Hey all, I'm glad I found this group because I believe I have IU but can't
really get any straight answers from my doctor. After a weekend of a lot of
braxton hicks I went to my doctor and he gave me some procardia to take as
needed. Sometimes I find that I'm not having what are actual BH as I notice them
but I have long periods of tightness, like one BH that lasts for 30 mins.
Sometimes it hits when I'm just sitting, sometimes when I'm walking around for
awhile. I did tell my doctor about this and he really doesn't seem concerned. He
does have me spending a lot of time just resting. I guess I'm just really
worried that I'm at a really high risk of pre-term labor. As a first timer all
these new feelings and body changes are brand new to me. I'm also on
progesterone suppositories and I'm almost 24 weeks along. (wanted to make sure
to mention those things) I guess I'm looking for support, similar experiences,
and some peace of mind. Thanks to everyone!

I'm sorry you have to be here, but welcome to the club! I am on pregnancy #3
after two pregnancies full of contractions. I was on bedrest from 26 weeks with
my first and 24 with my second and both went full term.

One thing to keep in mind is that they have determined that procardia,
terbutaline, all the standard tocolytics, are really not useful unless the goal
is to hold off delivery for 48 hours or less while testing is done or steroids
are administered. So use it if it makes you feel better or you feel it helps
you, but don't feel you need to for baby's sake. Verdict is still out on
progestrone as a tocolytic, I plan to try that myself this time around.

If you feel something is different or off don't hesitate to go to labor and
delivery. I had a couple bouts of preterm labor and plenty of others have
delivered very early. On the other hand, keep the faith that you can go full
term and just plan on needing to rest a lot. Even if bedrest is not recommended
many of us find no alternative once the contractions are too severe to
walk/work/think through.

Good luck!
-Joy (Mom of IU babies ages 5 and 2, 17 weeks pregnant)

well, you guys probably had seen my previous post about having contractions
since 18 weeks pregnant.

i've currently been in hospital bedrest for the last 19 days... with thratening
labor..

i've run the gamut of hard core drugs, tests, exams, gone a week with out even
being allowed up to brush my teeth.

I'm finally stable and the contractions are under control.

I was admitted at 28 weeks for having a .7 cervix, with funneling and soft.

there's no nub left, but as far as we know, its still closed and they've kept me
from dilating at this point.

I'm stable now and if I continue to stay stable through 33ish weeks, they may
let me go home for restriction/limited activity bedrest at home with meds every
4 hours if it proves to continue working.

Babies still breech but after 34 weeks, our specialists have said they'd allow a
breech delivery as long as the cord won't prolapse or wrap around her neck. So,
i'm at least happy to be avoiding a c-section in this situation.

my contractions skip the slow build up phase and go straight to the 2-3 minute
apart, minute and a half in length contractions with no "break" between them (or
it sure as hell doesn't feel like I get a break)

we will be watching me the next couple weeks, as i'll be 31 weeks this wed (and
3 weeks in the hospital this wed.) and then trying to figure out... do we stop
meds at 35 weeks and see what happens, or try to get my body to 36 or 37 and see
what happens, if I hit 36/37 I can have my home birth and we found a midwife
who's skilled in breech deliveries for our home birth if I can make it to term.

(abbie's breech and may refuse to turn - breech babies run in my family, we've
done everything to get her to turn except an external version and the doctors
aren't sure they want to risk it putting me in labor or breaking my water, even
if we hold off till 35ish weeks since it might require an emergency c-section
and i'm fine having a breech delivery.)

Just want you guys to know, if you feel like something is "wrong" don't let them
say "an irritable uterus" is common and doesn't mean anything. had I listened to
my midwife I fired, i'd have lost my baby or had a 28/29 week preemie at home,
or before getting the steroid shots into her.

It's not normal and can lead to pre-term labor or be a sign of it. so trust your
body and gut instincts.

Hi everyone, hope there's someone who can give me advice! I'm currently 34 weeks
and 2 days, and have been having contractions since about 24 weeks. Sometimes
they are twenty minutes apart, other times they are every 2 mins and lasting
40-50 seconds. Sometimes they feel like BH's, other times they are the whoppers
with the cramps and backache.
I was sent to hospital at 32 weeks with strong contractions every minute, and
they kept me in for 3 days, but as soon as they died down (they didn't stop
completely) they sent me home, with no medication, or checkups and didn't even
bother to check if I was dilating or anything, despite diagnosing me with IU!

Ever since, i've prescribed myself bed rest, (even though its impossible with a
2 year old!) as every slight bit of activity, such as washing up, or walking to
the shops, sets it off again! Yet despite all this, and despite the fact the
Doctors said i have an IU, they haven't done anything to help, and I don't know
what to do!

