Painful, irregular contractions?

Jodi - posted on 01/20/2011 ( 6 moms have responded )

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Hey everyone! As some of you may recall from previous threads, my due date is actually March 8th, but since I'm having twins I won't be allowed to go past the last week in February. While I am currently 33 weeks and 2 days, my uterus, per standard for twins, is measuring at roughly 37 weeks. It was explained to me that your body treats your pregnancy in accordance to how far along it thinks it is, not necessarily the gestation of your babies. So, my body thinks it's actually 37 weeks along.

Anyways...last night I was woken up with a very painful contraction that lasted roughly 30 sec (although it seemed much longer in the moment!!) I would rate it as the worst menstrual cramp I've ever had, but not as bad as active labor. about 5 minutes later, it happened again. I got up to use the restroom and no spotting or bleeding has occured. I called the hospital and they told me it's normal and not to call unless I get 5 or more in an hour. I've had one more of these contractions today (several hours later obviously!).

Is it really normal? My appointment isn't for another week, but a part of me wants to schedule one sooner even though the OB said not ot worry about it. Does this mean I'm going to go into labor soon? I've been having braxton hicks since about 20 weeks (again, normal for a twin pregnancy I guess) I had BH with my first pregnancy, but never any painful contractions until I was in labor. Just looking for some insight from anyone that might hae some more experience than me in this area! Thanks Ladies!!

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6 Comments

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Yalana - posted on 07/02/2011

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With all 3 of my sons, I never once had what the medical world considers to be "regular contractions". Mine were so irregular. I have the time logs to prove it! Clear up until the second they were born, my contractions would do their own thing. One would be 30 seconds long, then 5 minutes later last only 10 seconds, then 15 minutes later last for over a minute. It was literally a crap shoot! I had doctors and nurses wondering if I was actually in labor! I am not "textbook" in any way. If I had gone by the "every 5 minutes" rule, I would've ended up having my boys at home! I never even had BH. It was the real deal or nothing at all. I was in labor for 2 weeks with my youngest son (not the little twinges, but the doubled-over, worst-PMS-cramps-ever, lower back, almost-want-to-vomit-type contractions) and my doctor kept telling me they were BH, but they shouldn't be that bad (um, here's a clue...I'm not NORMAL!...she realized this after the on-call ped. told her my son was at least a week to 2 weeks overdue). I've always been told to go with what your body is trying to tell you...it's usually right.

Erika - posted on 01/20/2011

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Seeing that youre carrying twins and high risk, I would see your doctor sooner if possible. Braxton Hicks contractions are uncomfortable but not painful. I dont think that is what youve had. Ive had them, and they are very irregular and usually go away when I lay down and rest. Good luck to you!

Jodi - posted on 01/20/2011

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I have to admit, being only 33 weeks, 'm concerned it means labor is near...not hoping! If I go into labor before 35 weeks I have to be flown to a hospital with an appropriate NICU that is a 4 hour drive away and my babies will likely have to remain there for several weeks with probable lung, bilirubin, weight, eye and latch problems. If I were further along (because trust me, I would LOVE to be able to get these babies out of me safely!!!) I would be jumping for joy (if I could jump that is! lmbo), but as it is, I'm concerned because of all the risks of going into labor this early. My body thinks it's 37 weeks, but my babies are still only 33 weeks developmentally, not a good time to kick them out of the oven yet!

Thanks for the input ladies, I think I'm going to call again tomorrow and ask to get in earlier just to ease my own mind.

Cara - posted on 01/20/2011

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I've had the same thing happen. I woke up 2 or 3 nights ago with horrible contractions. They lasted 30-45 secs and were about 3 mins apart. This went on for a few hours and then they settled down. Then last night I woke up again with similar contractions. Both times I got up and drank a bunch of water to make sure that dehydration wasnt the problem but even after water they persisted for a couple more hours before settling down. With my first i did have some semi painful contractions a couple weeks before labor but I didn't have any as bad as this time til i was in labor. I also am really hoping it means labor is gonna be soon. I am getting tired of insomnia, "morning" sickness, heartburn/acid reflux and constantly being in pain. lol

Jessica - posted on 01/20/2011

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I've been having some bad contractions as well, but with my son I had back labor. I keep wondering if I should call the dr but then I think no bc ill have back labor. I get back cramps when I get my period too. Back labor was much worst for me then the contractions were. I'd call the dr and reschedule bc like Amanda said it will make you feel better!

Amanda - posted on 01/20/2011

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I would say you should rescedule your appt. for sooner because I think even if it's nothing it always makes me feel better to get checked out, but from my own experience it can be normal. I am 37 weeks with my second pregnancy and have been having painful contractions on and off for about a week and a half. I had Braxton Hicks with my first, but They were not that painful. This time they have been bad enough that at some point everyday I have been wondering if it is time to call the doctor, but they haven't gotten worse or closer together so far.