After experiencing constant (yet dull) abdomen pain, coupled with a few other symptoms, my Dr tells me that i may be experiencing preterm labour
Has anyone here experienced it? how did you manage it/ take precautions? I was sent into a minor shock when the Dr told me so i forgot to ask her these questions. I’m due for another appointment in 2 weeks time but until then, i’d like to be careful.
Should i reduce/ stop going out unnecessarily? should i avoid driving? should i rest more?
I’m confused because one website suggested bedrest while the other said that bedrest could prove detrimental…
oh, and i’m not supposed to stress (as it brings on labour)… and i’m trying not to but i cant help but think about it all day long i want my baby to grow before it enters this world iA… i’ve just started my third trimester.
Pinks , frankly I dont know the answer to your question but I am keen on asking you to share what symptoms you got .. was the pain in the lower abdomen? like cramps?
Someone else I know just got into her 7th month and she was told the same as you .. but when she went in to a different doctor they told her that was not the case and that she was experiencing false contractions .. i wonder if both are the same
The pain is not like cramps/ contractions/ braxton hicks (i've had a baby before so i know what they feel like). This is a constant dull pain in the lower part of the abdomen (around the pelvic region) that lingers, and doesn't go away even with resting. Its kinda like the pain one gets before the start of their menstrual cycle. Sometimes i feel a lot of pressure "down there" too. I've also noticed increased discharge, and its quite liquid-ish at times.
The probable cause of all of this is this vaginal infection I suffer from that has re-surfaced after months. Its under control with medication (as i have no more symptoms of the infection itself)... but it appears to have made my uterus agitated, hence the preterm labour pains.
Alhumdulillah what i havn't experienced is any bleeding/ spotting.
i would say rest a lot and take it easy. avoid heavy lifting and a lot of driving? i dunno, lady. i'm sorry you're going through this. is there anyway you can see your doctor sooner to have your questions answered? that might be the best source. also ask them what to do if the pain intensifies or you free like proper labour is coming on this early (God forbid).
if your doctor thinks you are having pre term labor he should do a cervical length check, to see if your cervix is shortening prematurely. that will be a major determining factor in finding out if you are a candidate for pre-term labor. I was at risk for pre term labor since my 16th week, since i kept getting contractions and my cervical length changed and shortened a little bit too but i was never in pain. i was advised to go on bed rest and not exert myself because that would make the contractions worse. i took it easy , but never resorted to bed rest. i made it full term at 38 weeks and 2 days with almost normal activity and my doctor thought i would deliver at 25 weeks. but every individual is different , if you are in pain , then listen to what the doctor says, but do ask him to check your cervical length. i had bi weekly cervical length checkups to see if i would deliver pre maturely.
Why don't you call you OB and ask her? I am sure your OB or her MA should be able to answer you questions.. It's a serious matter and if I were you I would called my OB the next day.
@ Tranquil, wow! preterm at 16 weeks! good to know that things worked out well for you in the end Alhumdulillah.
I'll try to see the Dr this saturday iA... there's no point talking on the phone because this doc of mine has an OPD of 50+ at times... i'd rather get face to face attention from her.
i want my baby to grow before it enters this world iA… i’ve just started my third trimester.