Preterm Labor

I had early contractions and was also put on bed rest and medication. My Dr. told me to drink a gallon of water a day at minimum, to keep them under control. It really helped a lot. My situation could have been different then yours, of course. However, I did carry my son until 3 days before my due date. Water is cheap and readily available, you might try!! Good luck, I hope the best for you!!

1 mom found this helpful

S., I had preterm labor starting at 24 weeks with my first son. I made it to 37 weeks. It was really tough being in bed all that time, but I was trying hard to save my baby from being a preemie. At the time, babies born that early didn't survive. And those who survive now sometimes have special needs that are daunting. So my suggestions are these, having gone through this. Take being in bed very serious - lay on your left side most of the time, only get up to pee and take a short shower sitting down. Brush your teeth while you're sitting on the potty (yuck, sorry), drink as much water a day as your doctor directs, spaced out throughout the day. The uterus is a smooth muscle tissue and contracts if you become even a little dehydrated. The bladder pushes against the uterus when it becomes full, so drink and pee, drink and pee. Try to avoid anything that can make you emotional or upset. Take your meds when you are supposed to, even if that means setting the alarm to wake up in the middle of the night to do it. I was taking a form of tributilene (I doubt I spelled that right - brethine was the pill form) and I was not allowed to have any caffeine with it. Make sure you are okay for caffeine. If you feel that your contractions are increasing, get to the doctor for monitoring in case the doctor wants to put you on a different med than you are on.

Contractions start like a pebble rolling down a decline. If you catch them early, they can be stopped. But if they gain "speed" and end up like a boulder flying down a mountain, you won't be able to keep the baby from being born. Don't hesitate to get to the doctor if you think that pebble is moving faster than before.

I hope this is helpful, and I wish you the best getting to 37 weeks.

D.

1 mom found this helpful

How many weeks are you? I am 33 weeks and have had preterm labor for about 4 weeks now. I was also put on a medication to stop or help ease the contractions. I was also just diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Have you been checked for that yet? I was told they can coincide. Rest with your feet up and follow all your doctors orders. Make sure to communicate with your doctor regarding your questions and concerns.

From another poster: I would talk to your dr. before over doing any water as you can dilute your blood too much (i've heard of it but have not delt with it).

Anyway I started bedrest at 20 weeks at home & at 25 weeks my water broke & I started bleeding & admitted myself to the hospital. I had contractions every week (on the same day) at the hospital & I was given Benedryl to stop my contractions.I made it to 28 weeks before getting an intrauterine infection. My son will be 9 y/o in a few months & is perfectly normal.
If you would like some suggestions on things to do while on bedrest, websites & books I would be happy to e-mail it to you!

God bless!