controlled pre-term labor
I will never forget the controlled pre-term labor experience that I had during my 31st week of pregnancy. Thank God it was controlled. From women.webmd.com article, pre-term labor (premature labor) is when you start having contractions and true labor after your 20th week of pregnancy, and more than 3 weeks before you expect to deliver your baby. Contractions (tightening of the uterus’ muscles) cause the cervix (lower end of the uterus) to open earlier than normal. It may result in the birth of a premature baby. Good thing that there are certain ways to control the labor to allow the baby more time to grow and develop in the uterus.
Signs of pre-term labor | pre-term labor symptoms
- Contractions in your uterus every 10 minutes or more often
- Tightening or low, dull backache that may be constant or come and go, but changing positions and other comfort measures don’t ease it
- Menstrual-like cramps or lower abdominal cramping that may feel like gas pains, with or without diarrhea
- Increased pressure in your pelvis or vagina
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Leaking of fluid from the vagina
- Vaginal bleeding
- Flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Less movement or kicking by your baby
Controlled Pre-term labor experience
What stimulates my pre-term labor contractions? or What causes controlled pre-term labor? Different stress factors may trigger the pre-term labor and in my experience being constipated a few days before I had the pre-term labor might be the big factor. It was not just a simple constipation because solid stool was formed that I had to push hard with difficulty to release it. Prolonged standing and walking of more than 20 minutes might cause stress to my baby and eating spicy or foods with lots of pepper are possible causes too. I think these are factors that stimulates the Oxytocin- a hormone that stimulates labor contractions.
The signs and symptoms that I experience in pre-term labor started when I noticed a brownish spotting after I wiped a wet tissue after I urinate early in the morning. I was alarmed. The day before it happened, I had constipation and push hard to release the stool. After that, I experience frequent urination followed by contractions in my uterus in almost every ten minutes. To answer how to stop pre term labor, I immediately went to see my doctor. I was praying for a controlled pre-term labor.
Initial Tests done to check in my pre-term labor
- Non-Stress Test (NST) was done to to check baby’s heart rate and uterine contractions. – The results showed that I have random contractions every 7 minutes that is why my Obstetrician advised me to be admitted in the hospital for close monitoring and to take proper treatment to stop pre-term labor.
- Prenatal Ultrasound to check the baby and the condition of my amniotic fluid. – In my case amniotic fluid is enough and at normal range.
- The Doctor or Obstetrician check the cervix if it is opening. – My cervix is still closed and no vaginal fluid leaking.
In the evening, we went back to the hospital packed with things I needed for admission such as extra dress, wet & dry tissue, grooming kit, water jug, towel, milk, and my prenatal vitamins.
Treatment of pre-term labor contractions at the hospital
When I was admitted they have done fetal and uterine contractions monitoring. To control the pre-term labor contractions, first they attached dextrose and put magnesium sulfate into my veins. It felt so hot or warm as it enters into your veins and I think it makes the body relax. This medicine took 24 hours for the effectiveness and the doctor will monitor how your body will react.
Unfortunately, after this treatment my labor contractions did not stop so they have given another medicine into my veins and on the following days they have increase the dosage. On the fifth day, I was already taking oral medicine and I am thankful that the pre-term labor contraction was controlled.
They still continue the monitoring and on the seventh day I was finally discharged. I still felt some mild uterine contractions at home that is why I am in complete bed rest and continued my oral medication.
I would like to thank the hospital staff, my doctors ( Obstetrician – Dra. Pichay, Dra. Nualla, etc.), nurses, interns, and the physical therapist who took care of me when I was admitted at MCU hospital. They truly helped to my controlled pre-term labor. Special thanks to my family, my loving husband, close friends, and colleauges who are there for me praying and took extra care in my darkest situation.
Also, thanks to my esupermommy sponsors during that time such as Safeguard, Cetaphil products, and others. They keep me hygienic, fresh, and clean even I have not taken a bath in a week when I was admitted.
