Update Can we talk about labor...

kshampeny · February 2014

And how you know it's actually happening? FTM here with twins, so no clue what it's all about. I woke up two nights ago with period like crampiness. Not in regular intervals, but just a few hours of that lovely feeling we all haven't had in several months. Went away, was able to get back to sleep, and felt fine in the morning. Then it started up again after my shower. Lasted for a little while and went away again. This happened a few times throughout yesterday and then this morning. Called the doc and went in for an ultrasound. Apparently my cervix is dialated 2 cm and this could be totally normal with twins or not. Yay for concrete answers. I'm headed back tomorrow for a FFN test and another check of the cervix. The on call doctor said to come in if I experience contractions 10 times within an hour. So what I want to know is what a contraction, a real one, feels like. I've had BH ones that feel like my whole lower abdomen tightens up and then releases. They're not painful. So are the real ones painful, feel the same, totally different? Any advice would be helpful.

*Update* Just wanted to say thanks again for all the helpful advice on what labor and contractions can feel like. Due to said advice, DH and I were finally able to discern contractions from general achy/blah/not good feeling in my abdomen area. By 10:30 pm we were timing them at 3-4 minutes apart and lasting about 1 min. Called the on call doc and then headed to L&D. They tried to do a NST (non-stress test) again, but again boys were way too rambunctious to get any sort of reading on. Obviously doing fine though, since they were having a dance party in my uterus. And we actually were timing real contractions and doing it right, because the machine said the same rate and timing of contractions. The hooked me up to an IV, and gave me a shot of something that started with a T, I think. Holy mother of god that shit is awful! It did make the contractions pretty much stop, but it makes you feel like this:

And I still feel like that this morning. Still headed in for the follow up appointment for FFN and cervix check today. Keep your fingers crossed for me ladies. I'd like these babies to cook for at least 4 more weeks, although these boys apparently have other ideas. Stubborn already, I can tell.

Mimaloo · February 2014

FTM here so I have no advice for you but hopefully you end up with some answers

kat8805 · February 2014

From what you describe, you've had regular contractions already. The morning I went into labor, I woke up with those. They were regularly timed, and continued all day. In the evening they became stronger, read not more painful but you can feel the intensity of them increase over time. They didn't become painful until after my water broke at midnight. After that, I could have murdered someone. When I went in to be checked around lunchtime that day, the doctor, not mine, seemed to imply that labor wasn't serious or happening until you can't talk through a contraction.

cnbean · February 2014

For me, at first, they just felt like period cramps. They weren't all the time, but when I was having one that was the way they felt. They started out very mild but obviously got much stronger until I honestly can't even tell you what they felt like. But by that point I was 100% sure what was going on.

ThereBeDragons · February 2014

Yep, I'd say you experienced some early contractions already. Period like cramping that comes and goes is the best way to describe my early contractions. They didn't get hard to walk/talk through until after my water broke.

When you're counting, though, err on the side of counting anything contraction like. I'm not sure why they gave you such a high number to hit before calling- 30weeks is still quite early and I'd be quite worried if I were contracting every 6min that early. My number is 4 (if I have 4 in an hour I go to L&D) but I also have a cerclage that they don't want to have accidentally rip out by waiting too long.

I wish there were more solid answers. Or as my husband says- that I had a little red light that popped up and started flashing when my labour started!

kshampeny · February 2014

ThereBeDragons said:
I wish there were more solid answers. Or as my husband says- that I had a little red light that popped up and started flashing when my labour started!

Seriously! That is what I need. I feel so clueless.

ns1 · February 2014

For me the pain was in my back. I had the same pain before actual labor but never went in because they were sporadic and not getting more painful..the ones that brought me to the hospital got stronger, longer and closer together. When the contractions had me on my hands and knees I knew I was time for the hospital.
But definitely follow your doctor's guidelines. I hope you get some more info!

Divine0chaos · February 2014

For me I woke up with the worse pain I have ever felt. I tried to reposition myself, using a heating pad, walk around and everything, but nothing helped.

keeumm · February 2014

I'm a FTM, too, and I'm so glad you asked this! These answers have been really helpful- thanks everyone!

mrsbtobe20122 · February 2014

If your cervix was checked today, a FFN will not be accurate tomorrow.

Also, have you received betamethasone injections? I'd be asking my physician about that to help with babes' lung maturity, just in case.

kshampeny · February 2014

@mrsbtobe20122 Doctor said that as long as it's been more than 24 hrs, it won't be a false positive.

dakota01 · February 2014

Early labor ctx are very much like period like cramps that come at a regular pattern. They may increase with added activity and don't go away when you change positions or anything. The stronger they become you will certainly know-you'll pry have to concentrate to get through them and breathe. It is some serious cramping like a ripping pulling of your muscles. You'll know. Gah now I'm getting all anxious as I remember what is coming!!

ksyknelvr73 · February 2014

Contractions for me went in stages. The early labor ones (before my water broke and pitocin) felt like period cramps, uncomfortable but manageable. After my water broke and I had pitocin, they got really strong and intense and hard to talk through. After 2ish hours of that they got super intense and I was in a lot of pain, so I got an epidural. That is about all I can contribute.

jjh471 · February 2014

kshampeny said:
@mrsbtobe20122 Doctor said that as long as it's been more than 24 hrs, it won't be a false positive.

