I had been having contractions for the last 2 weeks. I never had braxton hicks before with either one of my pregnancies. But now I am having some and it is very very painful. Tuesday I went to the hospital because of some iron pills they told me to take and also because my contractions were about 5 minutes apart. I didnt leave until Wednesday morning because the contractions never stop. The Dr asked me arent these painful I told him yeah but I wasnt dilating so they let me go home so I drove myself home. I have them all day long and I dont sleep. I cant breathe when I have them. I can stand up and it makes a little of difference but it is still painful and I hate every minute The babies are more active I have talked to my Dr and he was ready for me to have the babies Tuesday night another reason they kept me over. BUt he said he would be surprise if I make it to 33 weeks . Not because I am so big (which I am) But because I am have such regular and painful contractions. They gave me two bags of Saline to see it that would stop the contractions but it didnt. I asked about the shots but they told me that those shots are for when you are dilating very fast and if you are about to have the babies. They looked at both of them and told me that at my stage in pregnancy they looked good and they chances of survival are about 92%. Which I believe?! I know my Dr and the Dr from my daugther pregnancy recommended him and the University to me. So I know I have top of the line Drs. I told him I really wanted my children to be drug free. I mean I asked them to check every thing from a yeast infection to a urinary tract infection and everything came back as normal. So I dont know what to do I feel like my body has done all it can I strongly believe that. But has anyone else gone through this and soon after had gone into labor.
Everything I have seen or been told are that BH are not painful. Did they give you the steroid shots? Are they taking extra precautions (i.e. frequent ultrasounds, NSTs, daily checks)? My main concern would be that you have had 2 babies so there is a very good chance you go really go quickly. Good luck! Take it easy.
You need those shots. I got mine at 32 weeks and had the boys a week later. I would demand them as they can't hurt the babies.
I agree! I had the steroid shots 6wks before I had my babies! They can't hurt only help! They are not just for those who are about to have them!
What shots are you referring to?? I went to the hospital at 20 weeks with BH contractions that were 2 minutes a part. They gave me the terbutaline shots as well as iv fluids in order to stop them and it worked. My Peri also put me on procardia to help relax my uterus and they helped. Yes the babies survival rate is great at 31 weeks but im surprised there not giving you anything to help the contractions because you still want to keep them baking for many more weeks. I heard after 34 weeks a lot of dr's wont try to stop labor, but those 3 weeks make a big difference. The babies will still need over a month of NICU time. And like someone else posted, BH contractions are not painful. Ive had them with my son and have had them with this pregnancy almost every day. Yes your uterus tightens and gets really hard & I feel a little pressure, but nothing that hurts what so ever. I also was given the steroid shots at 31 weeks as precaution.
I was admitted to the hospital at almost 30 weeks in preterm labor. I was having contractions that were 2 minutes apart, but they weren't painful, just uncomfortable. I was also dilated to 3.5 cm. They slowed my contractions with magnesium sulfate, but they are not gone. I'm still having contractions every 10 minutes, but they do not appear to be further dilating my cervix. I got the steriod shots when I was admitted to the hospital. My doctors told me they were determined to get me to at least 32 weeks. Originally, they never thought I'd make it past 32 weeks. Now, I'm 33 weeks 3 days, hoping to make it to 34 and beyond. I believe the steroid shots are very important, especially if they think you will deliver early. You just never can tell what is going to happen. My doctors have me on strict bed rest, and I am very careful about following it. Good luck, and try and take it easy and relax. You can do this!
Get the shots :good: and I would also say that a healthy dose of calcium & magnesium supplements every day... they help with relaxing the uterus. Good luck! Michelle
I agree with the pp's, the shots are important :hug: I don't remember my BH's being painful...uncomfortable, yes - but not painful. Good luck momma! :hug:
