Went in for my two week check up yesterday, and my doctor checked me because I have been experiencing a lot of Braxton Hicks. They have been very steady, but short.(25-30 seconds). I was 50% ephased,(sp?) and a fingertip dialated. She said I needed to quit work until after the first of the year. She said the next few weeks are just too critical in the baby's development to risk going into premature labor. (I am one day shy of 33 weeks.) Does anyone know if 50%, and a fingertip are really significant. This is my third child. My youngest is 11. My doctor has been undercautious in other circumstances. I talked to her about some of my concerns and am worried that now she is overcompensating. I am a teacher and have about 2 more weeks till I am off for the holidays. Paula
things are happening a little early
- Thread starter wrwatch
- Start date
I'm not a medical professional but . . .
if there is any chance of premature labor, the doctor HAS to be cautious. You COULD walk around just like that for the rest of the pregnancy. I know someone who spent 3 weeks 80% effaced and 4 cm. dialated. OR you could go into premature labor tomorrow. The thing is that labor can sneak up on you, and you really need to be careful at this point. If you are seriously feeling like you need to keep working if at all possible, you could get a second opinion. That said, if you do everything possible, and deliver early anyway, the baby has an excellent chance of doing very well. Medical technology has come a long way. It's just that, obviously, what is best is for that sweet baby to stay right in there until the proper time.
Good luck!!!
Erin
if there is any chance of premature labor, the doctor HAS to be cautious. You COULD walk around just like that for the rest of the pregnancy. I know someone who spent 3 weeks 80% effaced and 4 cm. dialated. OR you could go into premature labor tomorrow. The thing is that labor can sneak up on you, and you really need to be careful at this point. If you are seriously feeling like you need to keep working if at all possible, you could get a second opinion. That said, if you do everything possible, and deliver early anyway, the baby has an excellent chance of doing very well. Medical technology has come a long way. It's just that, obviously, what is best is for that sweet baby to stay right in there until the proper time.
Good luck!!!Erin
RE: I'm not a medical professional but . . .
Thanks for the input. I guess there is no rhyme or reason really to the details of pregnancy. I was really just wondering if the progress I have made was significant at all. I am very tired, and quite honestly having to stay home isn't upsetting me too much. My job is very stressful. I am on my feet all day, and 7th graders aren't exactly the most considerate people in the world. I really like them, but they are more work than an infant sometimes. I am getting anxious about the coming of this baby. We are a ways from the hospital, the weather is bad, and I am wondering what my chances for premature labor really are. This pregnancy has been much harder on me than my last, but I am 11 years older. Oh, you know how the baby blues go. I am going to stay home. I wouldn't jeopardize this sweet baby for anything in the world.
Thanks for the input. I guess there is no rhyme or reason really to the details of pregnancy. I was really just wondering if the progress I have made was significant at all. I am very tired, and quite honestly having to stay home isn't upsetting me too much. My job is very stressful. I am on my feet all day, and 7th graders aren't exactly the most considerate people in the world. I really like them, but they are more work than an infant sometimes. I am getting anxious about the coming of this baby. We are a ways from the hospital, the weather is bad, and I am wondering what my chances for premature labor really are. This pregnancy has been much harder on me than my last, but I am 11 years older. Oh, you know how the baby blues go. I am going to stay home. I wouldn't jeopardize this sweet baby for anything in the world.
Ack! Seventh graders!!!
They are the toughest group of all of them! Between the raging hormones and jockeying for position in the school pecking order, ICK! I remember my junior high years with great distaste.
Don't let this prey on your mind. Like I said, you could go a full 40 - 42 weeks without any changes from what your cervix is like right now. But if things do go early, the doctors are set up to handle it. My twin nephews were born at 33 weeks, and they are doing just great! They are 6 months old now. The really important thing is to make sure that you pay attention to the signs that your doctor told you to be on the lookout for that you may be going into labor,and get to the hospital right away. There is a shot they can give you if you go into labor that will help to mature the baby's lungs. The longer before the birth they give it, the better. There are also drugs they can give to try to stop the labor if they catch it early enough.
Hang in there! I know how tough the final trimester can be. You'll get through it, hormones and all. And that sweet baby will be here, safe and sound!
Erin
They are the toughest group of all of them! Between the raging hormones and jockeying for position in the school pecking order, ICK! I remember my junior high years with great distaste.
Don't let this prey on your mind. Like I said, you could go a full 40 - 42 weeks without any changes from what your cervix is like right now. But if things do go early, the doctors are set up to handle it. My twin nephews were born at 33 weeks, and they are doing just great! They are 6 months old now. The really important thing is to make sure that you pay attention to the signs that your doctor told you to be on the lookout for that you may be going into labor,and get to the hospital right away. There is a shot they can give you if you go into labor that will help to mature the baby's lungs. The longer before the birth they give it, the better. There are also drugs they can give to try to stop the labor if they catch it early enough.
Hang in there! I know how tough the final trimester can be. You'll get through it, hormones and all. And that sweet baby will be here, safe and sound!
Erin
Hi, I just thought I'd chime in because my first episode of labor with my third baby was at 32 weeks. I made it all the way to 39 just fine. I went to the hospital at 32 weeks and again at 36, both times everything slowed to a stop with rest. I was never on bed rest long-term or anything, but I did get a housecleaning service out of the deal which was quite wonderful! I kept reminding myself that the baby could come any time and would be just fine with medical care, so I didn't get too panicky (do you find yourself much more casual with #3?? --I did!). Please do make an effort to rest (no man-handling Christmas trees or anything like that!) and just take care of yourself. If your other two are older, perhaps they will be able to be helpful. I hope so. You deserve a little pampering, mom!!! Put your feet up, relax, hire a cleaning service or crack the whip over those big kids (hehe!) and get some rest. Baby needs it and you deserve it. How 'bout a cup of steaming wassail (non-alcoholic, of course) and a good novel?
I kept reminding myself that the baby could come any time and would be just fine with medical care, so I didn't get too panicky (do you find yourself much more casual with #3?? --I did!). Please do make an effort to rest (no man-handling Christmas trees or anything like that!) and just take care of yourself. If your other two are older, perhaps they will be able to be helpful. I hope so. You deserve a little pampering, mom!!! Put your feet up, relax, hire a cleaning service or crack the whip over those big kids (hehe!) and get some rest. Baby needs it and you deserve it. How 'bout a cup of steaming wassail (non-alcoholic, of course) and a good novel?