Anyway, the problem lately is the contractions are still there (about 12 and
hour) and they vary in strength, and the baby is really low down now, and the
other day I got a spot of blood. I asked my midwife but she said it was fine as
it was only a little bit. However last night me and hubby had sex, and after
there was 3 or 4 spots of blood. Should I be concerned? I really don't know what
to do, and the Doctors aren't taking me seriously!
Help anyone?

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Sorry to hear you are stuck in the hospital. Congrats on being nearly 31 weeks
though. One week to the next big milestone. Hang in there!

Best,
Joy

You should never feel like they are ignoring you, your medical team should
always address your concerns. However, from the perspective of the prematurity
world 34 weeks is in the safety zone. They DON'T give steroids or tocolytics
after 34 weeks (see for instance this March of Dimes page
http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21191_6342.asp or google
"corticosteroid"). Yes, it is better to hold off as long as possible, but after
34 weeks you don't even have to deliver in a facility with a NICU. Level 2
nurseries take women after 34 weeks since babies are unlikely to need more than
a little feeding help and sometimes oxygen.

It is normal to have a slight amount of blood when your cervix is disturbed,
especially in late pregnancy, by an exam or intercourse. That said, intercourse
should be avoided if preterm labor is a concern. If you are on modified bedrest
then you should definitely also put yourself on pelvic rest. If you feel you are
losing your mucus plug you will likely be treated as any other women in labor at
this point, as long as you plan to deliver at a facility that has a NICU or
level 2 nursery just in case. If they only have a "well baby" nursery they can
still stabilize babies in case of problems, but would need to transfer your baby
if he/she needs time in the hospital, so they would likely suggest you just
deliver initially at a larger facility. If you have significant bleeding demand
to be seen in the ER if your doctors ignore you, but it sounds like you don't
have that issue.

Good luck! Hope baby waits a few more weeks.

Best,
Joy

Hi, I am new to the group and hoping to find some understanding and support. I
am on my fourth pregnancy, with no live children but lots of tragic stories. Our
latest was regarding our baby girl who will now be gone for a year come the
seventeenth. She was born at seventeen weeks, obviously far too early and of
course the inevitable took place and she is now home with us in the form of
ashes.

At this moment I am 22/23 weeks pregnant, depending on what ultrasound you are
going by. (I don't have normal cycles so ultrasound is all we've got.) They
place a cerclage in at 15 weeks and starting last week I begin to experience
contractions if I stood or walked around for any longer then about thirty
minutes. This of course caused me to be placed on Bed-rest, right now modified
but surely to be complete by my appointment this upcoming Tuesday. Jaciel, our
baby girl, is very active, she moves all the time and I swear is already an
aspiring gymnast. I love this and dread it at the same time. She sits very low
therefore her movements are very low this tends to cause contractions all on its
own for some reason.

I am scared, worried about my baby although they tell me that only makes things
worse. I am frustrated about bed-rest, staying still isn't my best ability. I am
obviously bored out of my mind. To top it off no one seems to get it. When I do
complain, which can't help it sometimes I do I get comments of Just be Happy,
its for the baby. Of course I am happy to do anything for my baby but at the
same time this isn't fun!!!! Or other comments such as why am I complaining
people would give anything to not have to do anything. Oh how they lack in
understanding.

Sorry about the novel length post. I hope that maybe I will be able to make a
friend or two here.

C

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Thank you for your condolences. Its good to hear good stories, ones of success.
I want to meet our little girl at the end of this adventure, its all so
frustrating some days. I wish I had someone who was willing to keep me company
but not so lucky. I'd just love someone to speak to other then the dog and cat.

I am a reader yet for some reason now that I have all the time in the world to
read as many books as I want to. I don't have the urge to or the ability to get
engulfed as I normally do. I know its only mind over matter. I need to pull
myself out of this rutt I am in today. Tomorrow will be better. It has to be!

http://kalyuzhnaya.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for your reply!

--- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa" <lisa_christianson_95677@...>
wrote:
>
> I'm so sorry to hear about your losses!  A dear friend of mine has a very
similar story. She was on complete bedrest with a cerclage her entire pregnancy-
only got up to shower and use the bathroom. She even had to eat lying down. In
the end, she delivered a beautiful, full term baby girl.  That baby is now a
beautiful 25 year old woman. As miserable as those 40 wks were, in the scope of
a lifetime- it was just a blip in the road.
>
> I was just a child then and I spent every day that summer with my "other mom".
She was bored to tears and frustrated- so we tried to keep her entertained.  
She read a lot of books and watched a lot of tv to pass the time.
>
> Best of luck with this trying time. Keep us posted!
> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Christina" <august.midge@...>
> Sender: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:58:49
> To: <lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com>
> Reply-To: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [lotsofcontractions] Rough Times
>
> Hi, I am new to the group and hoping to find some understanding and support. I
am on my fourth pregnancy, with no live children but lots of tragic stories. Our
latest was regarding our baby girl who will now be gone for a year come the
seventeenth. She was born at seventeen weeks, obviously far too early and of
course the inevitable took place and she is now home with us in the form of
ashes.
>
> At this moment I am 22/23 weeks pregnant, depending on what ultrasound you are
going by. (I don't have normal cycles so ultrasound is all we've got.) They
place a cerclage in at 15 weeks and starting last week I begin to experience
contractions if I stood or walked around for any longer then about thirty
minutes. This of course caused me to be placed on Bed-rest, right now modified
but surely to be complete by my appointment this upcoming Tuesday. Jaciel, our
baby girl, is very active, she moves all the time and I swear is already an
aspiring gymnast. I love this and dread it at the same time. She sits very low
therefore her movements are very low this tends to cause contractions all on its
own for some reason.
>
> I am scared, worried about my baby although they tell me that only makes
things worse. I am frustrated about bed-rest, staying still isn't my best
ability. I am obviously bored out of my mind. To top it off no one seems to get
it. When I do complain, which can't help it sometimes I do I get comments of
Just be Happy, its for the baby. Of course I am happy to do anything for my baby
but at the same time this isn't fun!!!! Or other comments such as why am I
complaining people would give anything to not have to do anything. Oh how they
lack in understanding.
>
> Sorry about the novel length post. I hope that maybe I will be able to make a
friend or two here.
>
> C
>

Hi Christina,

I'm so sorry to hear about your losses. I've had quite a different situation
than you but I have racked up 29 weeks of bedrest across 2 pregnancies so I can
identify with that. I wanted to hit anyone who made the "bedrest sounds good"
comment. In fact I still get that when I tell people about what happened to me.
Sure I would love 2 or 3 hours of down time now and then, but bedrest is more
like a prison sentence. Can we ask them, "how does prison sound for a break from
your routine?"

A few things I learned on bedrest. First, I read a lot about preemies, BIG
mistake. This just caused stress, and hence more contractions. In reality each
baby is so very different and the hospital will teach you to care for your child
if need be. If reading something about helping your baby will make you feel
better you can read books about providing breastmilk for preemies, that is the
biggest thing moms can do to help early ones and it really is an art form for
either preemie or term babies. Here's a good site if you are interested
http://www.llli.org/NB/NBpremature.html Not to say you will have her early- "The
Womenly Art of Breastfeeding", especially the 2010 edition, is also a great book
about nursing and mothering all babies.

Not stressing is so hard! But stress is a huge cause of contractions for me. I
am 18 weeks now and go into fits of contractions anytime I get stressed. It
isn't like you can stop yourself from worrying (at least I can't) but find what
soothes you. Enya music and the "Baby Stay In" relaxation/hypnosis CD helped me.
I've heard some women like warm epson salt baths.

Finally a little inspiration: here is a blog of a woman who had her first at 25
weeks and after hospital bedrest and treatments is now 34 weeks and counting
with daughter #2! She talks about her wonderful little former preemie, the
struggles of bedrest, etc. http://mattandnatclan.blogspot.com/

Hang in there! It is a long road but you are already such a great mama!

Hugs,
Joy

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Congrats Emily! I also have two happy endings, 40 and 39 weeks after months of
contractions. I'm 20 weeks tomorrow with a baby girl! (Just found out this
morning.) And hoping for another happy ending.

Best,
Joy (DS 5yrs, DD 2yrs, due in March)

Hi Ladies,

As some of you know I am on my third pregnancy, my first two going full term
after bedrest from 26 and 24 weeks. I was not up for another pregnancy but
wanted another child or two and was hoping to adopt. My husband was not onboard
with adoption yet and we thought there was a chance that pregnancy 3 would be
different, so here I am.

I have a gluten intolerance diagnosed between my first and second pregnancies. I
found out after #2 that this can cause contractions so I am off gluten entirely.
I am also on progestrone suppositories, 200mg per day, also suppose to help with
contractions. And I'm taking magnesium. Tried that in the past but got the more
absorbable Natural Calm brand that others have said helped (including on this
board). Long story short- none of it is helping!

