Preterm contractions

I was taken off work at 33 weeks for preterm contractions and put on Procardia XL. Has anyone else been on this med, if so tell me a little bit. How do I decipher true from false labor on this med? I am worried that I am not going to know when true labor begins. Should I wait till my water breaks, they haven't checked my cervix in about 4 weeks. I still get pretty intense contractions with the Procardia but I feel stupid calling the doctor each time.

 

I don't think you honestly can tell for sure and not everyone's water breaks so I definitely wouldn't wait for that. I would talk to your doc and set a criteria for when you should call. Your number of contractions might be higher due to your body naturally contracting but you should have something worked out with your doc on when to call. As with anything though, call if you feel you need to. That is what they are there for and they should anticipate you will call for one reason or another. My OB told me one time that he completely expected to see me a few more times before I actually delivered, I proved him wrong and he did not see me again until my water broke and I delivered but it was nice to know he was completely ok with me calling whenever I felt the need!

 

i was on procardia from 21w. i went to l&d about 10 times. each time there were no cervical changes. eventually, my dr. said i could have 10 contrax an hour before i had to call. i modified this - if i had 10 in 2 hours i would call. when in doubt, call. everyone in l&d knows me but said i still wasn't their most frequent visitor! you don't want to take any chances, even if you think you might look foolish, remember you are doing this for your babies.

also, i went off the meds at 35w an have had almost no contrax since then!

m.

 

I was on procardia and terb too. The meds kept my contractions in check, and so when I would have too many contractions in an hour (10 was the agreed upon number, but we originally started at 6) then I would call. I was having irregular, dull contractions on the day I delivered. I just felt off, and the meds were not keeping the contractions at bay (less than 10 an hour, but more than 6). When I went to L&D I was almost 5 cm dilated. So if you feel off, or are having a larger than normal number of contractions, just call.

 

I was put on procardia and bedrest at 30 weeks. I don't know if there really is a thing as false labor. I think all of it is your body's way of preparing for labor. For some women it happens over a very long period of time and for others it is very quick. Like a pp said if you're feeling off, you definitely need to call. Their job is to help you and you shouldn't worry about bothering them. The morning I went into labor I "just knew" something was different. Plus, looking back the day before I had a very, very bad backache. Congratulations on making it to 35 weeks!! Way to go!

 

I definitely agree with setting a criteria with your doctor for when to call! I would be so confused. Goodluck and I hope everything is taken care of!

 

When in doubt, call your dr!!! I went to L&D 3 times with contractions and felt silly calling the dr. each time, but go with your intuition. The first time I went to L&D, I was admitted for 2 weeks. The 2nd trip to L&D, I was admitted for 3 days. The 3rd trip I was admitted and put on mag and delivered 3 days later....so that was an 8 day trip that time. So, all of my "Oh, I do'nt want to call, I feel stupid" turned into reasons to call and were definitely warranted. BTW, all of my trips were for PTL>