preterm labor

[koyama83]

Has anyone ever gone into preterm labor? Is it painful and totally obvious? I'm 25 weeks and I have vaginal pressure, menstrual like cramps, dull lower back pain, and my contractions are punching closer together, plus baby is lower than normal this week way in my pelvis..but it's not painful, just uncomfortable....I'd run off to the hospital but I'm a single parent and my 6 year old is completely asleep and my 11 year old is almost asleep and the hospital is 30 min away...I'd also have to get gas in my car.

[mandylee815]

I went into preterm labor at 30 weeks and I had no idea I was even having contractions. I had a tiny bit of spotting so my doctor sent me to L&D, turns out my contractions were 2-4 minutes apart. I received two shots of terbutaline to stop the contractions and two steroid shots for baby. Im now on procardia every 6 hours but I still have the contractions through the medication. I will be on the medication until 36 weeks unless she comes before then. If you feel like something is wrong definitely have it checked out. Better safe than sorry. Good luck! :)

[koyama83]

This morning I called the OB and his nurse sent me to l&d. They put me in monitor and noticed irritability in contractions so the nurse checked my cervix and I'm 1 cm dilated on the inner oss but not efaced, which I was not dilated before all of these symptoms. Now waiting for a test for preterm labor that can happen within 2 weeks....I'll keep posting so that others with this or similar issues will have an idea of what may go on.

[koyama83]

thank you ladies. I haven't had a contraction in a little over an hour...I'm pretty sure that I can wait until morning to call my doc and maybe have my cervix checked in the morning to make sure there isn't any change there...chugging water...still have mild cramping and lower back pain plus pelvic pressure...

[Sara_Lee87]

It's most likely  Braxton hicks. Drink alot of water since dehydration  is a major cause of preterm labor. Try getting some rest. Im sure the hospital will gladly have you speak with a nurse, or a nurse midwife over the phone if you are at all concerned. Even if it just helps ease your concern or answer questions u have i would call. Also because if you do end up going in, they will be prepared for your arrival. I'm sure everything will work out for you! Definitely focus on rest, hydration, and relaxation. :]

[NiquaNicole]

I went into preterm labor at 29 weeks and had similar symptoms as you. I highly suggest you call a 24 hour nurse line or call l&d and see what they suggest

[cef1990]

I went into labour at 20 weeks and you Def know about it, it's exactly the same as full term labour. If they are easing or not getting stronger I would say they are just braxton hicks. Maybe ring l&d and talk them through how your feeling and they may be able to tell you what to do. But my preterm labour felt no different to my full term labour in regards to how painful.it is.