Did anyone here have preterm labor?

Question

I'm only 20 weeks and I've had alot of non painful contractions and 2 painful ones today. I contacted my doctor who told me to take it easy and not to have sex. I'm just worried and would like to hear other people preterm stories.

This is my second child. I was on bedrest for bleeding with my first and he was born at 37 weeks.

Answer 1

I went into preterm labor twice for no reason.

The first time was at 28 weeks. My menstral cramps are usually really painful, and I was experiencing only mild ones. I went to the hospital anyway because I was scared out of my mind. They ran a lot of tests and monitered the baby, and I guess that the reason why my uterus was beginning to contract was because I had an untreated UTI and was dehydrated. I was having contractions, but my cervix wasn't dilating, so they sent me home that same day.

The second time happened at 33 weeks and this time I was admitted into the hospital because after 3 hours of waiting in the waiting room (they wanted to see if the contraction would stop after I drank a LOT of water), I was STILL contracting. In a matter of seconds, I was administered muscle relaxants (to stop the contractions) and steriods (to speed up the development of his lungs in the even that he was born early) through the IV. All I could do was pray, wait and hope that my son wasn't going to be born so early. I stayed in the hospital for a week because they were monitering me, and released me a week later because their policy requires them not to intervene after 34 weeks (I guess 34 weeks is considered "safe" for a baby to be born at this age). My cervix was now at 4 cm.

Luckily, my son waited until week 37 (full term!) to come out and play (:

Stay hydrated, and whenever you're in doubt that something may be wrong-see your doctor!

Answer 2

First don't worry that never helps the situation second if the painful ones continue I would go in and see the doctor just to make sure you are ok. I was due on Aug. 18th with my son and I went into labor on july 7 2005 from being dehydrated so make sure you are drinking lots of fluids at all time even now. I still had him early he was born July 31st and was perfectly healthy and is now 1 1/2 years old and beautiful. Also do as the doctor says and take this time to relaxe because once baby comes you will not get the chance belive me. congrats.

Answer 3

Is this your first child?
It's quite common for first time mother's to go into labor naturally around 40/42 weeks. Although it happens everyday that a first time mother can go into labor early, there is always that possibility.
Usually your midwife, OB, even possibly your sonographer will be able to tell you if you are preterm labor prone.

I recently gave birth three months ago, My first set of contractions were very serious at 20 weeks. I was in a lot of pain. But I didn't go into real labor untill I was 42 weeks along.

Braxton hicks can happen as early as 15 weeks. More commonly earlier with second time pregnancies.

Braxton hicks can be so painful. But it has to be said, no where near as painful as the real thing. :(

Answer 4

i went into preterm labor at 26 weeks with my last pregnancy, I was placed on bedrest after having a positive fetal fibronectin test. If your not familiar with the term it is basically the glue that holds the cervix shut, thats how my doc explained it to me. I made it on bedrest until week 34 when my doctor told me i could get up and move around, had alice at 37 weeks.

Answer 5

Yes i went into labor when i was 33 weeks but they stopped it but i ended up having my son at 35 weeks. He was heathly though that is all that matters.
But you know i kept on telling the doctor i was hurting in my stomach and he said it was normal and he didn't pay me no mind and gave me an appointment for august 18, 2001 and i had my son on aug. 16 but my due date was for september 14. (I had pre-eclampsia though)
That doctor did not deliever my son. Some doctors just don't want to listen.
I hope you nothing but luck and happiness

Answer 6

I think you're having Braxton Hicks contraction, which are unproductive (they don't dialate your cervix). If your doctor thought you were in preterm labor, he would tell you to get to the hospital, not take it easy. But taking it easy couldn't hurt.
Good luck!

Answer 7

The contractions you are having are pretty common. They are called Braxton-Hix. Do take it a little easier and maybe it might be a good idea not to have sex right now. I had Braxton-Hix contractions, but since they don't dialate the cervix, my child was 2 weeks past her due date. She was fine, fat and all developed.

Answer 8

Just lay down with your feet or knees up. I had that alot with my last pregnancy. She had to be an appt baby because the military made a goof with her sister.

Answer 9

My first baby was 5 weeks early. Rest and stay off your feet.