PSA about ignoring preterm labor symptoms

VAannie

Potentially leaking amniotic fluid, "Braxton Hicks" that are coming every 10 minutes, spotting, and all those other potential signs of preterm labor are NOT joking matters. ?(For more on pre-term labor symptoms, go here: ?https://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21239_5809.asp) ?

Sorry to get on my high horse, but I've seen a few posts here lately in which people asked for advice about a new symptom they're experiencing, and even if nearly all who responded said "CALL YOUR DOCTOR!", the women for whatever reason ignored their advice and did nothing.

Preterm labor and premature birth is not something to screw around with. ?Sure, you're starting to feel uncomfortable in your pregnancy. ?Sure, your baby would probably be "fine" if born a few weeks early and you can't wait to meet him/her. ?But if you're prior to 37 weeks there are many reasons to strive to keep that baby inside as long as possible.

From a recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics:

"Late preterm infants [34-36 weeks] have a greater risk of breathing problems, feeding difficulties, temperature instability (hypothermia), jaundice, delayed brain development and death than babies born at term. This new analysis shows that these late preterm infants also have three times the risk of cerebral palsy and a slightly higher risk of mental retardation."?

(If you want to read more about this particular study, check out this article at March of Dimes: ?https://marchofdimes.com/aboutus/22684_48756.asp)

When in doubt about a potential preterm labor symptom, PLEASE, do your baby a favor and call your doctor. ?Trust me, even if they don't act like it all the time, the labor & delivery nurses would rather see you a dozen times to rule out preterm labor than to have you present at 35 weeks already 4 cm dilated, when there's nothing they can do to stop your labor.

<steps off soap box>?

RichInLove

PrimaandGee

Thanks Annie! 

opallover

thanks for posting this.

I was in the hospital a week and a half ago - I had gotten sick, became dehydrated and started having pre-term labor.  my contractions were 2 - 4 minutes apart.  a friend of mine who has already had her healthy baby brushed it off saying "i'm hurt that you would imply that your pregnancy is somehow harder than mine" UM - i was in the hospital for pre-term labor at 33 weeks - i'm not implying anything just saying that I was scared at being in the hospital.  it's a big deal and not one to brush off.

sept14

Thank you!!

I used to work at March of Dimes and premature labor is definitely not something to be taken lightly.  One in every 8 babies will be born premature-- over a half million a year. 

If you are ever unsure about something, call you doc.  It is better to be overly cautious than to miss something that could have been controlled and dealt with. 

rjbh

Good advice! I actually called my doctor today because of concerns I am having. Always better to err on the side of caution.

sloanzookpr

opallover:

thanks for posting this.

I was in the hospital a week and a half ago - I had gotten sick, became dehydrated and started having pre-term labor.  my contractions were 2 - 4 minutes apart.  a friend of mine who has already had her healthy baby brushed it off saying "i'm hurt that you would imply that your pregnancy is somehow harder than mine" UM - i was in the hospital for pre-term labor at 33 weeks - i'm not implying anything just saying that I was scared at being in the hospital.  it's a big deal and not one to brush off.

I did this 5 times with my first due to horrible morning sickness. My MOM kept getting frustrated with me, as did my DH's boss. I basically told them both to shove it up their a$$es. I asked them both if they honestly thought I enjoyed going to the hospital to sit there for hours hooked to an IV of fluids and worrying that my baby would be born at 28 to 35 weeks? Always call your doctor if things are "right". It could mean the life of your child.

Temp159135562506975

it's true!

I had the SLIGHTEST bit of spotting at 32w with my son - i wasn't even 100% sure it was coming from the vag - and not my bum..... called the doc- she said to go to L&D and get checked out just in case.

Sure enough - i was having contrax and didn't even feel them - had to have shots of terb, then home after 2 days on procardia and bed rest.  had i ignored that tiny bit of blood on the TP (or not noticed it to begin with) my son would have been here a lot earlier.

Always check when you wipe - and don't ignore strange feelings, too many BH's, etc.