How To Stop Preterm Labor at Home
Symptoms of preterm labor and how to stop preterm labor at home, avoiding a trip to the hospital.
Right in the middle of Winter storm Pax, this little girl decided that she might want to join us on the outside. While part of me would be thrilled, she has at least 5 more weeks left, so now would not be the best time to make her entrance into the world.
I remember when my friend was having contractions, she was told to lay on her side and drink LOTS of water. So I knew I needed to do that. I also remembered that the hospital usually gives you magnesium to help stop contractions too. Thankfully I had some magnesium lotion on hand.
Had the symptoms continued today, I would have called the doctor. Had the roads been passable yesterday morning, I probably would have called the doctor. Definitely, if the symptoms had gotten worse. Being that the hospital isn’t very close, and the symptoms would come and go, I decided to keep doing what I was doing because it was working for me.
If you are experiencing preterm labor, call your doctor.
Preterm Labor
According to March of Dimes, these are some signs of preterm labor:
- Menstrual-like cramps
- A feeling of pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen.
- A dull ache in your lower back, pelvic area, lower abdomen, or thighs.
- Vaginal Discharge which may increase in amount or become pink or reddish.
- Regular contractions that last an hour.
If you experience any of these, call your doctor or midwife. Don’t wait. Call them.
While You Wait
While you are waiting for the medical professional to call you back:
- lay on your left side and REST,
- drink LOTS of water. You may be dehydrated. Drink more than you think you should.
In addition to these, I
- took Epsom salt baths,
- took 2 Diphenhydramine HCI,
- applied magnesium lotion to my legs and belly,
- alternated drops of Lavender essential oil on my belly and Gentle Baby, rubbing it in clockwise.
The Next Day
I woke up this morning feeling much better. Had the symptoms continued, I would be writing this from the hospital. But I think she’s ready to stay inside for at least two more weeks and hopefully five. But I’m still trying to take it easy. Sitting and laying down as much as possible. Not picking up the kids {this is especially hard}. And continuing to drink lots of water and applying magnesium lotion.
I’m not sure what this means for the next five weeks. There are still SO MANY things I need to accomplish – freezer meals, cleaning the house, making sure we have everything we need, packing the hospital bag, installing the car seat. The list just keeps growing.
For now, I’ll just try to take it one day at a time. And probably go ahead and pack that hospital bag! You never know when you might need it!!
Preterm labor is a scary thing indeed. I went through one pregnancy where it was a daily fear and battle. Stress tests you name it. I was doing it all. I am your newest follower and happy to be so!
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Having had 3 at 36 weeks and 1 at 35, I just want to say, hang in there. I know how nerve-racking it can be. Some encouragement- 2 of them were able to leave the hospital with me.