Preterm Labor or Natural Symptoms?

shainab23 · January 2015

This is my second baby, 32w4d. The past week, off & on Ive had mild to severe (like in tears) pain in my stomach & back. I've got little to no sleep, but my doctor hasnt checked me or even seen me for this. Just says until accompanied by other symptoms it's nothing to worry about. However, I'm about 90% sure I lost my mucus plug & have felt more pressure in my pelvis. I've had a completely normal pregnancy, with no reasons to expect a preterm labor, but the pain, the muscus plug, the pressure & just uncomfortableness leads me to believe that these might be some major signs. My doctor isn't taking it too seriously.. Should I push & demand to be checked or wait for more symptoms to occur.. Like my water breaking or more constant contractions? Advice please!

Unknown · January 2015

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071115 · January 2015

I would demand for your doctor too check me. That doesn't sound good to me.

shainab23 · January 2015

Yes! When I finally couldn't take it anymore I called the on call doctor on Sunday. I told him then about the mucus plug & pain I was in, but bc it was constant pain, not "contraction-like" pain & I didn't think my water had broke, he just told me to drink lots of water, take it easy & call if it got worse. Eventually it eased up, after about 3 hours but in my opinion Im scared to wait until my water breaks bc then it's too late.. If I am trying to go into preterm labor, shouldn't they be trying to stop it?

Unknown · January 2015

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Unknown · January 2015

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jap618 · January 2015

I would call your doctor back and express your worry (not just your symptoms). My doctor may dismiss symptoms but when I have been truly panicked they have taken me serious enough to at least check me out.

Whitfry · January 2015

I had some crippling abdominal pain a few days ago. It brought me to tears and I was terrified I was having contractions (FTM, I don't know what they're supposed to feel like). Turns out I had to poop. A lot.

But you're the only one who can decide what you need to do. So call your doctor or go to L&D or whatever you need to do. None of us can tell you if you're in labor or just having really bad gas.

colleen4019 · January 2015

I'm a FTM so take this with however much salt you want, at this point I would want the comfort of being examined and at least have a potential reason (even if it's just 'yup you need to poop') that this is happening. If your doc won't see you I'd agree with PP and go to L&D.

Good luck. I hope you get answers and relief too!

ngolimento · January 2015

EmpireRecords24 said:
I'd second @Whitfry‌ with the need to have a BM comment. Sounds silly, I know, but can absolutely cause contraction-like feelings and severe pain.

Seriously. During Xmas I thought I might be going into labor because of my intestines getting frisky. I had terrible pain that came in waves.

mandi195 · January 2015

Going off of PPs... when did you poop last? That would be my first thought.

Secondly, I have intense back pain constantly; it's a symptom of pregnancy for me and many other women. I also have some kick ass upper abdominal pain, caused by my little ladys tush constantly pushing against my ribs; it's lovely.

I would trust your doctor to an extent; but if the pain can't be helped by pooping, a warm bath, massage, or rest, then I'd call again.

Ashlee692 · January 2015

earthian said:
If you don't think your doctor is taking you seriously and he wont check you, I'd just go into labor and delivery. He cant stop you from doing that.

Either that or advocate for yourself and tell him that you don't think it is right and you want to be checked.

Agreed ^^

cafecreme · January 2015

I would take yourself to L&D, and tell them your concerns. At least you'll be checked by different nurses and OB there...and probably monitored for contractions. Better safe than sorry.

Has the baby been moving normally? If not, that also warrants a trip to L&D.

Kdeanda · January 2015

shainab23 said:

Yes! When I finally couldn't take it anymore I called the on call doctor on Sunday. I told him then about the mucus plug & pain I was in, but bc it was constant pain, not "contraction-like" pain & I didn't think my water had broke, he just told me to drink lots of water, take it easy & call if it got worse. Eventually it eased up, after about 3 hours but in my opinion Im scared to wait until my water breaks bc then it's too late.. If I am trying to go into preterm labor, shouldn't they be trying to stop it?

I had this happen to me last pregnany. At the time, my doctor recommended I go in a get checked/monitored. I was having real contractions but after some rest and loads of water, they stopped. When it was all said and done, I was about 2.5cm dilated. My water broke a few weeks later and my daughter was born at 39 weeks.

I feel your doctor may have known this was false labor but they should be more accomodating. At least suggesting you go into L&D if you are worried. I'm sorry you went through this but glad everything turned out okay. Just try to relax and lay on your left side when possible with a big water bottle in your hand.

mrskovarik · January 2015

I second everything PP have said. I'd add too that I had cramping on and off all day at 28 weeks and then turned to constant cramps later in the night. I went in to L&D finally since it was after hours and found out i had a UTI which can soften the cervix and cause contractions, so I would defiantly get checked out!

shainab23 · January 2015

Thanks girls for all your advice! I ended up going to L&D and good thing bc I was trying to go into labor. I'm dilated to a 2.5 & I'm 90% effaced. They gave meds to stop contractions & after only 30 minutes they stopped completely & haven't had any sence. I'm on steroids now to help the baby's lungs mature incase she decides to come early. After 34 weeks my doctor won't try to stop labor & I'm 33 weeks today, on pelvic rest & taking it very easy! Everyday I can keep her in there is a win for us! Can't say I'm not still extremely nervous & anxious, but trying not to stress & just get through it one day at a time. Thanks again everyone, Good Luck!

bdazzld · January 2015

Time for a new doctor IMO. Glad you went in.

ngolimento · January 2015

I am so glad you went it and got it under control!

JenLa21 · January 2015

I'm so glad you went in, and everything seems to be under control. I'd love to hear about the follow up conversation with your Dr. Hope that any stays inside for as long ad possible!!

nlinscott11 · January 2015

I agree with PP. I would switch doctors. The one you have obviously doesn't know what he's talking about. I am so glad that you went in and got checked and they were able to stop everything!! Best case scenario, babe will stay for 7 more weeks.

janda426 · January 2015

Wow I would so be switching doctors! I hope he feels like an asshole! I'm glad you went in and hope baby girl waits as long as possible before coming

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