Community› The Bump Message Boards› Multiples
Multiples
New Discussion

Pre-term Labor Symptoms

MrsP419MrsP419 member
in Multiples
So, I am just over 24 weeks now, and the OBs have started given me more talks about keeping an eye out for PTL symptoms.  The thing is, I don't *really* know what I am looking for.  I have been having more belly pain lately, and sometimes (especially in the evenings) my belly feels rock hard, sore, and heavy with pelvic pressure.  But I know this also could be just the fact that there are two people in there without a lot of room to move.  The OB told me not to write anything off and to ban the words Braxton Hicks from my vocabulary, but I don't know what I am feeling since this feels just different enough from a singleton pregnancy (with my singletons, movement was always in one concentrated location while BH was a tightening of my whole belly).  On top of this, after weeks of constipation, I have been having the opposite problem all week.  I casually asked a nurse about this while setting up a bloodwork appointment, and she told me diarrhea can be a PTL symptom and to keep an eye on things.  Without being constantly strapped to a monitor or ultrasound machine, how do I know what is worth being concerned about and what is just normal twin pregnancy discomfort?  I have never had PTL symptoms before and previously my cervical checks have been measuring totally normal.  Have any of you had symptoms like mine that turned out to be warning signs, or do you think this most likely is normal?
DD- Born 03/09/2010
DS- Born 01/21/2012
                                          Lilypie First Birthday tickers
                                              

Image and video hosting by TinyPic 
Report Reply to Post

Re: Pre-term Labor Symptoms

  • legaleagleslegaleagles member
    edited March 2014
    I'm part of a preterm labor program that my HMO has for multiple (and other high risk) pregnancies. I get a weekly call from a nurse to check in about the week and have a little booklet that has a list of when to call them and when to call L&D. I'm still at work (I'm on the westcoast), but I can post those lists later this evening if that would be helpful.


    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Image and video hosting by TinyPicBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • MrsP419MrsP419 member
    @legaleagles, that would be wonderful.  Thank you!  What a great program!
    DD- Born 03/09/2010
    DS- Born 01/21/2012
                                              Lilypie First Birthday tickers
                                                  

    Image and video hosting by TinyPic 
    Report Reply
  • yinyang124yinyang124 member
    My personal indicator was if the tightness, contracting, pressure persisted or worsened after lying down for an hour and drinking several glasses of water. You also get a gut feeling like something just doesn't feel right. I knew every single L&D nurse at my hospital by the time I delivered. If you are ever worried, go in. If you ever have to come on here and ask if we would go in, go in. At worst, you get to see your little beans moving around in there. :) Prayers for an uneventful and healthy pregnancy!
    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers
    Report Reply
  • katekat8721katekat8721 member
    I'm in a similar program to @legaleagles! Every day I'm supposed to lay down and feel for contractions. I've never had one so I'm not quite sure what to expect, so I'm hoping I'll figure it out when it happens. If you have more than six contractions in an hour they want you to call them.

    Report Reply
  • legaleagleslegaleagles member
    @katekat8721 any chance you have Kaiser and are on the west coast (or even bay area?)

    From my booklet:
    Signs and symptoms of preterm labor: 
    The following may be warning signs of preterm labor
    - dull low backache: below the waistline, the backache may come or go or be constant. If it is bothering you for more than 2 hours - call. 
    - Menstrual like cramps - the cramping discomfort usually occurs in the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone, it may come and go in a regular pattern or it may be constant. More than 2 hours, call.
    - pressure/intermittent pains in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or thighs: you may feel as though the baby is pushing down
    - Change in vaginal discharge: vaginal discharge may increase or change into a heavy mucous-like, watery, or light bloody discharge. 
    - Intestinal cramping with or without diarrhea
    - feel bad: a general feeling that somehting is wrong
    - Uterine contractions - contractions that are more than 6 an hour. They may be painless. 

    Note: if you experience any of these symptoms ther are three things you can do to try and stop them. First - empty your bladder and continue to urinate frequently. Second, drink more fluids, an additional 2-3 8 ounce glasses of liquid. Lastly, lie down on your left or your right side. While you are resting palpate or feel for contractions. If one hour passes and the symptoms continue call. 

    **The above signs/symptoms direct me to call my preterm labor nurse to discuss. For those that aren't in a program like that, I'd call your advice nurse if you have a number for one or L&D. 

    **THe following are when to call labor and delivery:
    1. bright red bleeding
    2. persistent abdominal pain
    3. Leaking clear fluid from Bagina
    4. Decreased movement from babies
    5. 4 or more painful contractions/hour. 

    I think this was all adapted from March of Dimes so their website also probably has some info on preterm labor. 

    If you're never not sure, just call L&D. I've been in twice this pregnancy - both with contractions (first time at 19 weeks and I was put on meds for a few days b/c there was some cervical shortening - the meds and rest helped). Then again for menstrual like cramping. All was fine that time (I htink I was 27 weeks) and the doctor on call told me they'd rather see me then and it be nothing than see me when I don't go in and finally come in in active labor and it's too late to stop or give me steroid shots, etc. 

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Image and video hosting by TinyPicBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • katekat8721katekat8721 member
    @legaleagles yes ma'am! :) Closer to Sac than San Fran though!

    Report Reply
  • legaleagleslegaleagles member
    @katekat8721 - Hi! I'm in San Jose (along with another gal on here!). I thought your instructions sounded all too familiar for you not to have kaiser. 
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Image and video hosting by TinyPicBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • katekat8721katekat8721 member
    @legaleagles hi! :) I could tell from your first post you probably had Kaiser too haha! I just started the program and was a little surprised by all the restrictions. I thought I had been taking it pretty easy already but apparently not lol. I do like the "lay down after you get home" one though and the "no heavy housework", those are probably my faves! :)

    Report Reply
  • hgroschhgrosch member
    When in doubt just go in. I think I went in 15 times between wk 24 and birth, with that said they did put me on meds and I am certain (after realizing when labor began that it felt the same as those uncomfortable evenings) that they would have been here MUCH earlier if I hadn't been as cautious. When in doubt just go in, I think it's pretty normal for MoMs to be on a first name basis w the night L&D triage staff ;)
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"