Peek, glad U R back, can you try to answer a question...

I know you havent been on so I will give you a quick background.  Thursday 10/4 I started having contractions.  They have been pretty regular since then.  I was in L&D being monitored and recieving fluids for 2 days.  Fiber nectum (sp?) test was neg.  Cervix long and closed.  Anyway, I still have the contractions everyday, nothing has changed.  I went in for my reg appt yesterday and my doctor told me that since I have such an active uterus I will more than likely not carry to term.  Is that something you have seen and had experience with.  How much faith should I put on his word that I will not go to term?  If you can help I would greatly appreciate it.  Oh, BTW I am almost 28 weeks.

[daprincess21]

Just wondered how you were doing, and bumping up for some answers...sorry i have none.

[peekawho]

The Fetal Fibronectin test you had means that there is very little likelihood that you will go into labor in the 2 week period following the test.  Its also great that your cervix is long and closed.  You may be more likely to have a preterm birth, but this is by no means a certainty.

What meds are you being given to stop the contractions, if any?  You should certainly be followed closely with ultrasounds that measure cervical length and funneling.  

[April1113]

My doctor offered me a shot to stop the contractions.  It wasnt tributaline but I cant remember the name of it.  But he made sure he scared me enough that I wouldnt except it.  He said "It has a high risk of heart failure, trust me I've seen it"  So of course I didnt take it.  He hasnt even suggested an ultrasound so I dont know what to do really.  I deal with the contractions.  It is aggreviating and exhausting though.  I've just kinda learned to suck it up and stop complaining about them.  Thank you for answering my question, if you have any other advice feel free to share.

[peekawho]

Oral terbutaline would be offered to many women with persistent contractions.  However, if the fibronectin test was negative, some doctors wouldn't use terbutaline.  Some might use oral Nifedipine instead.

I have no idea what "shot" he would have offered you.  The only injectible medications used to stop preterm contractions are Terbutaline, Magnesium Sulfate (which is given as an IV drip in the hospital only), or a long acting form of progesterone (which is now being used to some extent during pregnancy for women who are at high risk of delivering early).  

Terbutaline and Magnesium are the only ones that would carry a risk of heart failure.  And it isn't common with either of them.  

[peekawho]

Ritodrine is another tocolytic, but it is seldom used any longer.