Need Help ASAP!

[WifeofAnt]

Okay so since yesterday I've been having a on-and-off backache like menstrual cramps. I've been writing the times down and they come on about every 20-30 minutes.
This afternoon:
1:08 (PM)
1:22
1:50
2:19
2:42

I thought this was really weird so I decided to check my cervix. I haven't checked it in months now (since we were TTC) but I don't ever remember it being this soft. This is a weird comparison but its squishy like a really flaccid penis, much softer than I remember during ovulation. I wasn't even sure it was my cervix at first! What is it supposed to feel like around 26 weeks?

[NewMoonMum]

Sorry I can't specifically answer you, just wanted to say to rest, hydrate, and call your care provider.

Although I might be concerned about the very 20 minutes-or-so of the pains, I can tell you that so much twinging and cramping is very normal during pregnancy. For my DS and DEFINITELY for this one, I have had quite a bit of it.
It's always worse when I'm very active..my OB always tells me in the absence of spotting, and any other symptoms, it's perfectly normal and to take it easy.

I can tell you as far as the feel of your cervix-though I don't know what is normal during different pregnancy stages, the body is quite flooded with hormones very early in pregnancy, and things start changing FAST.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[jessieb503]

I second the call your provider advice. Hope everything is okay!

[WifeofAnt]

Feck. I couldn't tell if it was open earlier but if my finger was longer I could probably get my index finger up to the first knuckle in there.

[AngelKissedKids]

Definitely take any signs of preterm labour seriously - 26 weeks is so so early. I'd also suggest not letting too many people check your cervix manually. It puts you at risk of infection which can only lead to more problems. Your cervical length is most accurately measured by transvaginal ultrasound.

Good luck!

[Baby~Braatens~Mama]

I hope, by now, you have gotten some answers and are relaxing. Wishing you the very best!

[stormgirl]

How are you doing???

[WifeofAnt]

I called my doula and she said to call her back in an hour (which I will as soon as this one ends) but she told me to drink lots of water, try to relax, and call her back. She's not really sure but says if they start getting more painful, get closer together, or I get other symptoms (I don't feel like typing right now) to head in, just to be sure.
I did take a bath and went what i think was a little over an hour without one. I just don't want to go anywhere without telling DH (who is 'in the field') but I also don't want to worry him. He's such a worrywart.

[HeatherB]

A few weeks ago (I was 23 weeks) I started having uncomfortable BH quite frequently - closer together than what you're describing, even. I also decided to check my cervix and was surprised to find it quite soft. I realized that I never check THAT early, though, and wasn't sure if it was normal. After talking with my MW, I learned that it is *totally* normal for a cervix to be softer during pregnancy than elsewhere in your cycle. In fact, she said that's how they used to be able to diagnose pregnancy!

I see you're in TX (as I am), so it's entirely likely that you're dehydrated. If they are not coming closer together and stronger, I would drink LOTS of water, drink some bouillon (lots of salt, which will help you hold on to the water better), eat something high in protein (also helps you hold water in your blood stream), take a warm bath, and relax as much as possible. A half glass of wine should be fine, too, if that doesn't take care of it.

ETA: Regular, full-salt V8 is a good source of extra sodium, too. You may need a couple of them, though.

If they ARE getting closer or stronger or the above measures don't work, I'd definitely be in touch with your care provider. They may have other suggestions or want to see you. But I think it's very likely an issue of dehydration and irritability.

I remember thinking that I'd be really excited if I was 39 weeks and not 23 weeks when these were happening. It felt just like early labor, but with sufficient hydration (LOTS of water) and rest, they stopped. Hope it's the same for you!

[WifeofAnt]

Thank you. I went to bed and so far I've been up for 2 hours without any. I think I'll try the V8 though, I need an excuse to open it. I don't think my body is holding onto very much water, I've only swelled once so far and that was after walking for hours in shoes that were too tight.

[babyjelly]

Glad to hear you're feeling better.
Just wanted to say, about your cervix...there's an inner os and an outer os. It's ok to be mushy and for the outer os to dilate some, as long as the inner os stays closed. My mw and I had this convo just yesterday, because I was cramping and spotting a bit, and have a significant history of loss and ptl. I can currently get my middle finger inside my very mushy cervix up to the first knuckle, but then I hit the inner os, which isn't even fingertip dilated. I'm 20w.
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[WifeofAnt]

Ooh... third day now. It doesn't start until late morning or afternoon, strange. Its definitely not comfortable though.