TTMA Preterm Labor *All Welcome*

[MissSally]

So I had a pretty bad scare yesterday, and although the doctors and nurses talked to me a little about what to look for, I was hoping for some first-hand experiences...

Yesterday when I was eating breakfast I started feeling some menstrual-like cramping. I didn't want to get myself worried, so I went on with my day. H and I went shopping and had a nice lunch date, but the whole time I was squirming with pain, and having to run to the bathroom every 20-30 minutes because of some pretty crazy pressure down there. I noticed slightly more CM than normal, but I know that can fluctuate a lot throughout the pregnancy anyways. I was still feeling T kick a lot, so I assumed everything was ok. Well, come 2:30 it was starting to get worse, tylenol wasn't helping, and neither was my heat pad or putting my feet up. I called the OB and they told me to come down to L&D immediately... cue freak out. So after monitoring me for a while, they said I wasn't in labor (thank goodness) but I have an infection and that was causing the cramping and labor probably would start soon if I didn't get it treated immediately with some antibiotics. I started them last night, and although cramping lasted throughout the night, it has eased up a lot this morning. The doctors told me that even with treating the infection, there isn't a guarantee that I won't go into labor, so I need to be on a close watch for symptoms ("real" contractions, water breaking, etc...). It is all a bit of a blur at the moment. 

So. Has anyone been through it? I want to try and avoid falling down the google rabbit hole, and I don't feel like I got much solid info from the doctors/nurses. 

Thanks in advance!

[peggels24]

I don't have any experience but just wanted to send you prayers and lots of strength. I hope everything works out well.

[therealbug]

@missally, I'm so sorry you went through such a scary experience. I'm glad you were not having contractions and FX the antibiotics take care of your infection without any issues. Make sure you are staying very hydrated.

For me, when I went into PTL all of my contractions that I felt were in my back. I would watch for pain that can be timed (how long the cramp hurts and the duration between). We missed this early clue with my PTL but after we knew I was in labor it was pretty obvious to me looking back at the last several days prior.

I would also call your doctor back and ask them for a clear description of what they want you to watch for.

Lots of (((hugs)))

[bootsorhearts]

How scary! I hope it doesn't happen again. We just got an info sheet from our OB on PTL it had the obvious symptoms on there like bleeding and cramping and pressure but it also said you might just feel 'off' and if so call or go to L&D.

[holdingouthope]

No advice, just lots of (((hugs))) and positive thoughts coming your way!

[sarcaztic10]

I have no experience but wanted to offer positive thoughts and lots of (((hugs)))

[luciddreamer]

No advice to offer, but want to send positive thoughts your way.

[cali]

I also have no advice but wanted to send thoughts and prayers. I'm sure that was a scary experience. I hope the antibiotics do the trick and you have nothing to worry about!

[muscari]

Oh MissSally, I'm so sorry you went through such a scary experience yesterday! No advice but I just wanted to send you positive vibes and will keep you and your LO in my thoughts.

[lickwed]

I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I was in pre-term labor for a week and a half. It was tightening of my stomach and pressure. They were also measurable. They varied anywhere from 5-10 minutes between contractions. They would ladt anywhere from 1-2 hours. Water helped. A few times they got about 4-5 minutes apart and we went to L&D. They gave me Tylonel and IV fluids then sent me home. The real time was just a little different. They were 4-5 minutes apart but this time it was hard to talk through them, swear words started coming out of my mouth, and I had what I think was a bloody show.

[glb30]

I'm sorry this is a concern. I think I missed a lot of signs of preterm labor actually. However, my contractions were all in my back. It literally manifested as low back pain that came and went.

I did end up in the hospital about a week before, and I was having contractions pretty regularly but they weren't painful exactly. More uncomfortable.

I thought everything was normal third tri stuff until my water broke.

I hope the infection clears and you make it to term!

[littleowl913]

I went into preterm labor at 34 weeks. The night before I felt a lot of pressure down there but I thought it was b/c bladder was full. Then I had back pains all morning. I thought they were braxton-hicks. Apparently those were contractions. I had no idea I was in labor. They didn't stop it because of how far along I was. They rushed me into the OR because DS was breached. It was kind of a blur - from the time my OB said I was in labor to me on the OR table was maybe an hour and a half.