Yup. Your right. I just had a positive FFN test. I have an irritable uterus and reg contractions all day long. So for me it will be when my contractions are stronger and closer not on and off. Good vibes coming your way it can be stressful for sure!

bumpuser9353653 · February 2014

I woke up one day feeling something like a tightening and then release and thought "hmm...wonder if those are contractions?" I worked from home, and the next morning felt the same thing only slightly stronger. That's when I started keeping track. they weren't bothersome, just noticeable. By noon, I'd realized they were pretty consistent and stronger than earlier, so we went in to L&D and that's where we stayed until DD was born.

If you think it might be contractions and they are consistent, never hurts to have yourself checked out. They won't judge you.

mrsbtobe20122 · February 2014

jjh471 said:

@mrsbtobe20122 Doctor said that as long as it's been more than 24 hrs, it won't be a false positive.
Yup. Your right. I just had a positive FFN test. I have an irritable uterus and reg contractions all day long. So for me it will be when my contractions are stronger and closer not on and off. Good vibes coming your way it can be stressful for sure!

At LEAST 24 hours (some docs won't do unless it's been closer to 48 here). I hope all the best for you ladies- cook babies cook!

Bootsie327 · February 2014

Thank you for asking about this, and thank you PPs for your answers! I hope the twins continue to stay put!

MissLadyTay · February 2014

Agree with those who said at first (first six or so hours) they felt like really strong menstrual cramps.

kshampeny · February 2014

Thanks for all the great advice.

At least now I have somewhere to start from in determining if I should call the doc or head in before my appointment tomorrow.

MamaLlama14 · February 2014

No experience with twins, so idk what's "normal" or not on that front, but it does sound like you were having contractions. It feels like a tightening and relaxing of the muscles in your abdomen and is accompanied by cramping. Remember to stay super hydrated, because even in totally healthy and uncomplicated pregnancies, dehydration causes contractions.

bridetobe9132013 · February 2014

I feel like I have been having period like cramps on and off for about 2 hours and don't feel well but I'm not sure if its my stomach or uterus cramping up, weird I know. Should I be concerned?

kat8805 · February 2014

Isn't 36w considered full term for twins? I'd say at 30w, you've done pretty damn good. I know labor for my mom's multiple pregnancy was no different than her labors with single pregnancies.

kshampeny · February 2014

Update bump.

kat8805 · February 2014

Glad that as of right now, they are still baking!

Katemr1146 · February 2014

Keep cooking babies!!!

chillypenguin · February 2014

Glad everything is ok for now! Good luck at your follow up appt!

Bootsie327 · February 2014

I hope things continue to go smoothly!

Mimaloo · February 2014

Keep baking boys!!!

Jillzy86 · February 2014

I hope your little boys keep cooking! Take it easy and keep us posted!

eghulse · February 2014

Glad you got answers! Boys, listen to your mother!

MunchkinMoon · February 2014

No advice, but just fingers crossed that they stay in there a little longer!

keep us posted!

ajsweeton · February 2014

Fingers crossed those boys keep cooking!! I didn't have the t shot you mentioned, but when I went into early labor with Elliott and Ryland they gave me magnesium iv (basically iv Epsom salt) it was awful I was so out of it and my heart raced and I was on fire. Hope it doesn't get there with you and whatever they gave you worked!! But you've done great getting to 30w! Hope you can make it another 4!

keeumm · February 2014

I hope your boys stay inside for awhile longer! Take care of yourself and we'll keep sending good thoughts your way!

spacepotatoes · February 2014

Thinking of you and hoping your boys stay put!

kshampeny · February 2014

*Appointment Update* Cervix was the same length as yesterday, so that's good, but was a little more open. Contractions are gone, too. Doc said to call him if there are any contractions, cramps, or low back pain that comes and goes four times in an hour. He put me on modified bed rest, i.e. no housework, cooking, shopping, lifting, etc. but not confined to laying down in bed or on the couch. Also gave me the first betamethasone shot (for lung development) and I'll do the other tomorrow (lots of practice from IVF). And I'm on progesterone suppositories to help keep my cervix from shortening. So far so good at keeping them in there for a while longer. We'll just have to wait and see how much longer they stay in there. Hoping they make it at least 2 more weeks so we don't have to deliver at a town 2 hours away (they have a better NICU). Thanks again for all the positive thoughts and FX. Feeling much better today and just going to work on keeping my two feisty boys in there for a few more weeks.