my mind as I was going to the hospital that I would be in pre-term labor. Im am glad I went in though, things could have been so much worse if I had not gone.

Good Luck! Hopefully you will not have to deal with it.

 

I went in with a headache- and after BP was checked and all was fine- they monitored me and found I was having contractions, and was 2 cm dilated! I had no clue I was having so many contractions. I knew I was having some at home from time to time- but was taking it easy, and me and my doc had discussed it and at that time it had not caused any dilation.
It is one of those things you just kind of have to trust your instincts. If you aren't feeling well- and can't put your finger on it, it is best to call and talk to your doc. Also watch for not so obvious signs such as stomach pain, cramping, nausea. Also I know with some of my contractions I feel this intense urge to pee, and if I feel my belly, sure enough, it is hard!