Irritable Uterus Help

VioletFlower

Hi! I had IU with my son, went into preterm labor at 32 weeks, was able to stop it after 3 days in the hospital, and was on nifedipine the rest of the pregnancy. With my last, my IU was HORRIBLE. Starting at 11 weeks, contractions non stop all day. Some contractions lasted an hour straight and were painful. ALl the drs ignored my complaints and even at 20 weeks said it was too early to give me anything. That baby girl was born sleeping at 21 weeks (not because of IU but because of anti c antibody which led to anemia and hydrops and drs completely dropping the ball.) Anyway, I am now 10 weeks pregnant and starting to feel IU again. I am so scared after losing my little girl. I have some questions if any of you can help given your experience:
1) Is there anything I can do to help lessen them? I already drink tons of water.
2) Is there anything I can take besides nifedipine? It gives me killer headaches and doesn't work great anyway.
3) Were any of you put on bed rest for them? Can bed rest help lessen them?
Thanks for your help!

Deblondie1

I had IU with both girls. With my second, I was put on nifedipine and vistoril. I was also on strict bed rest, due to IC and IU.

All of that really helped, but I still had contractions every 3-5min until I went into full blown labor at 39 weeks.

I hope your doctor is able to help you.

bluebird1109

1) Is there anything I can do to help lessen them? I already drink tons of water.

You need to be drinking at least 64 ounces per day, and then add an additional 8 ounces for every hour of light/moderate activity. A really full bladder will upset your IU, as will an orgasm. If you are lifting, moving around a lot or exercising that will also upset IU. Take it easy, don't stress and if you feel contractions lay down on your side and push the fluids even if you aren't thirsty or dehydrated. 
2) Is there anything I can take besides nifedipine? It gives me killer headaches and doesn't work great anyway.

This is something I would talk to your doctor about. I am not on any medication for the IU, I take 17P injections for my IC weekly and daily I use progesterone vaginally.

3) Were any of you put on bed rest for them? Can bed rest help lessen them? 
Thanks for your help!

I was placed on bed rest because my cervix was shortening and they found that I was still having contractions even with the restrictions they placed on me (no lifting, no exercising, no sex, no standing for longer than 1 hour increments). Full bed rest has made a big difference. My cervix has remained stable and I have not had any contractions since. 

If I were in your shoes I would sit down with the doctor and ask what their care plan is and express what your concerns are. If you aren't happy with their responses, or if they don't seem to want to take any action, ask them questions and find out why they aren't being proactive. Ask for a referral to a MFM specialist. Make sure that all your questions are answered and you feel comfortable and informed about everything. I can't stress enough how important it is to advocate for yourself and have that peace of mind that you are doing everything you can. It is better to be that annoying patient than to go home and be in the dark about stuff. 

Good luck and I hope this LO is your rainbow baby!