Ptl or gas....I think I'm losing my mind.

hgrosch

Ok ladies. I have to believe this has been discussed a hundred times before but bear with me. Ok, here goes sometimes I feel great, like I can be laying in bed and for a moment forget that I am 24 wks pg w twins....then there are the other times....it seems that these other times are triggered by baby shifting or rapid growing or something but literally it is almost debilitating. My stomach feels like it's going to pop like a big constant bh contraction, shooting pains, constipation....this is the second time this has happened to me.... Is this the normal ebb and flow of twin pg or am I nuts? I have already been to L&D 3 times (first time was for similar experience to what I described here), second was for a slip down the stairs (still can't believe that happened), third....yeast infection (vaginal discomfort)....I'm starting to get a little timid to head to the L&D triage again but hoping for some feedback. I'm scared out of my mind of ptl and am just looking for a little perspective. Soooo for those btdt twin mommies....how did you know you we're in labor? For those currently pregnant, is anyone else having ups and downs and severe abdominal discomfort with their pregnancy? Sorry this is so long..,,,

Mrs.AshAsh

Still pregnant...but yes, the abdominal discomfort at times sucks so bad. As you mentioned, I had bouts with the stomach feeling like its going to pop, the feeling of a constant BH contraction, and feeling like I had horrible period cramps...and thw constipation. Oh the constipation could be so horrible which made those symptoms even worse or feel more multiplied. First and foremost, if you are concerned, it doesnt hurt to call the dr on call. They may tell you to go in, they may suggest something else. If you think this is something that warrants a call, then do so. Better safe than sorry, always, especially with twins. Second, PTL was always one of my biggest fears too...especially because this is pregnancy #3 for me. The goal is/was 36w and thats where I will be on Wed. I can tell you not to worry, but its much easier said than done. Just trust yourself and your body, relax and enjoy the miracles you've been blessed with. Take care of yourself and you will know that you arw doing all that you can and the best that you can to carry them to term. Third, and lastly, Im not a doctor so I cant recommend doing what helped with my constipation, so please, just take it for what its worth. When I know I need a good pewp, and I get those feelings mentioned above when I do, I drink coffee because it makes me go. Lol. Not like a gross dirahea (tmi sorry) pewp, but just a "I feel so much better having that out" pewp. Again, I dont recommend doing it bc Im not a doctor....but I will say that it makes me feel so much better after. Good luck and dont hesitate to give those doctors a call. Hope it subsides soon!!

bitsytripmom

29.5 with triplets and since 16 weeks I've cycled between normal and a lot of tightness/heaviness and discomfort ... I'm in the hospital for monitoring of my kids (unrelated to ptl). They can tell daily that my contractions cycle up to 14 an hour during the tight periods but they are not affecting my cervix... After each of these cycles my bump is noticeably popped out. In the hospital they have put me on procardia to help keep them from progressing, but I'm also measuring full term.

So what to take away from this? As mrs. Ashash said above, work with your doctor. All of the above could be signs of preterm labor, but since its not progressing my cervix it's my "normal". My uterus is cranky from having 9 lbs of baby in there already with no prior pregnancies. For someone else, it might not be. If you have cycled through this several times and your doctor is monitoring your cervix - you can talk to him/her about determining what is "normal" for you.

Good luck, stay calm and stay in close touch with your doctors! Hoping for a happy and healthy rest of your pregnancy!!

eandk18

I had the EXACT same feelings from about 16 weeks to 26 weeks....it really freaked me out and I went to my OB several times to get it checked.  I think mine was gas/growing pains, I did take gas-x and it would make me feel a little better.  My labor pains were different....felt like really bad period cramps.  

kimberm0511

I'm glad you posted this because I have the same issues at 23 weeks.  This is my 3rd pregnancy and I keep telling myself that I should know when I'm having actual contractions....but I don't at all!  The constipation is terrible and I know I'm having a ton of gas pains, but I'm terrified I'll just shrug it off and then really be in PTL!  It doesn't help that I haven't been to the OB in 4 weeks and I have no idea what is going on with my cervix.  Luckily, my appt is today!  

hgrosch

Thought I'd update. I talked to my doc about this today, he said he wants to know about anything consistent especially if its uncomfortable....so this girl will be calling calling calling away.... And tallying up my L&D visits if it continues....my appointments increase to every two weeks so that may help too with peace of mind.