Pre-Term Labor? Early Contractions?

Anyone have any experience with this? What do you know about it?

I just went to my perinatologist and they see that I'm having mini contractions at 21 weeks 4 days. They say it's not a big deal now and may actually have something to do with just having had a UTI, but it's still concerning to me. I saw a spot of light pink on the t.p. on Friday and had some low vaginal pressure, which is why I went to check it out. They don't think the light pink spot is related. They also said my cervix looks to have gotten a bit shorter, but is still in normal range. They said it's hard to tell the true length since I was contracting while they were measuring.

I saw the baby, who looks amazing and who I love so much! Baby's great, but these "contractions" concern me.

It's not considered "pre-term" labor yet, but they want me to live normally until they see me again on Monday to be able to look at everything again to get a better idea.

I don't know if it's anything that I should be overly concerned with, but nonetheless... prayers, please! TIA!

Re: Pre-Term Labor? Early Contractions?

Which high risk practice do you use? I go to Madonna and when this happened to me they made a big deal about taking it easy and drinking LOTS and LOTS of water. That has helped me each time I've had the contractions. I decided to stop working a little earlier than planned b/c of the contractions and a few other reasons, and it has really made a difference. Are you very active? On your feet a lot?

Re: Pre-Term Labor? Early Contractions?

I have to agree with the PP - not sure why they're not making a little bit of a bigger deal about this. Not that you should get worried because that will only make things worse, but I would definitely say you should be keeping your feet up and drinking plenty of water. I've had two UTIs this PG - one landed me in L&D at 17 weeks because I had cramping and bleeding and the second I had cramping and light pink spotting. Both times my doc had me off my feet.

Luckily I haven't had contractions, but my OB was concerned about my cervix getting short even though it was within normal range still. Again I was told to stay off my feet as much as possible. My high risk practice said my cervix was fine and they wouldn't be concerned unless it reached 2.5.

Did they give you an antibiotic?

Re: Pre-Term Labor? Early Contractions?

I had braxton hicks contrax starting at 18 weeks with my first pregnancy and even earlier with the twins. It was not cause for concern. Since the doctors are monitoring you, I don't think you should get too worried. Just pay attention to what you are feeling. Read up on braxton hicks so you know when to become concerned.

Re: Pre-Term Labor? Early Contractions?

Early contractions are not alway Braxton Hicks. Braxton Hicks are sporadic and usually are not accompanied by pain or cramping. Contractions are more regular (i.e. every 7 minutes) and can be more painful.

Re: Pre-Term Labor? Early Contractions?

I am currently on bed rest at 29 weeks for preterm contractions and a short cervix. My doctor wants to take me out of work u til our June due date. I am told that I just need to keep the pressure off of my cervix. Plus our baby is already head down.
Its better to be safe than sorry.