I'm miserable with contractions all day long and even waking up to painful
contractions at night. My midwife said my cervix is closed but short. I can't
get into see the perinatologist for three weeks (not that I expect any help),
but I have a cervical ultrasound scheduled for Monday to get a more accurate
measurement.

I'm feeling stupid for thinking it could really be different third time around.
Now I need to work on getting someone to help with my 5 and 2 year old until
March. I love my little baby girl so much and I want nothing more than for her
to come healthy and full term, but I really wish I had stuck to my guns and
insisted on adopting. March seems like a long ways away!

-Joy

Hi ladies, I am new here.  I have an IU and this is my 4th pregnancy but second
past 2nd trimester. I am currently 16.5 weeks.  my contractions started at 10
weeks with just tightening, the doctor isn't worried.  my last pregnancy it
started at 10 weeks and went on until delivery but I delivered at 40 weeks 6
days.  I was on bedrest for a total of 7 months.  I had to be admitted at 26
weeks and put on magnesium. ( horrible feeling )  and then until delivery I was
on procardia. But now I am just waiting on monday to go in because they have
begun to be painful and I had some horrible tugging in my cervix and she said
she was going to check my cervical length next visit ( not until dec. 17th )  so
I am just going to go and have them check it. I have had 2 miscarriages so I am
a little nervous but baby is moving around alot, it seems like that might be
causing the contractions which in turn causes her to move more, same thing
happened with my daughter when I was pregnant with her.   The doctor isn't
wanting to do much this time, but I am nervous with that decision because I also
have Chronic Venous insufficiency and have to wear compression stockings.  I can
handle the pain but it is just the concern that is bothersome.  I keep telling
myself I am 23 I am going to have more children. :) my biggest dream in life was
to be a mommy to a crew and my husband shares that dream.  I just wanted to give
you a little background, and am very happy I found this group.

I had something else to add, and a question.  my contractions have been at 2
minutes apart the last two days, not too painful just alot of tightening and
back ache.  this happened last time all the time during the pregnancy... when do
I need to go to the ER? they won't take you in L&D until 20 weeks. I keep
thinking it is just like last time, but how do we know? will they get very very
painful before the no turning back moment or is it sudden?  in the beginning of
my last pregnancy my cervix was 6cm then in one weeks time of these contractions
it shortened to 3cm. they were never too painful but I mean it never went below
3cm until I delivered. but of course the contractions started feeling like real
labor pains. so again how will I know this time if it is serious or not?  that
is what bothers me.  the doctor says if I have more than 4-6 in an house but
they are two minutes apart so I have about 30 an hour.  you would think since I
have been through this I should know. but I don't.  and last time I had them 2
minutes apart for weeks and they never did anything, even the very very painful
ones.  I am sorry I have made this so long but I don't have anyone around me who
has ever gone through this.

--- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi ladies, I am new here.  I have an IU and this is my 4th pregnancy but
second past 2nd trimester. I am currently 16.5 weeks.  my contractions started
at 10 weeks with just tightening, the doctor isn't worried.  my last pregnancy
it started at 10 weeks and went on until delivery but I delivered at 40 weeks 6
days.  I was on bedrest for a total of 7 months.  I had to be admitted at 26
weeks and put on magnesium. ( horrible feeling )  and then until delivery I was
on procardia. But now I am just waiting on monday to go in because they have
begun to be painful and I had some horrible tugging in my cervix and she said
she was going to check my cervical length next visit ( not until dec. 17th )  so
I am just going to go and have them check it. I have had 2 miscarriages so I am
a little nervous but baby is moving around alot, it seems like that might be
causing the contractions which in turn causes her to move more, same thing
happened with my daughter when I was pregnant with her.   The doctor isn't
wanting to do much this time, but I am nervous with that decision because I also
have Chronic Venous insufficiency and have to wear compression stockings.  I can
handle the pain but it is just the concern that is bothersome.  I keep telling
myself I am 23 I am going to have more children. :) my biggest dream in life was
to be a mommy to a crew and my husband shares that dream.  I just wanted to give
you a little background, and am very happy I found this group.
>

