Essex Mums

Hi,

On Friday nite I had tightenings low down in my tummy, 2 mins apart for about an hour. I called the ward and the nurse said to lie down. They kept coming thru the nite and were strong enough to wake me, but not as regular.

I have had similar episodes over the last couple of days, and Im just worried that it means things might happen earlier than they should. I have an appt in London with a specialist obstetrician next monday, but Im a bit worried all the travel and walking (absolutely cant afford a cab) will bring it on again. But I feel I really need to go, lol.

Does anyone else experience this, Im just hoping its normal!

Thank you xx

Oh huns no I dont have any advice im sorry but just wanted to say im thinking of you huns xx

I don't have any advice either altho the hospital may have a patient collection service that you could arrange? It is worth ringing to see - they may be able to pick you up from the train station. Mike's nan (who was elderly and unable to drive) always used to get picked up to be taken to various hospitals and places for tests?

I too hope it is nothing serious or un-normal!

Tricky one this. May just be braxton hicks, but might not be...very difficult to know without seeing you. Have you had any other symptoms? Urine infections for example, can often cause similar symptoms, and even trigger prem labour, if not treated. You don't say why you are seeing consultant, is it related to previous birth problems? I think your consultant appt is important to keep, but I would suggest seeing a midwife before then to get checked over, just to check all is well. Do you have a day assessment unit at your local hosp? They can often do a more thorough check up and get you seen by a dr if necessary,and more quickly than waiting for a community midwife appt. Braxton hicks can be more noticeable in subsequent pregnancies, but if they are uncomfortable enough to wake you, then it is definitely worthwhile getting checked out sooner, rather than later.

The hospital have to agree patient transport so the London hospital would have to agree it with SEE PCT as they are liable to pay before transportation takes place as you are classed as out of area unless your GP is in London, what hospital do you need to go to? I know u have mentioned guys and st thomas' they have an internal bus that runs between sites or you could bus it using your travelcard from station to guys x hope you get it sorted Hun and get some answers so to put your mind at rest x

I had regualr tightenings with all 3 of mine, but it could of been down to the whole prem thing?? who knows.

I suffered alot with uti's - and they say that a infection not treated can irritate things causing you to start contracting, also the more pregnancies you have, the more braxton hicks you suffer.

However, I would not ignore tightenings, its often a way your bosy is telling you to slow down / rest more and your overdoing things. I was told by MB1 staff if you get a glass of water and struggle to drink it because the pains are too intense, it usually means that you need to be seen - but that is advice they gave me - if your concerned in any way then you should phone MB1 and not let them fob you off if your worried.

Hope things settle down Helena - REST!!!!

Yes hun like Michelle says have you been seen about this darl by your midwife? x

Hi,

This is the first time ive been on today, didnt feel well at all this morning so went back to bed and really didnt want to get up. I have a bit of pain today which I think is probably crohns pain, but Im going to ring the ward anyway as had more tightenings last nite. Thank you so much everyone for all your support.

The appt on monday is with the obstetric physician at STH, I usually go leigh to west ham, and then tube it to westminster. would be coming baclI will see what ward says before making a decision I think. Will let you know how I get on.

Much love

H&m xx

Hope it eases off Helena.

Hey huns how you doing? what did the ward say darl? Ohh I hope they have eased for you x

Helena - are you going to have the pre-term internal scan done to see if you are at risk of premature labour?

I hope the tightenings are easier for you now - bubs is telling you to rest up more!! Please phone MB1 if they get worse, the last thing you want is to be on your own and them be really bad. xxx

I had the internal scan and all looked okay.

Went to MB1 today, the trace showed regular uterine activity, but not strong enough to be contractions. They got painful and regular when they took me off the machine, but had stopped again when dr examined me! So Im home and resting, think my parents are going to take Millie to school for me tomorrow as well, which will be a big help. Its made me realise I really need to get a hospital bag packed for me, just in case.

Thank you for all your support, much love xx

Ohh hun, aww im glad you have been seen tho darl. I hope things calm down for you my lovely x

Glad you've been seen Helena and hope you manage to get some rest!

Was right thing to do to get checked over. At least you know now that the tightenings are real, but fortunately aren't doing much at the moment. Is your body's way of giving you a little warning to try and slow down a bit, tho is easier said than done, especially when you have children already! Take it as easy as you can, and hopefully will all settle down soon. Xx