Second opinion about my BHs (long)

nygrl79

So I'm worried enough to have scheduled a consultation with another MFM about my continuous BHs.  I love my OB and MFM and don't plan to switch, but I want to see what someone else would suggest I do. 

I'm basically contracting all day every day, has been like this since 17 weeks, but the bigger the babies get the more concerned I get.  Basically, I have 2-4 contractions every hour in the morning and they increase throughout the day, so that by evening (starting about 6-7 p.m.), I'm contacting every 6 minutes (on a super good day it is every 10 minutes and on a super bad day, it is every 3 minutes).  The contractions are strong, at times they take the shape of my uterus (flat in places, bulky in others), but they don't hurt.  It tapers off after midnight, but I know that I continue to have contractions at night too, because when I wake up at night, I often do so to a very tight stomach.  From the research I've done on the internet, I may have what they call an "irritable uterus", but I feel like its just a category that doctors don't know what to do with.  They know what to do if you are having contractions and the cervix is shortening, but they are at a loss at what to do with me.  So I was hoping to just get a second opinion to see if maybe this other Dr. has seen more people like me.  I would want to know if he thinks I should be on meds of some sort (there are always pros and cons to that) or on bedrest.  My OB and MFM considered putting me on meds, but don't see a medical "need" for meds because I have a long cervix and I'm worried how the meds may affect the babies.  But on the other hand, do the Drs. really expect that constant BHs won't push me into PTL one of these days?  So it is kind of a catch 22.

Please tell me I'm not crazy for seeking a second opinion (well, really a third opinion, since I have my OB and MFM's opinions already).

outofcntrl82

you are not crazy you are smart!! I am so glad you are getting a second opinion it doesn't hurt and ultimately you have to do whats best for you and the babies, go with your gut. When are you going to see the new doc and how did you find him/her?

nygrl79

outofcntrl82:

you are not crazy you are smart!! I am so glad you are getting a second opinion it doesn't hurt and ultimately you have to do whats best for you and the babies, go with your gut. When are you going to see the new doc and how did you find him/her?

Going next Friday, the 22nd.  A friend of mine is seeing the head of Columbia Presp. high risk, so I got an appointment with him.     

 

outofcntrl82

sounds good. I am sure it will, at the very least, appease your DH

robinsokj

I was having very frequent BHs.  They didnt appear to be shortening my cervix, but I was put on modified bedrest anyway.  It has definitely helped. 

robinsokj

Oh, and my doc talked to me about the potential use of meds, and said since my cervix isnt shortening, the side effects of the meds is in no way worth it.  I have a feeling a new doc isnt going to tell you much different than you've already heard

nygrl79

robinsokj:

Oh, and my doc talked to me about the potential use of meds, and said since my cervix isnt shortening, the side effects of the meds is in no way worth it.  I have a feeling a new doc isnt going to tell you much different than you've already heard

Probably, except my Drs. didn't put me on any sort of rest, not even modified BR.  I'm working full time right now. 

 

RunnerGirl17

Getting a second opinion sounds like a really smart decision - good luck in getting some clearer answers from the next doctor!

DESXF

Good idea that you are getting a second opinion.  My OBs were never concerned in the least about my BH.  Like you, I'd be getting 15-20 an hour some days, it was crazy.  All my OB said was lay down and drink water.

THey did get so bad one night that I ended up in L&D (around 32 weeks)  They got painful and I was having some menstrual/gas type cramps with them, plus nausea, diarrhea, and I just felt bad.

Turns out I was contracting, and continued to do so even after a shot of terb, but it wasn't doing anything to my cervix. So home I went.

I do wish I had gotten a second opinion, but thankfully everything is still going fine for me at this point.  I'm still getting BH's, but some days more, some days less.  Most of the time I just don't even notice them anymore.

If it is enough to worry you, then you need to be persistant about getting checked out.  Good Luck!

joliemariée

You for sure should seek out a second opinion. If you are the same girl who posted about almost fainting in the subway, I would get in as soon as possible.

As I mentioned in PP, I am on a HUAM ( home uterine activity monitor) and modified bedrest  since 26 wks, and it has helped my contractions IMMENSELY. It lets me know when I have overdone it and need to rest for a few days ( I am talking even a 20 min trip to Target can put my contractions through the roof)

There is no job worth delivering your twins early for, if you are having that many bh it is probally because you are over-exerting yourself - not hard to do in NYC ( i used to live there and cannot imagine how hard it is being pregnant in New York with all the walking, commute etc..) Can you go on early maternity leave?

My Dr & MFM are really pro-active about BH, another thing I have been on since about 20 weeks that helps with contractions is Magnesium 1,200 mg a day , you can order it online or get it at a vitamin shop ( It is rec. by Dr. Luke's book via her U of M study of multiples & preterm labor)

The most important thing is really just be able to rest most of the day, lay on your side as much as humanly possible and drink at least 16 8oz glasses of water a day ( again, Dr. Luke)

Good luck with the 2nd opinion! Hopefully they will be more pro-active.