Preterm labor a bit early, scared I won't make it to 37 weeks

[GracesMama]

This is my 3rd baby. I'm currently 34 weeks along. My baby is very, very low. He dropped at 30 weeks, just like my other babies (who were full term). However, I've been urinating way more frequently, having frequent loose bowel movements, and a very achy back this past week. Then, on Thursday, I had menstrual type pain all day. So bad, that all I wanted to do was lie down all day. My mw and I decided to do a cervix check, and I was 50% effaced and 1 cm dialated. Of course, this could mean nothing, but it could mean something, so my mw recommended that I take it easy for the next few weeks. I have been taking it easy (well as easy as you can with 2 other kids), and today I woke up feeling really sick to stomach, having a couple loose bowel movements and then pretty intense menstrual cramping. All I wanted to do was lie down and sleep. This went on for a few hours until I took a bath. I feel better now, but I'm so stressed out that this baby will come early. My last baby was born at home, and this is a planned homebirth as well, but I can't have him at home prior to 37 weeks. Any thoughts?

[lovebeingamomma]

Drink lots of fluids, rest, and try not to stress, because stress only increases your chance of pre-term labor. And otherwise it's just not in your control. So maybe you can go over with your midwife again your plan if you do go early, get bags ready now, have numbers handy, so if it happens, you don't have an even more stressful situation. I wouldn't worry though, your body can be getting ready with all those symptoms you mentioned several weeks before the big day. I got pre-term contractions (every 2-10 min's all day long), from 28 weeks on, that's just how my body works.

[47chromosomes]

I've had the similar situation as you with this pregnancy. I think I was also around 34 weeks when I began having days with some regular contracting. Taking a Tylenol (as per my midwives suggestion) has helped, along with baths, and some dark beer when needed. The thing that helps me stave them off the best is making sure that I drink 4 quarts of water every. single. day. And that is really hard to do. I fell behind the last couple days, and now I am having contractions today. I'm a week away from being 37 weeks, and so hoping I make it, too. Anyway, def. take it really easy. Drink tons every day. Do what you need to to stay relaxed--esp. that uterus.

[HeatherB]

Rest, relax, and drink LOTS of water. Take warm baths and have a bit of wine or beer if needed. I'm also 34 weeks so I know the feeling of being *so close* but not quite there yet. It sounds like it could be pre-labor gearing-up, or it could be a virus that's irritating things. Either way, increasing fluid intake will help a lot and following your body's cues to rest is always a good thing!

Do remember that your current cervical state tells you absolutely nothing. Really, try not to worry about it. By my own assessment, I'm already 3cm and 50% effaced (this is my 4th) even without signs of preterm labor. If your ctxs/cramps are causing a change, then it may be significant, but that's only valid when you're comparing at least two measurements.

[smeep]

Everything the PPs said! And I'll repeat it, drink lots of water!!! And put me down for a repeat of the "dilation and effacement mean nothing" comment.

Whenever you feel cramps/contractions, change your positions (sit, lay down, stand, walk, get in the shower, relax in the bath, etc.) until they stop. Laying in the bath is usually particularly helpful, but for some women they find that moving around stops it. You may also find that it's slightly different or even completely different every time. Just listen to your body and do whatever helps stop it.

You may also want to see if your midwife could check into the possibility of some sort of infection. I had a vaginal bacterial infection at 18w this time around and it caused a LOT of cramping/contractions...not anything that I became seriously worried about losing my baby, but it was definitely disconcerting.

[emily11megan]

In the birth professionals subgroup, there is an old thread called Ways to Stop/Prevent Preterm Labor about some good herbal remedies etc.

[Greenlea]

I started having what felt like contractions at 34 weeks, for about 3 days in a row. I too was getting nervous about not being able to get my HB. I never got checked so I don't know if I was dilated or not. My MW suggested increasing my protein, water, and calcium intake. It helped and the contractions stopped completely.

My baby dropped at 35-36 weeks. I'm now 38 weeks and still no baby. I always heard that 2nd babies drop later but who knows.

Either way I hope you get the homebirth you want!

[GracesMama]

Thanks everyone for your help and support. I'm 35 weeks now and hanging in there. It turns out, I only need to make it to 36 weeks to birth at home, so 1 more week. Watch, I'll probably have a 42 week baby!