Are these signs my baby could come prematurely?

Question

I've had a high risk pregnancy and been on bed-rest since 16 weeks, when I almost miscarried. I am now allowed to do a bit more, but still no lifting etc...

I'm 30 weeks now. I have been feeling really energetic though, and I've been wanting to clean and get the house ready, which I know happens to some people just before they go into labour.

I have gotten my bag ready for the hospital just in case, as the doctor suggested.

I also have pains (not bad, but sharp pains) right down low, below my bump, and my baby is "head down" already..

I am worried that my baby may come early, are these signs, or am I just being paranoid? It may be paranoia, after such a complicated pregnancy!

Thanks!

No, I haven't lost my plug or had any significant signs such as that yet.

Answer 1

Some women report feeling very energetic shortly before going into labor, yes, but many woman report that energetic/nesting feeling just generally in later pregnancy. Still, there's probably more stories about women feeling that way shortly before labor, so take it easy and drink plenty of water (dehydration brings on contractions).

That your baby is head down doesn't mean anything, nor does it mean that s/he won't move again...and again...and again. It sounds like the pain you're feeling could simply be the baby's head pressed down low and putting pressure somewhere you're not used to (pubic bone, perhaps).

That said, I would call your doctor and tell her/him what's going on. How often are you getting ultrasounds? What about a nonstress test? Have you been monitored for contractions? I'm not saying you "should" be having any of these things right now, but since I don't know what exactly the "risk" is in your pregnancy I'm throwing it all out there.

Obviously, lots of (most?) women who go into premature labor don't really see it coming, although I think a lot of us realize after the fact that we did know, on some level, that something was up. Personally, I just had a weird feeling and a heaviness, and the ONLY reason I didn't call my doctor was because I had an appointment in a couple of days....I was admitted into L&D in the middle of the night, preceding my appointment.

If you are high risk and IF there is a risk of preterm labor, read what you can so you're not scared about it. I hope you carry your baby for several more weeks and that you avoid a NICU experience, but know that so, so many babies are born early -- earlier than 30 weeks -- and do fine. Babies are not considered full term until 38 weeks -- but by 32 weeks the risks of being born prematurely go down a lot. If there's a known risk of having the baby before 32 weeks the doctors will likely give you steroid shots to mature the baby's lungs.

Best of luck to you and your family!

PS Don't worry about seeming paranoid. Let me tell you I too had a high risk pregnancy and you know what? Who cares if anyone else thinks you're paranoid! If they haven't been there...they don't know. Period.

Answer 2

I want to start by saying CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!

Advice coming from mother a premmie and a complicated pregnancy the second time around ....

Well take it from someone that has a premmie (24wks) and spending 4mths on bed rest the second time around the more you do the bigger chance you have of going into labor or causing more problems.

I know the DR has released you with limations on what you can and can not do. If you are wanting to get the house clean and ready I would ask someone to help you (vaccum, sweep, mop, laundy, reaching over head ... are all things that my DR told me not to do.) The reason that he did not want me doing any of the things I listed were because you the more you twist & turn, bend over (doing the laundry) the more you are stretching your cervix which is weaking it. After all you are 30wks pregnant ... sit back relax and let hubby/partner do the majority of the housework. Also the more you stand on your feet ... the more pressure is getting put on your cervix (hence .... why they say walking helps you go into labor) so try to stay off your feet as much as possible.

Good luck .... and hope everything goes well for both you and your baby .... hopefully you will make it to at least 32wks (considered full term) ;-)

Answer 3

The pain is probably Braxton Hicks contractions -- it is normal to feel them at 30 wks. These can get worse if you are dehydrated, so make sure to drink plenty of water. As for the cleaning urge, I've had that too...but I was told the cleaning/getting ready urge will come on VERY STRONG about 1 - 2 days before you have the baby. I felt mine last weekend, but it wasn't very strong and it went away after I got some baby stuff ready. Keep resting -- if it comes, it comes. The Dr.s will do everything they can to go you to at least 34 wks. Good luck!

Answer 4

The pains could be Braxton Hicks and that is the body preparing for labour but not full contractions. I would start taking it easy again, if you want to prolong for a few more weeks.

30 weeks is not all that bad as I understand that having the baby in the 7th or 9th month is the "safest" only because the 8th there is a some growth but it is not harmful to give birth during that month.

Good Luck and have fun!

Answer 5

I would still try to take it as easy as possible i think they do sound like signs (have you or are you losing your plug already?)
consider yourself lucky though a lot of women do not even make it to 30 weeks. Hopefully you will continue for at least 4/5 more weeks
good luck