Back to L&D...

I went in for my weekly OB appointment yesterday.  Dr B checked my cervix, and for the first time ever, said "It's fingertip closed, good!"  I'm assuming that it means it's closed?  Don't know why he said it so differently, but I found myself over-analyzing it since then.  He said my BP and blood sugars looked wonderful, told me everything was looking great and to keep hanging in there. He also said that next week we'd begin getting the weekly ultrasounds to check the biophysical profile (weight and length measurements along with measurements on the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby), and the non-stress test to monitor contractions and baby's reaction to everything.  We made the appointment for next Wednesday at 1:00 PM and headed out. 

About an hour later, we noticed that my contractions that were every 9-10 minutes apart had become contractions every 4-5 minutes apart. We called the OB's office and our nurse said Dr B had gone to the hospital (he was on call that day). We figured that being checked down below had got everything worked up in there, but she still recommended I go to L&D just to be sure nothing had changed. My husband and I decided to wait a little while longer to see if taking Extra Strength Tylenol would help. After a total of about an hour and a half of contractions 4-5 minute apart, we called L&D.  They pulled my records and reviewed them, then they too recommended I come in and be monitored.  We agreed and told them we'd be on our way.  

By the time we got to the hospital, got registered, and was put on the monitor, my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart. Needless to say, I had a breakdown. The nurse tried to reassure me that this was normal and okay.  My husband also tried to reassure me that it was all going to be okay.  Dr B came in to see me and decided it wouldn't be a good idea to check me again at this point, so he wrote orders for an IV and meds.  They gave me a bag of IV fluids and Stadol. The Stadol did back the contractions off to every 4-5 minutes again, but Dr B wasn't satisfied and had them give me Trabutaline? I'm not familiar with this drug, but it made my heart race and I felt jittery all over.  It was terrible and made me feel like crap! However, it did work to slow the contractions off to every 10-12 minutes.  Dr B was satisfied with this result and said he doubted we'd do better than that with the fibroid. He reassured me that I was doing great and to keep hanging in there for a couple more weeks.  He told me to take two Tylenol with Codeine if the contractions get back to every 6 minutes apart, and to call him if they get any closer after that. 

Dr B sent me home on two Ambien to help me get some rest. It knocked me out and when I woke up this morning, I told my husband that I was glad I didn't have the baby in my sleep! Geesh!  

Please keep praying that me and baby Sydney continue to tolerate this madness!!! Thank you all so much!  

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Information on Terbutaline from eMedTV.com:

Terbutaline sulfate (Brethine^®) is a prescription medication used to treat asthma and emphysema. It is part of a group of medications called beta adrenergic agonists. Terbutaline is used "off-label" to treat preterm labor (also known as premature labor), though it is not approved for this use.

How Terbutaline Works for Treating Preterm Labor

Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles in the uterus. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which can help delay preterm labor.

There is no evidence that terbutaline can prevent premature labor that has not already started, and it usually cannot delay preterm labor for long periods. However, the medication can delay labor long enough to allow medications to be given that will help the premature infant's lungs to develop. It can also delay labor long enough to transport a pregnant woman to a facility with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a hospital unit that specializes in caring for newborns.

Risks of Treating Preterm Labor with Terbutaline

The manufacturer of terbutaline specifically warns that it should not be used for preterm labor. Using terbutaline is not without risks.

The following side effects may occur in the mother:

• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
• Decreased blood flow to the heart
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

Among the side effects that may occur in the infant are:

• A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• High insulin levels
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Decreased blood flow to the heart
• Other heart problems   

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Wow!  Good thing I didn't know about it at the time or I would've completely freaked out!!!!