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Questions and Answers

Q. I am currently 29 weeks into my pregnancy. I have been experiencing Braxton- Hicks contractions for quite some time now. When I was 26 weeks pregnant, I had an evening when I began experiencing them every 12 minutes, consistently, over a period of 4 hours. I finally called my practitioner who advised me to visit Labor and Delivery at our hospital. After several hours of monitors, terbutaline and muscle relaxers, I returned home with instructions to rest for 2 hours every afternoon and to drink 64 - 92oz of water daily.

Since then, I have not had B-H's with that frequency, but have found that when I am tired, stressed or am on my feet too long, that they do start up again. They go away when I lay down.

My follow-up visit with my practitioner revealed that I was not dialated, but that my cervix was "soft, but thick". I was advised to not travel...an irritable uterus was mentioned...

I don't want to be overly concerned about the possibility that I will go into preterm labor if this isn't a valid concern. Nor do I want to seem like a hypochondriac by resting too much and really taking it easy. I don't really know how to feel or what to do. What do you advise?

A. It sounds very much like an "irritable uterus" is your problem, just as your practioner said. It certainly would not fall under "Hypochondria" to follow the advice you were given; to rest frequently, drink plenty of fluids, etc.

You definitely want to carry your baby to term and being careful is the best way to do that! Some women are placed on complete bedrest early in their pregnancy. At least you are not needing to do that at this time. Pregnancy is alot of work for your body. Take it easy and enjoy the extra rest - you'll be glad you took good care of yourself and baby, too.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.