If you feel something unusual and strange during your pregnancy, always consult your Obstetrician.
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Thanks God you and the baby are fine now. If that happens to me, I guess I will be afraid since I do not know what to do.
Eeek. I never heard it referred to as controlled. I had pre-term labor (and birth) with all of my children. Mine was out of control.
During my 2nd pregancy, that is actually the first time I heard about controlled preterm labor. There are so many discoveries being a mom 🙂
This happened to me with my 5th child at 29 weeks which was very unusual as all the other babies were born after 41 weeks with induction. The magnesium solution worked and I had to stay 2 nights in the hospital and then on modified bed rest. This baby was born at 38 weeks
We’re truly grateful to great doctors who helped us in this situation.
OMG thank goodness you and the baby are fine. I can only imagine how scared you were. I know that right now with my pregnancy things are so different. Thank you so much for sharing this.
I am really scared. I am not expecting that it happened to me. Moms are real tough people! 🙂
unexplainable struggles for me! lol
Giving birth is unpredictable and yes, unexplainable struggle too.
Thankyou for creating awareness on such a good cause. Many would not even know where to start from….
Yeah, I would like to share my mom experiences so expecting moms can relate and be aware too.
That must have been really scary for you! Thank goodness it had a positive outcome.
We truly prayed for it! Praise God!
So glad everything turned out OK. That must have been a scary experience.
Scary experience and unforgettable too.
Oh my goodness that must be such a scary experience to go through, thank goodness both you and baby are OK!
Prayers can move mountains 🙂 . Thankful we’re both safe. My daughter is now a healthy four-year-old.
This is such a great post! So glad you are okay now!
My kiddos were born at 36 weeks 2 days and 37 weeks 3 days. By current standards, both were technically premature, but both were full-term size. I am crossing my fingers to get to at least 36 weeks with my third but hopefully longer.
With God’s grace, have a safe and healthy delivery.
I am amazed at technology. Years ago so many unfortunate events took place since there wasn’t enough information on how to stop pre term labor.
I agree. We now have advanced technology and glad that the doctors are professionally aware in this field.
Glad that you and the baby are doing fine. You post reminds me of a research study I read a month back that Pre term births are on the rise in the US compared to the last 10 years.
Hi Anvita,
I actually heard from the doctors that pre-term births are rising due to stress factors in this modern world. Most moms are working and there are many factors affecting the risk of pregnancy.
I’m just glad to hear both you and the baby are okay.
I feel relieved after a week in the hospital.
I remember that I was constipated for 6 months during my pregnancy. That is because of the iron supplements I was taking. I was lucky I didn’t experience any pre-term labor.
Thank God, you and your baby are safe.
Yes, you’re lucky. The risk of pregnancy is in a case to case basis.
Thank goodness both if you are alright now. Fighting baby!
Yeah, and after I give birth. My daughter grew up to be a healthy baby. Now she is 4. 🙂
This is certainly a concern for every expectant mother. I’m glad things worked out for you in the end! It must certainly have given you a scare.
Hi Laila,
Yes, I was scared and think that it will be my last pregnancy. But, now my husband is looking forward for another baby.. We will be preparing maybe next year depending on God’s grace.
I had something similar happen to me (though I was at 37 weeks) and I had to go in to the hospital because I was severely dehydrated. I am 30 weeks along with my second now and hoping for everything to run smoothly going forward.
Hi Alexia,
Yeah, just think positive. My doctor said that I should stay calm and relax while pregnant. Have a safe and healthy delivery.
So scary! I had a similar experience and ended up in the hospital overnight so they could monitor the baby. Glad you are ok!
When I was in the hospital for the non-stress test, I was nervous. My family keeps me relaxed and support me all throughout my pregnancy.
My friend went through this, and it was really scary. I’m so glad that you’re doing okay!
Yes. I’m always thankful and this is going to be one of my memorable experience.