Pre-term labour....

**KathP** · April 7th, 2007, 05:12 AM

... on Tuesday afternoon I started having contractions. At first they were about 8/9 minutes apart and not too painful. But over the course of two hours, they started coming regularly - every 2/3 minutes and they were VERY painful. So my dh rung the hospital and they had me come straight down; it's a good job they did, because when I got there, they hooked me up to the monitors and my contractions were registering at 70 to 85% and baby's heartrate was decelarating to under 80bpm with every one.

I spent all afternoon and evening hooked up to the monitors. Finally a consultant came down and gave me an internal. My cervix was still high and long and baby's head was still free; so they diagnosed an 'irritable cervix'. The contractions began to subside so they transferred me onto a ward. However, at two in the morning they started coming again, thick and fast. They sent me back down the labour suite and the consultant did another exam. I was 2cm and baby's head was three fifths engaged. So they made the decision to give me dexy shots (steriods) to try and mature the baby's lungs. I had a slight bloody show and they were convinced I would go into full labour that night. They booked baby a cot at NICU and hooked me back up to the monitors. The contractions continued throughout the night, but by morning, they had stopped again. This has basically been the scenario for the past 5 days.

Yesterday morning, the consultant came to see me on the ward and although I am still getting sporadic contractions, baby is now coping very well with each one and my cervix remains at 2cm, so as I live only 2 minutes from the hospital, they have allowed me home - on strict bedrest.

So now it's just a waiting game. Each day I can keep the baby cooking, is another day closer to it being born strong and well. I have to go for check ups twice a week for the rest of the pregnancy to monitor where we're at. If my waters go or the contractions become more than 3 in 10mins again, I have to get re-admitted. Baby is measuring at about 3.5lbs and has had the steroids, so if it is born in the next week or two, it will be small and need some extra care, but stands an excellent fighting chance... the doctors are definitely optimistic about the outcome.

So please, ladies, pray for my little bean... send some serious 'stay-put' vibes. I want this baby to hang on for at least a few more weeks. I can't stand the thought of being parted from him/her for even a minute; I don't know what I'll do if he/she ends up in an incubator for weeks on end.

**curiousity** · April 7th, 2007, 05:28 AM

Oh gee, I cant believe one of our June babies was almost born already. Yes, I hope he/she stays in a few more weeks longer at least so that it comes out healthy and big enough so that you can touch and hold it. Keep us posted Kath. I hope things settle down for you but its all exciting at the same time. You might be the first June mum to see her bub. However, I understand the importance of delaying that gratification to ensure its health. I send you lots of stay put vibes!!!

**XstephX** · April 7th, 2007, 05:55 AM

oh jeez i feel for you hun i had my first at 32 weeks i never went into labour i went to get monitored and his heartrate was very fast he was in distress so i never got the chance to have steriods but he was born at 2lb 11 oz he was tiny but your baby as had the steriods and is already 3lb which is good i just wanted to give ya hope that if the baby is born now although small and have to spend time in hospital it should be fine..... i really hope the baby stays put hun take care sweetie xx

**xMissTx** · April 7th, 2007, 06:04 AM

hun you and your little one are in my prayers..that must be so stressful..keep yourself rested

**Ro's mum** · April 7th, 2007, 06:49 AM

OMG Kath, that would have been scary!! im glad baby is staying put, hopefully it will stay there for a few more weeks till it gets bigger!!!!

funny enough i was going to post a thread the other day cos i was doubled over in pain thinking i was going to have the baby, but after an hour it settled and went, im still getting slight pains but i think they are just strong BH contractions!!!!

ill be praying and keeping everything crossed that your baby stays in there!!
keep your feet up, and rest as much as you can!!!

**kristy** · April 7th, 2007, 06:58 AM

Wow, what a stressful couple of days. I'm glad your little one was able to stay in there. I hope he/she can stay in there a few weeks longer and get nice and healthy! Please keep us updated on how everything goes.