Braxton Hicks?

[fairymommy]

I know that they are really common with singleton pregnancies but what about us gals pg with triplets? I have had issues with contractions and they have so far cleared up with hydration or a quick dose of Indocin, my cervix isnt changing with them and I have a cerclage. Honestly I dont get a panicked feeling from them even when they last all night (I only let that happen once) so are these something I should be more worried about? I have an appointment with my OB tomorrow and would like to discuss this with her intelligently so any input is very welcome. If she doesnt seem receptive I have my Peri appt on Friday.
Should I worry, should I request a tocolytic for use at home, is this preterm labor???
Tammie

Tammie,

By now, you've probably seen your OB, but I'll put this down anyway. From my reading in Dr. Luke's book, it looks like OB's don't necessarily prescribe tocolytics unless you've had some real contractions and/or there has been some change in the cervix. She also says that they are not a cure-all because in many cases they are ineffective and they can have side effects. Side effects depend on the amount and frequency of the medication given. Long-term (she doesn't say what long-term is) use of tocolytics has been associated with the development of gestational diabetes, particularly when used in combo with steroids to help baby lung maturation.

I know you've heard this a MILLION times, but I'm going to say it again. Don't be afraid to call your doctor if you have things going on that you are not sure if they are Braxton Hicks or not. You are entering the time frame that PTL can occur, so better to be safe than sorry.

Let us know how the appt went!

Diana

[fairymommy]

Thank you so much for posting. I had my appointment and my OB came up with a great plan. I never even thought of it. A HUAM and Indocin only if really really needed as determined by the nurses that monitor the contractions. She said that at 22w we will start with the Ffn testing as well. She really surprised me today with her thoroughness, usually I am the one that needs to be proactive but today she took control. I guess thats why she gets paid the big bucks right.
Thank you again,
Tammie

[Twins_Squared]

Tammie,

Wanted to barge here, but has your doctor covered some of the side effects with Indocin with you? I took Indocin for four days following my cerclage but my Peri took me off of it and put me on terb and then eventually mag sulfate as long-term usuage of indocin can lead to PROM, which I have a history of.

I don't mean to scare you but wanted to bring this possible side effect of the med to your attention.

[fairymommy]

Yeah I am aware that Indocin does have its drawbacks. But Terb isnt an option for me only because of a heart murmer, and we are hoping to keep me out of the hospital. If I end up hospitalized then Mag it is for me. I cant do the Procardia either so that pretty much ony leaves Indocin and Mag. Neither my OB or Peri will let me use the Indocin for longer than 72hrs at a time. I will only take it when the HUAM monitor nurse says that its needed. I asked my OB about a study I read about Toradol being used as a tocolytic as well and she did not want to go that route. My Peri has brought up Progesterone therapy so I will ask him about that tomorrow as well. I will do anything to keep these babies in. Thanks for bringing that up. I need to have all the info I can get going into this.
Tammie

[fairymommy]

My Peri beat me to it. He brought up the progesterone therapy first. So it looks like I will begin this treatment as soon as we find a pharmacy to fill th Rx. Its called 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone. Anyone try this before? Any one even know about it?
Tammie