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Thank you Lisa, that is encouraging, that you go full term,  so they did
nothing? no meds?  I went fullterm with my daughter but i was on bedrest and
meds, so it scares me to just go without something. How do we know if the
bedrest and meds didn't keep the baby in longer, especially since the procardia
lessened the severity of the contracions.  I do thank you for your reply though.
--- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa" <lisa_christianson_95677@...>
wrote:
>
> My doc told me that since I went full term with IU before I would likely again
and I did. Had a planned Csec at 39 wks after months of painful contractions
every 8-20 mins apart.  They never checked my cervix after 25 wks because they
said checking it could stimulate it. They said there's nothing to do anyway
unless you actually do go into labor (not sure I totally agree with that).  The
worry never went away though- just got less as the weeks went by.
>
> Good luck!!!
> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@...>
> Sender: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:17:52
> To: <lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com>
> Reply-To: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [lotsofcontractions] Re: New here
>
> I had something else to add, and a question.  my contractions have been at 2
minutes apart the last two days, not too painful just alot of tightening and
back ache.  this happened last time all the time during the pregnancy... when do
I need to go to the ER? they won't take you in L&D until 20 weeks. I keep
thinking it is just like last time, but how do we know? will they get very very
painful before the no turning back moment or is it sudden?  in the beginning of
my last pregnancy my cervix was 6cm then in one weeks time of these contractions
it shortened to 3cm. they were never too painful but I mean it never went below
3cm until I delivered. but of course the contractions started feeling like real
labor pains. so again how will I know this time if it is serious or not?  that
is what bothers me.  the doctor says if I have more than 4-6 in an house but
they are two minutes apart so I have about 30 an hour.  you would think since I
have been through this I should know. but I don't.  and last time I had them 2
minutes apart for weeks and they never did anything, even the very very painful
ones.  I am sorry I have made this so long but I don't have anyone around me who
has ever gone through this.
>
> --- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi ladies, I am new here.  I have an IU and this is my 4th pregnancy but
second past 2nd trimester. I am currently 16.5 weeks.  my contractions started
at 10 weeks with just tightening, the doctor isn't worried.  my last pregnancy
it started at 10 weeks and went on until delivery but I delivered at 40 weeks 6
days.  I was on bedrest for a total of 7 months.  I had to be admitted at 26
weeks and put on magnesium. ( horrible feeling )  and then until delivery I was
on procardia. But now I am just waiting on monday to go in because they have
begun to be painful and I had some horrible tugging in my cervix and she said
she was going to check my cervical length next visit ( not until dec. 17th )  so
I am just going to go and have them check it. I have had 2 miscarriages so I am
a little nervous but baby is moving around alot, it seems like that might be
causing the contractions which in turn causes her to move more, same thing
happened with my daughter when I was pregnant with her.   The doctor isn't
wanting to do much this time, but I am nervous with that decision because I also
have Chronic Venous insufficiency and have to wear compression stockings.  I can
handle the pain but it is just the concern that is bothersome.  I keep telling
myself I am 23 I am going to have more children. :) my biggest dream in life was
to be a mommy to a crew and my husband shares that dream.  I just wanted to give
you a little background, and am very happy I found this group.
> >
>

Hi, so the research tells us the meds dont actually work long term, but I was on
procardia for four days and then terbutaline for about two weeks and like you
said, who knows?  And the MDs prescribe it for some reason!  But I went off the
terbutaline at 34 weeks and carried on for another 4 weeks before delivering at
38 weeks.  I was also dilating though and was 4 cm or greater for the last
month.  As for when to go in, the MDs had no idea what to tell me as they all
thought I was possibly going to have a baby any minute of that whole time.  In
the end they said "if it FEELS worse to you or you have a bad gut feeling". 
They were right.  All three times I went into L & D it was because I had a
really bad feeling on top of the contractions and I was dilating each time. 
That cervical tugging feeling is so stressful isn't it??

For what it's worth my contractions actually spaced out and got much less
uncomfortable in the last week and a half.

