A month ago at 24 weeks I spent 4 days in the hospital because I was having contractions 6 minutes apart. Luckily they got everything stabilized, and I hadn't dialated and was about 50% effaced. I got sent home on modified bedrest, and after a couple of weeks of no contractions I was told I could slowly increase my activity. I went to the dr yesterday to make sure that my barely increase activity wasn't bothering my cervix. The dr. checked me and said I was still 50% effaced. Thinner than they would like to see at 28 weeks, but she was happy that it has stayed. I came home last night and had some contractions, nothing regular but more than I had been having. I drank a bunch of water got in bed and everything calmed down.
Today I haven't had an obvious contraction, but my stomach is really tight. It feels like a continuous menstral cramp. Not realy painful, but definately noticeable.
I don't really even know what I'm asking... but I feel like if I go to the hospital they will put the monitor on and it won't measure anything because I'm not really having contractions just constant tightening. But I also remember a sign in the hospital saying that menstral like cramps even if they don't hurt could be a sign of PTL.
Could it be a reaction to the exam yesterday? Or maybe I should go get checked.... I'm so confused and trying not to overreact, but at the same time don't want to be stupid.
Thanks
Re: Menstral like cramps after PTL 1 month ago?
I agree with pp to call your doctor and make sure. It does sound like menstrual-like cramp pain and especially with your PTL history and effacement I'd rather be sure. My MFM said that even if they cramps/contractions aren't hurting that they could still be doing something to change the cervix and to come in to L&D.
The internal exam may have 'upset' everything and it's taking a while to calm down but for peace of mind I wouldn't want to ignore it and you progress further.