Scared and Nervous-21 weeks with mono/di 1cm dilated

Hi moms,
I am very scared at this time.
I am 21 weeks pregnant with moni/di twins. I had a subchorionic hematoma at 17 weeks and the bleeding has almost gone now.
I went for my ultrasound (every 2 weeks) and the doc suspected that I was contracting. He checked my cervix and I was 1 cm dilated. I was observed for 4 hours, given IV and the contractions reduced in intensity. There were about 5 minutes apart, no cramping; I can just feel my lower abdomen tightening. The doc prescribed Calcium Channel blocker to help reduce contractions and put me on bed rest. I am also taking macrobid for UTI. They didn’t think that I was in labor, cz the cervix wasn't thinning.
Now I am at home, I can still feel the contractions, which are sometimes every close to each other and then disappear completely for some time. For some reason (and this could just be my imagination), I feel much better when I stand rather than when I am in a reclining position.
I am just very scared at this time, since nothing can be done incase I go into labor. I also have a 2 1/2 year old daughter, and we just moved to a new state. I have no friends or family here and everything is just adding to my anxiousness.
Anyone else who experienced the same thing or just any kind of advice would be great

 

Hi and welcome to Twinstuff!

It is always scary when you go into PTL. Are you on bedrest now? I would just be sure to follow your OB's orders, drink lots of water, and stay off you feet as much as possible. I know you said you just moved, but is there anyone at all that can help with your 2.5 year old DD? That would really help you out. :hug99:

 

I also have mono/di twins and have faced the painless contrax (increasing at certain times of day, irritated it seems by my bladder) I have a history of these kind of contrax and early dilation/effacement with my singletons (they've all gone fullterm). I was treated for PTL with my 2nd pregnancy and did 11 weeks bedrest.

This time, I have been given procardia and prometrium (used vaginally) since 21 weeks when I was found to be dilated 1 cm, effaced and had a short, very short cervical length. I was given an emergency cerclage which I feel has helped my case. Some docs are reluctant to do this. I've also been on bedrest - the last almost month in the hospital. My sympyoms are exacerbated by higher than normal fluids from TTTS with my twins.

Good news - I'm 31 weeks today. 10 weeks of bedrest, but it is necessary.

I have found anxiety increases my contrax. . .

I wish you all the best and hope you have peace of mind soon. I'm aware that infections like UTIs can set off uterine irritability/contrax. I know it's scary, but try to also remember that some women dilate slowly and early over time. Rest, rest, rest all you can.

 

QUOTE(summerfun @ May 22 2008, 08:12 PM) [snapback]788594[/snapback]
Hi and welcome to Twinstuff!

It is always scary when you go into PTL. Are you on bedrest now? I would just be sure to follow your OB's orders, drink lots of water, and stay off you feet as much as possible. I know you said you just moved, but is there anyone at all that can help with your 2.5 year old DD? That would really help you out. :hug99:



We are trying to find a daycare for DD, hopefully things work out. I am trying to stay positive and have parked myself on reclining couch. I guess its just hrad to get my mind off the problems that can occur. Plus, the hormonal tornado in my body makes me sad for no reason.
Hoping and praying for the best.

 

QUOTE(Emily@Home @ May 22 2008, 08:30 PM) [snapback]788625[/snapback]
I also have mono/di twins and have faced the painless contrax (increasing at certain times of day, irritated it seems by my bladder) I have a history of these kind of contrax and early dilation/effacement with my singletons (they've all gone fullterm). I was treated for PTL with my 2nd pregnancy and did 11 weeks bedrest.

This time, I have been given procardia and prometrium (used vaginally) since 21 weeks when I was found to be dilated 1 cm, effaced and had a short, very short cervical length. I was given an emergency cerclage which I feel has helped my case. Some docs are reluctant to do this. I've also been on bedrest - the last almost month in the hospital. My sympyoms are exacerbated by higher than normal fluids from TTTS with my twins.

Good news - I'm 31 weeks today. 10 weeks of bedrest, but it is necessary.

I have found anxiety increases my contrax. . .

I wish you all the best and hope you have peace of mind soon. I'm aware that infections like UTIs can set off uterine irritability/contrax. I know it's scary, but try to also remember that some women dilate slowly and early over time. Rest, rest, rest all you can.


I didnt have any contrax or early dialation with my first pregnancy. These being twins do increase my chance of PTL. I know, I need to stay focused and and positive. I hope things trun out well.
All the best to you and hope you go full-term

 

QUOTE(anxious @ May 23 2008, 11:55 AM) [snapback]789672[/snapback]
We are trying to find a daycare for DD, hopefully things work out. I am trying to stay positive and have parked myself on reclining couch. I guess its just hrad to get my mind off the problems that can occur. Plus, the hormonal tornado in my body makes me sad for no reason.
Hoping and praying for the best.

I totally understand. :hug99: I hope you can find something to help you out a bit. You are right, it is hard to get your mind off the problems that occur. Take it easy! :hug99:

 

Anxious, I hear you about the "tornado". . . I think those feelings are totally normal. That's a plus on your side that you have no previous history with this! I just want to encourage you that it is possible to get to fullterm despite the dilation. I hope you are feeling a peace of mind soon. Please keep us updated! You're in my thoughts.

Oh yeah, since I've been hospitalized, I hear about about lots of women coming in with PTL but being successfully treated and sent home with no more problems!

 

I just wanted to send along some hugs... :love0028:

My PTL started at 24 weeks with contractions, dilation (1 cm), and funneling. I've been on bedrest since (over six weeks at home and three in the hospital.) I started nifedipine (a calcium blocker) at 24 weeks and am now on the maximum dosage. I've managed to get to 33+ weeks so far and will deliver sometime in the next three weeks due to umbilical cord problems with BabyB.

I just wanted to share to let you know that there are lots of others on this site with similar stories. Many easily make it to term. Twin pregnancies can certainly be very different from singletons. I've delivered two other singles, full term with uneventful pregnancies!! Just part of the fun of twins, I guess!!

The secret is to try to relax, get the best care you can, be an advocate for your own care, never be afraid to ask questions of your caretakers, and know that TS will always be here if you need us!! This site has been invaluable to me....It's been wonderful knowing that there are tons of other women out there with similar experiences as mine. Besides, modern medical science is amazing!!! Hang in there!!

 

Thank you guys for all your support and encouraging words. I'll keep you guys posted on the latest developments.
Lots of love

 

Hi. I'm soo sorry for your situation... I just wanted to second the "feeling more tightness when in reclining position." I did as well!! Laying on my left side was the solution for that for me. I totally agree!! Take it easy. REST!!! Get lots of protein and PRAY. Many have done it before you and you can do it too! Stay strong!