Good luck and hang in there!
Heather

--- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Thank you Lisa, that is encouraging, that you go full term,  so they did
nothing? no meds?  I went fullterm with my daughter but i was on bedrest and
meds, so it scares me to just go without something. How do we know if the
bedrest and meds didn't keep the baby in longer, especially since the procardia
lessened the severity of the contracions.  I do thank you for your reply though.
> --- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa" <lisa_christianson_95677@>
wrote:
> >
> > My doc told me that since I went full term with IU before I would likely
again and I did. Had a planned Csec at 39 wks after months of painful
contractions every 8-20 mins apart.  They never checked my cervix after 25 wks
because they said checking it could stimulate it. They said there's nothing to
do anyway unless you actually do go into labor (not sure I totally agree with
that).  The worry never went away though- just got less as the weeks went by.
> >
> > Good luck!!!
> > Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@>
> > Sender: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:17:52
> > To: <lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com>
> > Reply-To: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [lotsofcontractions] Re: New here
> >
> > I had something else to add, and a question.  my contractions have been at 2
minutes apart the last two days, not too painful just alot of tightening and
back ache.  this happened last time all the time during the pregnancy... when do
I need to go to the ER? they won't take you in L&D until 20 weeks. I keep
thinking it is just like last time, but how do we know? will they get very very
painful before the no turning back moment or is it sudden?  in the beginning of
my last pregnancy my cervix was 6cm then in one weeks time of these contractions
it shortened to 3cm. they were never too painful but I mean it never went below
3cm until I delivered. but of course the contractions started feeling like real
labor pains. so again how will I know this time if it is serious or not?  that
is what bothers me.  the doctor says if I have more than 4-6 in an house but
they are two minutes apart so I have about 30 an hour.  you would think since I
have been through this I should know. but I don't.  and last time I had them 2
minutes apart for weeks and they never did anything, even the very very painful
ones.  I am sorry I have made this so long but I don't have anyone around me who
has ever gone through this.
> >
> > --- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi ladies, I am new here.  I have an IU and this is my 4th pregnancy but
second past 2nd trimester. I am currently 16.5 weeks.  my contractions started
at 10 weeks with just tightening, the doctor isn't worried.  my last pregnancy
it started at 10 weeks and went on until delivery but I delivered at 40 weeks 6
days.  I was on bedrest for a total of 7 months.  I had to be admitted at 26
weeks and put on magnesium. ( horrible feeling )  and then until delivery I was
on procardia. But now I am just waiting on monday to go in because they have
begun to be painful and I had some horrible tugging in my cervix and she said
she was going to check my cervical length next visit ( not until dec. 17th )  so
I am just going to go and have them check it. I have had 2 miscarriages so I am
a little nervous but baby is moving around alot, it seems like that might be
causing the contractions which in turn causes her to move more, same thing
happened with my daughter when I was pregnant with her.   The doctor isn't
wanting to do much this time, but I am nervous with that decision because I also
have Chronic Venous insufficiency and have to wear compression stockings.  I can
handle the pain but it is just the concern that is bothersome.  I keep telling
myself I am 23 I am going to have more children. :) my biggest dream in life was
to be a mommy to a crew and my husband shares that dream.  I just wanted to give
you a little background, and am very happy I found this group.
> > >
> >
>

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Lisa-  I really have been taking it easy.  I really have no choice. they are a
little bit worse today as now the tightness has extended upwards, I thought my
uterus wasn't even to my bellybutton until 20 weeks, does it change for
subsequent pregnancies?  I am going to go back to the doctor that treated me
last time. I am on rotation with the doctors in my group and really don't know
my current doctor so I am going with the more cautious one just in case.  it
does encourage me with your story.  it is just so hard to tell.. Thank you

--- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa" <lisa_christianson_95677@...>
wrote:
>
> I did do modified bedrest- that definitely helped!  (If not for labor-
certainly for pain)
>
> I also did progesterone for the first 17weeks (miscarriage related).
> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@...>
> Sender: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 11:08:40
> To: <lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com>
> Reply-To: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [lotsofcontractions] Re: New here
>
>
> Thank you Lisa, that is encouraging, that you go full term,  so they did
nothing? no meds?  I went fullterm with my daughter but i was on bedrest and
meds, so it scares me to just go without something. How do we know if the
bedrest and meds didn't keep the baby in longer, especially since the procardia
lessened the severity of the contracions.  I do thank you for your reply though.
> --- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa" <lisa_christianson_95677@>
wrote:
> >
> > My doc told me that since I went full term with IU before I would likely
again and I did. Had a planned Csec at 39 wks after months of painful
contractions every 8-20 mins apart.  They never checked my cervix after 25 wks
because they said checking it could stimulate it. They said there's nothing to
do anyway unless you actually do go into labor (not sure I totally agree with
that).  The worry never went away though- just got less as the weeks went by.
> >
> > Good luck!!!
> > Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@>
> > Sender: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> > Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:17:52
> > To: <lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com>
> > Reply-To: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [lotsofcontractions] Re: New here
> >
> > I had something else to add, and a question.  my contractions have been at 2
minutes apart the last two days, not too painful just alot of tightening and
back ache.  this happened last time all the time during the pregnancy... when do
I need to go to the ER? they won't take you in L&D until 20 weeks. I keep
thinking it is just like last time, but how do we know? will they get very very
painful before the no turning back moment or is it sudden?  in the beginning of
my last pregnancy my cervix was 6cm then in one weeks time of these contractions
it shortened to 3cm. they were never too painful but I mean it never went below
3cm until I delivered. but of course the contractions started feeling like real
labor pains. so again how will I know this time if it is serious or not?  that
is what bothers me.  the doctor says if I have more than 4-6 in an house but
they are two minutes apart so I have about 30 an hour.  you would think since I
have been through this I should know. but I don't.  and last time I had them 2
minutes apart for weeks and they never did anything, even the very very painful
ones.  I am sorry I have made this so long but I don't have anyone around me who
has ever gone through this.
> >
> > --- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi ladies, I am new here.  I have an IU and this is my 4th pregnancy but
second past 2nd trimester. I am currently 16.5 weeks.  my contractions started
at 10 weeks with just tightening, the doctor isn't worried.  my last pregnancy
it started at 10 weeks and went on until delivery but I delivered at 40 weeks 6
days.  I was on bedrest for a total of 7 months.  I had to be admitted at 26
weeks and put on magnesium. ( horrible feeling )  and then until delivery I was
on procardia. But now I am just waiting on monday to go in because they have
begun to be painful and I had some horrible tugging in my cervix and she said
she was going to check my cervical length next visit ( not until dec. 17th )  so
I am just going to go and have them check it. I have had 2 miscarriages so I am
a little nervous but baby is moving around alot, it seems like that might be
causing the contractions which in turn causes her to move more, same thing
happened with my daughter when I was pregnant with her.   The doctor isn't
wanting to do much this time, but I am nervous with that decision because I also
have Chronic Venous insufficiency and have to wear compression stockings.  I can
handle the pain but it is just the concern that is bothersome.  I keep telling
myself I am 23 I am going to have more children. :) my biggest dream in life was
to be a mommy to a crew and my husband shares that dream.  I just wanted to give
you a little background, and am very happy I found this group.
> > >
> >
>

