February 2011 Moms

Anyone taking ventolin/albuterol to stop preterm labor?

I am 36 weeks and started having contractions last night.  They've gotten really strong and are about 4 minutes apart.  Went to the doctor and my cervix is effaced and beginning to dilate so he put me on this medicine to stop my labor until Sunday when I'll be 37 weeks and officially full term.  Is anyone else taking this?  If so, any idea how long it will take labor to resume once the medicine is stopped? 

Re: Anyone taking ventolin/albuterol to stop preterm labor?

  • how are you taking it? an inhaler or nebulizer? i am familiar with both because dh is a severe athsmatic and i have never heard of this. hhhmmm...
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  • I have it in 2mg pill form. I've never heard of this either so I've been trying to do some research since I got home.  It started working within an hour of me taking it which is a huge relief because my contractions we're getting down to four mintutes apart. 

  • imagetarynkim:

    I have it in 2mg pill form. I've never heard of this either so I've been trying to do some research since I got home.  It started working within an hour of me taking it which is a huge relief because my contractions we're getting down to four mintutes apart. 

    wow, i didn't know they had a pill! i would think that it works just like the Procardia that they gave me at the hospital when I went in at 29 weeks.

    My doctor and I talked about taking it at home and I asked if it would mask real labor and she said that "if you go into actual labor, the medication won't stop it." so i am assuming that it would only work when you take it... i don't think it would linger in your system.

    hope that helps.

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  • It works to relax the smooth muscle tissue in your uterus (just like it would work on your lungs if you were having an asthma attack).  It only lasts for about four hours, I believe- Depends on the dosage though.  I was given it as an injectable at 28weeks when i went to L&D for preterm labor.  You might go into labor shortly after taking the pills, or your body might have calmed down enough to keep baby in for a few more weeks- you never know!  Good luck.
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  • Hmm that is interesting. when I was having sever asthma issues back in the fall theyw ere afraid all the steroids (including albuterol) could cause preterm labor. Never heard of it used to prevent it.
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  • Thanks for all of the information!  I am taking it every four hours (only until Sunday).  I was just curious about whether or not labor would start right back up after I discontinue it, but from what you guys say and what I've read it could go either way so we'll see!  I just want him to stay in as long as he needs to.
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