Anyone else have preterm contractions?

greenbridetobe · February 2014

I started having contractions around 24 weeks. At the time my OB said bedrest is coming but she wasn't ready to restrict me just yet, as I didn't have cervical changes at that time. I work at a hospital and nurse coworkers sent me to L&D when I was 26 week due to contractions and vomiting. I didn't have any while on the monitor but found out I have low potassium. Never saw anyone other then the nurse. She wouldn't answer me when I asked if I was dilated. Finally she said it depended on how my doctor had classified me earlier as this is my second pregnancy. I will be 28 weeks on Saturday. Haven't seen my OB since 24 weeks. I did see the NP once and she said not to call unless the contractions were constantly every 10 minutes or closer. I have my glucose test tomorrow and I just found out that I will be seeing the NP not the OB. I'm stilling working full time even though I have been having contractions every shift. My last shift I had them every 15 min for 2 hours and then a few every 10 mins. The slowed down when I was able to rest but I have been cramping on and off since. I am nervous because I was living in a different city when I had my first child and my OB was much more attentive. I had gone into preterm labor at 29 weeks and continued to have preterm contractions the rest of my pregnancy. I was on bedrest and able to carry my son until 38 weeks. I just feel ignored this time around. Do you think I'm worring over nothing or having true concerns?

IBackBevo · February 2014

I would ask to see your medical records and find out if you were dialated at all and if they have done the test to see if you are leaking fluid. I had contractions with DS on and off for a long time starting about 22 weeks. They called it irritable uterus. It doesn't necessarily mean anything, but at the same time you need peace of mind that you aren't being overlooked. Medical offices are busy and sometimes that does happen. I myself had a situation where my pre-e went undiagnosed for 4-6 weeks because basically a nurse in L&D decided on her own that I was "just" having migraines even though I was the walking poster child for pre-e. I assumed they had done the appropriate testing since, after all, I was in a hospital and had been sent there by my OB for having all the classic pre-e signs (high bp, throwing urine in my spot check, severe headaches, swelling, etc.). I did not find out until later that they had NOT done the appropriate testing which would have been a 24 hour urine. So my point is that you really do have to be your own advocate!

Junebug060609 · February 2014

With a history of PTL, no, you arent worrying over nothing. Doesnt mean thats what is happening this time, but they need to take this seriously.

Please, be the squeaky wheel.

MrsT2008 · February 2014

Especially given your PTL history, I'd be constantly calling them until they saw me.

LLolaBean · February 2014

Are you drinking a ton of water and taking PNV as well as eating high potassium foods? That's a start. You should have your cervix checked and possibly a FFN test as mentioned earlier if the contx persist. You have to be your own advocate sometimes. I'd call and demand to be seen. And, if you were truly only seen by a RN at your L&D visit, that's an issue. There's no way you should have been admitted for monitoring, checked and discharged without seeing a physician.

Mrs.H_0908 · February 2014

The potassium is an issue. I actually had this problem during my first two pregnancies, with my first, I was in the hospital every other day getting potassium infusions and yet they could not stabalize my levels. We had a bit more success keeping them up in my second pregnancy because it was caught early. You have to be your own advocate, if you have any inkling that something isn't being taken seriously then push for answers.

glowworm0166 · February 2014

Given your history I would definitely be sure to talk to a Dr and make sure that you are heard. I saw my Dr today (a follow up as I was sent to L&D Tues night for contractions every 5 minutes for a half hour) and was told that if I am having frequest contractions (more than 4 in an hour) to drink two or three big glasses of water and relax in the tub (apparently the warm water supposedly helps the uterus relax) and if they continue for two total hours to again go to L&D to be sure it isn't pre-term labor. I would definitely see what your Dr thinks but there is some advice in the meantime. Although not sure how we are supposed to relax in the tub while at work...

Xath · February 2014

LLolaBean I totally agree. Tell the NP at your appointment all of your issues and that you'd like to talk to the OB. If your contractions are fairly regular (and you're drinking tons of water) then they need to start taking additional measures. Are you on Makena (progesterone 17) shots or procardia (nifedipine)? Those can help regulate, especially if you have a history of pre-term labor.

They may not be tracking the issues from your previous pregnancy since (1) you were with another practice and (2) you ended up carrying to term. Be your own advocate and stress the issues you had with your previous pregnancy so they're aware.

greenbridetobe · February 2014

Thank you ladies. I am drinking lots of water and orange juice (high potassium). Currently not taking any medications for the contractions. I appreciate the support. I plan to ask lots of questions in the morning.

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