Heather- Thank you for sharing your story.  I think it at least does something
for us at least pain wise when we are on the meds.  like you said they prescribe
it,  it mist do something.  and yes that pulling is stressful, I was on the
floor crying. I was sitting on the floor with my hubby in our daughters room
when it started.  it was like a needle going through my cervix while pulling it.
it is horrible.  after that is when the contractions got worse.  what is that? 
my doctor doesn't believe me when I told her about it.  which is why I am
switching back to the other doctor in the practice. he is very thorough and he
treated me the last time. but do you know what that is. it is more painful than
some of my contractions. i get it every now and then, and then i get a huge
contraction right afterward.   did any of you girls start having this and the
contractions this early? the painful ones just started here recently and I will
be 17 weeks on tuesday.  thank you
--- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "heatherrobin" <heatherrobin@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi, so the research tells us the meds dont actually work long term, but I was
on procardia for four days and then terbutaline for about two weeks and like you
said, who knows?  And the MDs prescribe it for some reason!  But I went off the
terbutaline at 34 weeks and carried on for another 4 weeks before delivering at
38 weeks.  I was also dilating though and was 4 cm or greater for the last
month.  As for when to go in, the MDs had no idea what to tell me as they all
thought I was possibly going to have a baby any minute of that whole time.  In
the end they said "if it FEELS worse to you or you have a bad gut feeling". 
They were right.  All three times I went into L & D it was because I had a
really bad feeling on top of the contractions and I was dilating each time. 
That cervical tugging feeling is so stressful isn't it??
>
> For what it's worth my contractions actually spaced out and got much less
uncomfortable in the last week and a half.
>
> Good luck and hang in there!
> Heather
>
> --- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Thank you Lisa, that is encouraging, that you go full term,  so they did
nothing? no meds?  I went fullterm with my daughter but i was on bedrest and
meds, so it scares me to just go without something. How do we know if the
bedrest and meds didn't keep the baby in longer, especially since the procardia
lessened the severity of the contracions.  I do thank you for your reply though.
> > --- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "Lisa" <lisa_christianson_95677@>
wrote:
> > >
> > > My doc told me that since I went full term with IU before I would likely
again and I did. Had a planned Csec at 39 wks after months of painful
contractions every 8-20 mins apart.  They never checked my cervix after 25 wks
because they said checking it could stimulate it. They said there's nothing to
do anyway unless you actually do go into labor (not sure I totally agree with
that).  The worry never went away though- just got less as the weeks went by.
> > >
> > > Good luck!!!
> > > Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@>
> > > Sender: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> > > Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:17:52
> > > To: <lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com>
> > > Reply-To: lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com
> > > Subject: [lotsofcontractions] Re: New here
> > >
> > > I had something else to add, and a question.  my contractions have been at
2 minutes apart the last two days, not too painful just alot of tightening and
back ache.  this happened last time all the time during the pregnancy... when do
I need to go to the ER? they won't take you in L&D until 20 weeks. I keep
thinking it is just like last time, but how do we know? will they get very very
painful before the no turning back moment or is it sudden?  in the beginning of
my last pregnancy my cervix was 6cm then in one weeks time of these contractions
it shortened to 3cm. they were never too painful but I mean it never went below
3cm until I delivered. but of course the contractions started feeling like real
labor pains. so again how will I know this time if it is serious or not?  that
is what bothers me.  the doctor says if I have more than 4-6 in an house but
they are two minutes apart so I have about 30 an hour.  you would think since I
have been through this I should know. but I don't.  and last time I had them 2
minutes apart for weeks and they never did anything, even the very very painful
ones.  I am sorry I have made this so long but I don't have anyone around me who
has ever gone through this.
> > >
> > > --- In lotsofcontractions@yahoogroups.com, "ayriesmommy" <ayriesmommy@>
wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi ladies, I am new here.  I have an IU and this is my 4th pregnancy but
second past 2nd trimester. I am currently 16.5 weeks.  my contractions started
at 10 weeks with just tightening, the doctor isn't worried.  my last pregnancy
it started at 10 weeks and went on until delivery but I delivered at 40 weeks 6
days.  I was on bedrest for a total of 7 months.  I had to be admitted at 26
weeks and put on magnesium. ( horrible feeling )  and then until delivery I was
on procardia. But now I am just waiting on monday to go in because they have
begun to be painful and I had some horrible tugging in my cervix and she said
she was going to check my cervical length next visit ( not until dec. 17th )  so
I am just going to go and have them check it. I have had 2 miscarriages so I am
a little nervous but baby is moving around alot, it seems like that might be
causing the contractions which in turn causes her to move more, same thing
happened with my daughter when I was pregnant with her.   The doctor isn't
wanting to do much this time, but I am nervous with that decision because I also
have Chronic Venous insufficiency and have to wear compression stockings.  I can
handle the pain but it is just the concern that is bothersome.  I keep telling
myself I am 23 I am going to have more children. :) my biggest dream in life was
to be a mommy to a crew and my husband shares that dream.  I just wanted to give
you a little background, and am very happy I found this group.
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Well, after a 6+ week hospital stay for an irritable uterus that was causing
cervical changes, I did a week of antibiotics and my cervical length actually
grew from .5 back to 2 between 34 and 36 weeks....

