33 weeks pregnant and possible preterm delivery?

I work in high risk OB and see this stuff everyday. First, do not freak out. Your baby would be fine if it were born today. 33+ weeks is a really good place to be if you must deliver early. Mortality rates are almost as low as for full-term babies, and complication rates are also very low. Essentially, babies born at this point only need extra time in a Level II (special care nursery) or Level III (NICU) because they need time to learn to eat, grow, regulate their own body temperature, etc. I've seen babies born at 33 weeks who are able to go home at the equivalent of 35 weeks gestation. So you have a very good prognosis for your little one.

Next - they treated you properly. IV fluids are given to a woman who is contracting because an extra big bolus of fluid hydration will improve circulation to the uterus and help it get more oxygen, which tends to allow an "irritable" uterus to relax. Second, the steroid shots for baby's lungs should be given in two doses that are 24 hours apart. After 24 hrs following the second dose, you are considered "treated" and it's working. There is no additional benefit in giving you more, research has proven this.

The meds they gave you - what are they? Is it nifedipine / Procardia? This is a common med given for preterm labor. It is a smooth-muscle relaxant, which is what your uterus is made of. It's also what your blood vessels are made of, so it can drop your blood pressure a little and give you a headache. Drink lots of fluid - way more than normal. Feel like a fish. :)

It is not standard practice to continue treating preterm labor with any medications once you hit 34 weeks. If labor begins after this point, there will not be any major efforts made to stop it. They should NOT be trying to put you on magnesium sulfate IV drip or giving you more than one dose of terbutaline (the shot in the arm).

Preterm labor is generally poorly understood. Rarely can they identify why it happens, although there are many risk factors that they can identify, like advanced maternal age, diabetes, obesity, previous preterm births, etc. Don't try to figure it out, you'll make yourself crazy. It is what it is. Be thankful your body waited until now and didn't try to deliver your baby at 23 weeks or you would be facing a whole different scenario, one that is not so optimistic.

There is a lot of uncertainty that goes along with preterm labor, and don't get frustrated with your doctors if you feel like they can't give you answers - it's because they really don't know what will happen. You could go into labor today, or you could go full term or even past due!

As for sleeping, you could take Tylenol PM or just take a Benadryl at bedtime (same active ingredient as Tylenol PM and safe while pregnant). Try a relaxing bath, drinking a chamomile tea, etc.

Hang in there, good luck! Have faith that everything will be ok.

Honey, I know that its scary, but you need to calm down. My daughter was born at 32 weeks after my membranes ruptured at 31 weeks, we had her out of special care and home with us within 2 weeks. The fact is, your baby has a 95% chance of surviving being born at 33 weeks, every day your little one stays inside ensures that her arrival is safer and that she is bigger and stronger, but either way she should be fine.

I should know, my little 4lb 13oz premie is now a healthy, beautiful 15 year old and theyve gotten even better with premies since then.

Good luck honey, I will be praying that she stays where she belongs for a little while longer yet.

I was in the similar situation with my son, you need to take it easy and rest! I'm sure your doctor will tell you the same thing. Also, the second shot being within 72 hours is still effective. I made it to 41 weeks with my son, was on bed rest the last eight.