realistic delivery expectations

[rachelrazzle]

So I am 28.5 wks right now, and on strict home bedrest. My cervix is measuring 1.3. At this point I know they are coming early, but anyone have some educated guesses on how long I can keep them in? Any stories to share??

[captiva]

How are your contractions doing? What did the doc say? I know that my cervix went from a 4 to a 1.5 but I want to say that it was closer to 30 weeks? Either way, I held it off until 36 weeks- I was not on strict bedrest, just took it very easy, off work and used wheelchairs in the stores. Lots of water, right?

[rachelrazzle]

Esther, I had some mild contractions in the hosp, but that was only once, they said a few times my uterus was irritable, but thats about it. My contractions tend to come at night when the boys get really active, and I am sleeping and don't notice. I am glad to hear you held off until 36wks, I am hopeful we can it least make it to 32, and 36 would be awesome.

[woooaaahhhh]

I'm pretty sure that by 30 weeks I was 1.5ish and 2 cm dilated. I wasnt on strict bedrest, but took it easy. I also used wheelchairs in stores and laid on my back most of the time. We were able to hold off until I was 36w3d by their count, 37w by my count. Even with my cervix as short as it was, we had a failed induction 9 days before delivery. I was on Pitocin all day long at max output, and they wouldnt budge. I'm sure we wouldve made it to 38 weeks had the induction not taken place.

I know its easier said than done (with you having other kids and all), but take it easy. Just relax and you should still have a few weeks left at least.

[brady77]

My cervix never shortened so I have no advice! But I know a lot of ladies around here have hung on for quite some time on bedrest with a short cervix. I will be sending you keep baking vibes!!!

[captiva]

Just wanted to add that I had contractions from about 20 weeks on...BH contractions...sometimes so frequently that I remember going to L&D at 28 weeks with a falose alarm. The NST just showed an irritated uterus and sent me home. So I guess it's quite normal to have them with multiples--just take it easy and it will be all right, hopefully!!! Bake babies, bake!

[rachelrazzle]

thanks for the info ladies! I am ready for dh to go recheck out all the multiples books I read in the first trimester.

[GOT2TRY]

I went into pre-term @ 28 weeks. My cervix was very short and I had irregular contractions. I was admitted to the hospital for 5 days and was put on magnesium sulfate & given the steroid shot for the boys lungs. I was released but also put on strict bed rest. I only got up to go to the bathroom and shower once a day (and of course my doctor appointments 3 times a week). I lasted until 34 weeks when my water broke and there was no stopping labor! I think I could have lasted longer but I had a baby shower that same day and even though I sat in a chair the whole time, I think it was too much for my body. Just follow the dr.'s orders and remember every week is a milestone!

[Linzwigz]

I went into preterm labor at 32 weeks. I stayed in the hospital for 6 days and went home on bed rest. I was dialated to a 3 when I left. 4 and a half weeks later at 36 weeks I was still a 3. I finally went into labor at 36 weeks 6 days and was a 4 and had them when I was exactly 37 weeks. Good luck, I will keep my fingers crossed that your little ones bake longer.

[rachelrazzle]

thank you all for sharing your experiences! This definitely gives me hope!!