Hi, I just found out that I have a condition called Irritable Uterus (IU). I had it with my last pregnancy, but never got a diagnosis. I just had to deal with annoying contractions from week 25 on.
This time, they started at week 26. I'm currently in week 35 and went to triage for the second time. The first time I went was for contractions that were 5 minutes apart at 31 weeks. Today I went for water leakage (which is a symptom of IU, but I didn't know this till I got home and looked up the condition).
My doc put me on Niphedipine the first time I went in to ease contractions. The medicine didn't really help. But since I went in again, she told me to stay on it, even if it doesn't feel like it is doing anything because the baby needs to stay in there longer.
But I'm also feeling that I'm having depression issues. I just feel like crying a lot and am just so emotional. Like with my other one that I had IU with, I just wanted the baby to come out! I'm sick of false labor and getting excited to have a baby, just to be sent home. Actually, with my second kid (the IU one), I went into the hospital at 38 w/6 days and they wanted to send me home. I refused and made them induce me because I couldn't stand it anymore.
Have any of you been in this situation? Any depression symptoms with IU? The nurse said that IU may be due to hormone levels, which would make sense to be link to depression. Just wondering if anyone is out there who can help me get through this. Thanks.
Hello N.,
I have never heard of IU but I just wanted you to know that I read your request and feel for you. I am 32 weeks with my second pregnancy and have a very active 17 month old at home to take care of. Sometimes being pregnant and having the challenges of taking care of a family too can get overwhelming. You sound like you have a lot on your plate!!! I hope everything gets better for you soon and good luck!
I have not experienced an irritable uterus, but it sounds like your physician should have informed you much better on the issues associated with the diagnosis, as well as the medication. If possible you should schedule an appointment or even a time to talk on the phone so you can voice your concerns and hear her suggestions. Your physician will know the best course of action, whether it is normal or if you need to seek other help. I hope everything works out well for the next few weeks. Congratulations on the new baby!
I did not have IU, but I had other issues that caused early contractions (starting at 26 weeks) that didn't get me anywhere. I know how difficult the last month of pregnancy is. You just want to be back to yourself again and you want your body back, and yet you know deep inside that it's best for your baby if you wait. The waiting, along with the painful contractions, can drive you crazy (along with causing depression).
I found that the best thing for me to do was to distract myself. Get out of the house (if you can). Even just a short time outside watching your kids play at the park can do wonders for your spirit. We also enjoyed the library story hour. Also, try to find a hobby you can engage yourself in, one that you won't have time for after the baby comes. These can help depression, but if they don't work please talk to your dr. I know it's tough, but you can make it through this. It will pass and you will soon have a healthy baby! Remind yourself daily that that is the goal above all else...a healthy baby.
Hi N.,
I must have had the same thing but I didn't know it had a name. I started having contractions around 18 weeks and when to triage four times all together. I went for monitoring twice a week and I also had water leakage. The nurses knew me by name and I was so tired of going. I just wanted to be done with it all. It was hard for me to think long term when right now I am feeling depressed and horrible. But you have to keep your eye on the prize. The longer the baby bakes the healthier the baby will be. After my son was finally born he was in the NICU for a week. I hated seeing all the little babies that had so many problems and had been there for so long with so long to go. I know now you feel a depression that only someone that had been through it can understand. (your husband, friends, family, doctors and nurses will never understand to pain your going through) But in the scheme of life, one little month might make a lifetime of difference for your little baby. Hand in there!!!!
-God bless you and your family
Hi N.,
I'm sorry to hear about your IU and depression. I know food is linked to hormone production and that you may consider assessing your diet. You could be eating foods that are causing your body to go haywire and/or not eating enough whole foods to keep your hormones balanced. A balanced body equals a balanced pregnancy. :)
Best wishes to you! :)
Warm Regards,
G. Van Luven, H.C.
Healthy Habits Wellness Center, LLC
www.HealthyHabitsWellnessCenter.com
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