Anyone with L&D experience for contractions

Babycakes29 · December 2011

What do the doctors do when you come in complaining of frequent contractions?

When you had to go in, were your contractions painful or just frequent/rhythmic?

I hate wasting trips to the doc on nothing but I've been having BH a lot since yesterday. Right now they fluctuate between 2 and 5 min apart but they aren't painful. Just contractions. And I thought pain was the red flag that tells you to go in...?

llizzyb · December 2011

I would go in and get monitored. It was really no big deal when I went in last week for contractions. They hooked me up and monitored baby and me, and gave me two shots of terbutaline since they contrax weren't going away with fluids and rest. I'm now on modified activity and procardia due to my irritable uterus, so I'm glad I listened to my body and went in. Fwiw, my contrax were irregular but painful and were way above the four to five an hour limit.

Kristinmo · December 2011

Pain is a big red flag but so is having them that often. I would drink a LOT of water and see if that helps (dehydration can lead to BH). If not, I would call.

They will put you on a contraction monitor and check to see if they are changing your cervix. If they aren't then it's nothing to worry about and just a minor annoyance.

JennPierog · December 2011

I don't know about the pain being a reason to go in, since BH can hurt. I believe when you can time them and they are coming at regular intervals I would be concerned. However it never hurts to call the office and see what they say. Good luck

jgal84 · December 2011

I've been in and out of the hospital and Dr's office for contractions throughout both pregnancies. Turns out, I'm just a freak Stick out tongue (i.e. highly irritable uterus). Whenever I have decided to go in for contractions, it's because they were 1-2 minutes apart and very intense (can't walk, trouble breathing through them, etc.).

After I get there, they hook me up to an IV and monitor the contractions. Depending on how bad it is, I get a shot of terbutaline (sp?) every so often or magnesium sulfate. They've kept me anywhere from 1 day to 4 1/2.

I hate going to the hospital, too. And, it's just so hard when to know when it's necessary and when it's not. Mine aren't always painful, but they HAVE caused changes in my cervix, so don't count on waiting until they are painful. If you are seriously concerned, just go in. I would rather feel like I wasted a trip to the hospital than sit at home stressing over it. Labor is different for everyone, so you can't always rely on what others have been through. Listen to your body. And, when it comes to preterm labor (and premature babies), it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Ivana_Stolichnaya · December 2011

If they are painful enough to the point that you can't talk through them, I would go in.

SoxGirl0205 · December 2011

Ivana.Stolichnaya:
If they are painful enough to the point that you can't talk through them, I would go in.

This is inaccurate information for a preterm patient. The ACOG recommendation is anytime you experience, regular and rhythmic contractions (usually more than 5-7 an hour) prior to 36 weeks you should be monitored and assessed for PTL.

Contractions are what cause cervical change and it is completely possible to be in the early stages of PTL without the contractions being "painful".

FWIW, OP- I had NO clue I was in PTL with my first son when I went in. I was "cramping" but it was the day after thanksgiving and I also had diarrhea so I thought maybe I just ate something "off"...turned out my diarrhea was actually because I was in PTL and my cramping was actually contractions and I was dilated 2cm at 24 weeks. I'm not trying to scare you, I'm just saying that it is possible to be having REAL contractions not BH contractions and them not be particularly painful.

kmhunt11 · December 2011

I have regular, obnoxious contractions most days. Especially when I'm on my feet, and almost always starting at 5pm when I'm getting tired. They will come every few minutes. My dr said to call if they last more than 20 seconds, even if they're frequent. I've never hear of that measure, but it's what he goes by. I had him check my cervix last week because They typically last 25-30 seconds, but my cervix is "long and closed" so I'm not going to worry about them. You will feel much better knowing that your contractions aren't doing anything to your cervix if you go get checked. Now I know that what I'm feeling isn't dilating me or anything I can just put up with it without worrying. I wouldn't rush to L&D, but try to get in to your dr in the morning for a quick check.

LilyPotter218 · December 2011

I went in for BH. Not painful at all. Just barely feelig them but every 3 min. Turns out I had a nasty uti that was not showing any other symptoms. After a week of meds I've been fine.

DR1819 · December 2011

I went to the OB for a scheduled cervical check and after my measurements came back short I was admitted for 24 hour monitoring. While being monitored, I was having several contrations within a short amount of time (which I had no idea I was having!)

My OBs rule is if you are having 4-6 contax an hour, call. They do not have to be painful as mine were not and the contrax have affected my cervix. IMO it's better to be safe than to worry yourself crazy!