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April 2012 Moms
stephlas8
member
Preterm labor paranoia... Why can't I let it go
stephlas8
member
I keep feeling for some reason like I won't recognize if I'm in preterm labor. I know all the symptoms but I dont know what a contraction feels like and I have a lot of discharge regularly so a change may be hard to recognize. Maybe I wouldn't be so paranoid if the last ER doc I saw hadn't mentioned it. He said since I have had a UTI, a yeast infection, was under 100lb pre-pregnancy, and have been so sick with the beginning phases of pneumonia that I was at risk for it and to know the signs. Every low movement I feel I worry is something to do with it starting and I can't tell if I'm cramping from constipation, where she's sitting, gas, or if its just being kicked or punched in the cervix. I am so freaked out I feel like I just can't calm down about it! Any advice to lay off the paranoia? I haven't googled or anything like that I just think about it all the time. Help! 
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Re: Preterm labor paranoia... Why can't I let it go
If you put your hand on your stomach, you can feel a contraction. It feels like your uterus is pushing up against your hand. I can recognize them w/o putting my hand there too now. It feels like a giant bubble rolling up inside from your pubic bone to your belly button. At least for me. Then I can put my hand on it, and it's hard.
I'm with you on the pelvic pressure part. I don't know how you can tell if you haven't been in labor before. Maybe one of the second timers can enlighten us.
I'm terrified of PTL as well. I went into labor with my DD at 29 weeks. I was actually sitting in my birthing class getting these "pains" every couple of minutes. I thought I was overreacting so I ignored them (I should have talked to the instructor). Later that night they intensified- DH even knew what was going on because every couple of minutes my breathing intensified and I was in so much pain.
If you start having contractions you'll know. I hated hearing that when I was pregnant last time but it's so true. I had some infections this time that put me at greater risk as well. I know it can't be prevented but I try to take it easy any time braxton hicks and/or contractions start or if I'm having a lot of pressure. My advice is to stay off google because that will make things so much worse, try to take it easy, and just listen to your body. If you question anything that's going on just call your doctor.
GL!
I don't remember anything with the movement. It seems like she was still kicking in between contractions but I can't remember for sure.
This time I've had an insane amount of pressure much earlier on. I talked to my doctor about it and she said it's where the baby is positioned. When is your next appointment? If it's a couple weeks out yet it might not hurt to call. I think any cramping/pressure is worth a call if it continues. It probably is gas but I think it's worth at least letting your doctor know. Even though this is my second, I still feel clueless a lot and silly for calling but it's better to be safe.
Wait... whaaaaaaaat? I've had this feeling a few times, but assumed it was my LO rolling over. That's almost the exact description I had for the feeling, a giant bubble, but nothing I could fart or burp out. Great. Now you freaked me out.
Micah Leonard
this. i feel it all the time. i always assumed she's rolling over with her knee/elbow stuck out or something. usually if i shift position a little it stops.
First of all, it's totally normal to worry that you won't know you're in labor. Just watch--as we get closer to our due dates, there will be 10 or 15 "Am I in labor" posts every day.
I had a stomach flu with my second that caused severe dehydration, leading to contractions 2 mins apart for hours. I went to the hospital for treatment (mainly because I knew I needed IV fluids), but I knew it wasn't "real" labor because they didn't hurt. Sure enough, when they checked me, I wasn't dilated at all. These "non-productive" contractions will often go away when you drink water, sit down, lay on your side, put your feet up, eat something, etc.
For a very small percentage of women, true contractions don't hurt or don't hurt very much. These are the stories that go something like "I felt crampy all day, then felt pressure, and then bam!--pooped out a baby." Yeah. It happens, it sure does. But for the remaining 99% of us, true contractions are painful.
If you're concerned, you should always go in and get checked, but here are some signs that labor is "real":
- You feel a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina. It will be clear, not milky, but can be tinted pinkish or greenish.
- The contractions HURT.
- They make you nauseated or are vomiting.
- You're also having diarrhea.
- You cannot talk or walk through a contraction.
- You feel the contractions in your ENTIRE uterus, wrapping around to your back.
- The ENTIRE uterus is hard as a rock during the contraction--not a little firm, hard as a rock.
- You're shaking or trembling.
- The contractions don't go away, regardless of eating, drinking, resting, or trying different positions.
- The contractions are regular and timeable (this is not always true--"real" labor with my second was very irregular, but the contractions had me screaming my head off so I knew they were real.)
Again, if you have doubts or concerns, always call your doctor, but try to put your fears at rest. Unless you are part of a very small minority of women, you will absolutely know when you're having contractions that dilate your cervix.Hope this helps!
You are an angel from heaven! This post helped so much. I don't think I'm having contractions and I think I'm just constipated right now and am freaking out about every little thing. Thanks so much for this!
I'm so glad!! I freaked out all the time with my first, and it was so terrifying and exhausting to worry constantly. I hope you have a nice, relaxing holiday!
Yes! Thank you so much for this! I have had no reason to think I might have PTL, but I can't help worry myself over every little feeling I get down there. I have no idea what anything is supposed to feel like, and Dr. Google makes it worse. Thanks for helping me freak out a little less.
A15 January Siggy Challenge-
As PPs said, you will ABSOLUTELY know the difference between contractions and the pain from constipation. I had a marathon bathroom session last night and feel so much better today!!!!
My BHs feel like a giant rubber band is wrapped around the top of my belly and someone is standing behind me pulling back slowly and firmly on it...I get kind of short of breath and it aches more than anything. Real contractions are the same thing, just more intense.
That's what I thought too until I went in to L&D with cramping. In my case, at least, they are contractions. I wouldn't worry though if you don't have a bunch of them back to back. Some BH here and there are normal.