Looking for feedback.... at risk for preterm labour

Had another ultrasound today, as well as a midwife appointment. The ultrasound showed that despite the daily, strong and often PAINFUL contractions that my cervix is staying closed!!! This is *very good news*, however I am still on bedrest given how frequent and bothersome the contractions are, and due to the potential for them to start to make changes to my cervix, and I am still considered at risk of preterm labour.

The plan is we are going to continue to monitor my cervix to ensure that it is not dilating (ultrasound every week to 2 weeks -- I elected for every 2 weeks, do people think that sounds good??? or should I go for every week???) and I am going to continue with the magnesium supplements and baths. We are also considering corticosteroid shots as a preventative measure, even without me actually being in 'active preterm labour'. And of course if my symptoms worsen I'm to head to Labour and Delivery.

I am still waiting to hear back for my referral to the OB. The midwife faxed the referral letter last week and I'm starting to think I'm going to phone the office myself to make the appointment. Frustrating when you are as worried as we have been.

A few things did not sit with me well, however, and I'm not convinced it's the 'fault' of the midwife per se, and I'm looking for some feedback, ladies.

- One, she said that premature labour cannot be stopped, that if it happens it happens, and that even as a healthcare provider she feels helpless when trying to deal with this/it. I am not so sure about this as I have read of a growing movement of doctors and women who say that preterm labour signs and symptoms CAN be treated and SHOULD be treated aggressively. This website has a good take on it: http://irritable-uterus.com/self_imposedBedrest.asp  and this is a great article which explains treatment options and assessment of preterm labour risk: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/260998-overview

- Two, she said that the risk of medications they used to give women outweigh the benefits. I'm wondering if this is accurate as I have recently read articles that suggest safer forms of medication to combat contractions, including nifedipine, progesterone supplementation and protaglandin inhibitors. They most certainly assert that the benefit to the baby LIVING outweighs the risks of the medication.

Its interesting because my family doctor has been ADAMANT about bedrest and although the midwife has also recommended that I rest when I get them (which is pretty much all day, every day) my midwife also says there is no real evidence that it works. All I know is I completely trust my family doctor and do not want to take any extra risks when it comes to our baby -- my husband and I are VERY CLEAR on this.

[Ashelen]

Hey girl I responded to your journal...if it were me, I'd leave that midwife NOW. PTL definitely can be stopped, and bedrest IS proven to help slow down dilation...I went into more detail on your journal...but I really think you need to find someone (midwife or OB) who takes this seriously, treats it aggressively, and does everything in their power to get you and baby to full term. Her opinion of PTL is (in my opinion and experience from having many friends who have had PTL but have made it to full-term with medicine and bedrest) RIDICULOUS.

[Ashelen]

Hey girl I responded to your journal...if it were me, I'd leave that midwife NOW. PTL definitely can be stopped, and bedrest IS proven to help slow down dilation...I went into more detail on your journal...but I really think you need to find someone (midwife or OB) who takes this seriously, treats it aggressively, and does everything in their power to get you and baby to full term. Her opinion of PTL is (in my opinion and experience from having many friends who have had PTL but have made it to full-term with medicine and bedrest) RIDICULOUS.

[Ashelen]

ok I should say PTL can FREQUENTLY be stopped. and if she's not even willing to TRY because she doesn't think it can be, I see that as a problem.

[kimmery]

Thanks Ashelen, I saw your comment on my journal and I *really appreciate* the feedback. While before this issue cropped up I LOVED my midwfe, I have been confused as well as scared by the philosophy/attitude behind some of her statements, and although she is now ordering tests to monitor me (which happened after I went to my family doctor re: the ongoing symptoms/contractions) it still doesn't sit right with me. It saddens me as I soooooo very much wanted a midwife birth, but this is too dangerous to play with.

I am going to get in to see an OB with experience with PTL asap, as you suggested. I'll call my dr tomorrow morning to request it and will also call Mount Sinai to ask about clinics, resources, etc.

Thank you!

[ashleyfife]

I agree with ashelen. it can be stopped. cause I know my first one it got bad. but you already know. lol. I hope the best of luck to you and you find someone who knows what they're doing.. not saying that they already don't.. but more serious as ashelen said..