I'm guessing my entire issue stemmed from having multiple infections my entire
second trimester and were ignored by the midwife... (Who I fired over it!)


So here I am, at 39 weeks pregnant, with a breech baby, waiting to go into
labor. (I am attempting a vaginal delivery with a frank breech before having a
c-section...)

I'm walking around 4 centimeters (last we checked) dilated, with contractions
that go in phases 2-3 minutes apart, 3-4 minutes apart, and hurt like the
dickens, and yet, doesn't progress into active labor to actually produce said
baby.

My midwife is allowing me to go until 43 weeks since the baby is on the small
side and I have a proven pelvis with a posterior presentation previously who had
a 14 inch head... (so she thinks our daughter will fit backwards, even if we go
past our due-date since she's way smaller measurement wise than our son was.)

I am so grateful to be at this point, were I can say, I am actually going to
make it to my due-date, after all that pre-term labor, hospital bedrest, and
irritable uterus symptoms that never actually stopped even once we got the
infections cleared up... (we just stopped my body from trying to eject her, the
contractions i've been having have been labor-like since 18 weeks.)

I'm getting pretty tired here, but I've been trying to find some strength to not
just give up and say "get her out I don't care anymore how she comes out."  
(Then I remind myself the complications and risks of major abdominal surgery and
manage to make it through another day. LOL)

The last couple of days have been hard on me, the contractions haven't stopped,
no matter what i've done, but they also haven't put me into an "I need to push"
urge, or a "It's time to call the midwife" tingle either.

I'm just having them, can't sleep through them, even with benedyrl (that I am
taking for a cold. LOL) it feels like its almost time... but I'm trying to not
get my hopes up, and also do my best to distract myself and ignore the
contractions until they get worse.

These are different than the ones in the last 2 weeks, so I'm leaving it up to
my husband to know when to call the midwife because I'm not sure I can tell the
difference with all these different types of contractions...

my midwife told my husband to call when "she suddenly gets bitchy for no reason
that you can logically understand and its beyond normal hormone bitchiness."

Since I have regular contractions that are intense, but change me slowly and
then take a break, we can't rely on the spacing or timing of them to tell when I
am in labor at this point.

I just thought i'd share, after all the crap we went through to keep her in, she
now is happy as a clam and doesn't want to come out. LOL

- emma