When to call your Dr. - Helpful info

claireloSC · October 2015

I got this email today from Lucie's List and I thought it would be helpful for anyone else who is unsure if what they are feeling is normal or not.

In the US, roughly 13% of all babies are born prematurely (which means before 37 weeks). Dude, that's a lot of premature babies!! Alarmingly, this figure has actually increased steadily over the years and nobody really knows why.

Of these babies, the majority of them are born between 34 and 36 weeks. These are called late-preterm births. But the really scary ones are the 12% born between 32 and 33 weeks, the 10% that are born between 28 and 31 weeks, and the 6% that arrive sooner than 28 weeks.

Preemies face an increased risk of lifetime disabilities, such as mental retardation, learning and behavioral problems, vision and hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and chronic lung problems. In short: you don't want this.

With all of the miscellaneous aches and pains associated with pregnancy, it's really hard to tell what's what!

So, what to look for? Here's the cheat sheet (courtesy ofKeepEmCookin.com):

If you are less than 37 weeks along, call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

4+ contractions in 1 hour -- either with or without pain; menstrual cramp like pains (this one is tricky for people with lots of Braxton Hicks, but you'll get to know your body over time to know what feels "normal" and what doesn't)
Intense vaginal pressure or pressure on your bottom; a sensation that the baby is going to "fall right out"
Increased discharge; loss of the mucus plug
Persistent lower back ache, or one that comes and goes (this could also be kidney stones, which are not uncommon in pregnancy ~ these are fun, lemme tell ya!)
Bleeding of any sort
Steadily leaking fluid - or a sudden gush of fluid
Increased bowel movements or diarrhea
A decrease in the baby's activity; fewer kicks
A sense that something just isn't right

Talking to Your Doctor

Some women worry about "bothering" their doctor, but don't! This is why they get paid the big bucks, sister. And believe me, they would much rather prevent a catastrophe than be bothered. So if something feels wrong to you, CALL them. Seriously. Just call. At least you'll know. You know?

Most OB's offices have an advice line that you can call 24/7. Keep this number with you throughout your pregnancy. I'd be surprised if you don't have to call a handful of times along the way.

WHEN THINGS GET CONFUSING

(a la: is that an earthquake or are my neighbors having s-ex again?)

BRAXTON HICKS CONTRACTIONS VS. "REAL" CONTRACTIONS

By 24 weeks, you may already be experiencing Braxton Hicks. BH is a tightening of the uterus. You can put your hands on your belly and feel as it becomes hard as a rock, then softens again. Some women get them regularly - and some never get them at all. They can be brought on by s-ex, physical activity, dehydration - or for no particular reason.

The difference: BH are irregular and won't intensify over time. They may go away after you relax and have a few glasses of water (this was always my litmus test). "Real" labor contractions will become more regular and more painful over time and will cause your cervix to soften and dilate (which you won't feel). The only real way to tell is to be examined.

What to Say When You Call Your OB:

"I have been having contractions for ____ minutes/hours, at ____ minutes apart. I have been lying down on my left side for ____ minutes/hours and have had ____ ounces of water during that time. The contractions feel like ____ and I'd rate the pain as a ___."

ROUND LIGAMENT PAIN VS. PRETERM LABOR

Ask yourself: WHERE is the pain (predominantly)? Round ligament pain is the result of stretching of the uterus and is completely normal. RLP may come on very suddenly and may be sharp, or (just to confuse you)... they can persist and feel dull and achy. The pain will be along the bikini line, commonly on the right side, and can cause discomfort from the groin to the hips.

With preterm labor cramps, the pain will be in the area above the pubic bone and below the belly button, like a menstrual cramp. You may also be having pain in your lower back.

What to Say When You Call Your OB:

"I am having pain in my abdomen/hips/groin/pubic area. It started hurting ____ minutes/hours ago. It does/doesn't feel like menstrual cramps. I am/am not having lower back pain.

LEAKING URINE VS. LEAKING AMNIOTIC FLUID

How does it smell? Leaking a little pee every now and then is oh-so-common during pregnancy, but you need to be sure. Smell your underwear. Does it smell like pee/ammonia/old popcorn? If yes, it's pee. Amniotic fluid, on the other hand, is usually odorless or sweet smelling.

If you aren't sure, consider the quantity and frequency. A small trickle that doesn't stop is likely to be amniotic fluid -- and so is a big, sudden gush. The only way to know is for your doc to test the fluid in his/her office. They will test the pH and look for the fluid to "fern" under a microscope, which is indicative of amniotic fluid and hence, ruptured membranes.

What to Say When You Call Your OB:

"I think I may be leaking amniotic fluid. I first noticed it ____ and it keeps going. Should I come in to have you check the pH or do a ferning test?"

The pH test is super easy and quick (I had one) and can be done in your doctor's office in about 10 minutes.

Not to be cliché, but the bottom line is better safe than sorry, gals!

hailees · October 2015

Awesome info, thanks for sharing!

Lemonpig1 · October 2015

Can I just say I love Lucie's List? I'm a product information junky and her gear guides are the best. I love getting Lucie's List emails and Pregnant Chicken newsletters in my inbox - those two are so great.