HELP....IC and loss of mucus plug @ 27 weeks???

[ccb725]

I have an IC and have been on complete bedrest for nearly 5 weeks. I'm sorry if this is tmi, but this morning i had some brown tinged phlegm this morning. Having an IC, last checked 11 days ago (1.4 cm & 5 cm thick) is it possible i'd go in to labor without contractions???

 

[lizziedripping]

Possible hun, but at 27wks much, much less likely. IC is no longer a threat. A mucous plug does look like a huge glob of snot tinged with brown/red, but pregnancy discharge can also be like this and completely normal.

I wouldn't worry unless it get much more copious, or you get contractions. PJust rest, relax and drink plenty of fluids. thinking of you, and please get in touch if you need me xxx

 

[ccb725]

Thank you so much for replying so quickly! I REALLY appreciate it. Being on complete bed rest leaves so much room for anxiety & fear. I do have a question for you. You mentioned about ic possibly no longer being a threat. Would it be termed preterm labor if I continued to dilate? Could I continue to dilate painlessly?

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi love. I assume from your previous posts you aren't actually dilated at all, just have a shortened cervix?

You can dilate and have IC throughout a pregnancy, but past 25/26wks it is no longer a direct threat because the baby is too big to pass thru a cervix which has opened slightly becuase it is weak. The main risk after that point is infection because your uterus is no longer closed off and sterile.

Your cervix was short at 26wks, but still closed. It could have shortened further, and dilation is always possible but by now would likely be accompanied by some back aches and contractions.

At 23wks I was dilated 3cms with membranes bulging in my second pregnancy. I look back now and can't say it was completely symptomless, tho was nothing like full term labour. With the twins I had constant BH contractions and felt like I was in early labour, but nothing happened and they were still in there at 38wks

Bed rest and IC does terrible things to your mind hun, the fear is unimaginable for women who have never faced losing a pregnancy. You are doing all the right things by resting and being vigilant. I would say to keep mindful of any changes, like extra discharge, aching or regular tightenings, but unless that happens relax and know that every week now is a bonus and the nearer to 30wks you get, the less you need worry about your cervical length.

Let me know how you're doing, and I don't mind how many questions you need to ask hun - I've been there, and understand fully how you're feeling xxx

 

[ccb725]

You're like a fountain of knowledge! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with me.

At 23 weeks I was dilated to 1.4 cm, regular length cervix and a bulging bag. At that time I was given antibiotics, steroid (lung development) and magnesium sulfate for brain protection. I stayed in the hospital on complete bed rest for 3 weeks then they allowed me to come home (still on complete bed rest).

Now at 27 weeks, I'm so scared of not recognizing subtle symptoms. At the same time, I'm scared of being a hypochondriac.

About the extra discharge, how do you know what is normal increased discharge and something that should cause concern?

 

[lizziedripping]

That's a really good question. Pregnancy discharge in my experience is often white, creamy and lotion-like and sometimes enough to be running down your legs - as it was in my first term pregnancy. The difference in my second was the amount - it was constant throughout the day, I also had some vaginal pressure and heaviness, though again with the twins I had that sensation from 8wks.

I'd say that having got to 27wks qwith a dilated cervix is brilliant, and if bubs had been imminent he/she would have put in an appearance by now. There is probably a stronger chance that you will deliver early just because your cervix had changed so early, but this isn't a foregone conclusion as you have already proven. It is probable now that you would deliver only with contractions and labour, both are unmistakable hun. Discharge alone is no predictor of this, but if it suddenly becomes bright red, and/or you begin to get regular strong contractions then you must seek help.

I think you'll go on for at least a few more weeks yet, if not further. There are many many women like you who make it to 32wks and beyond. Infection is now your only enemy, but again you have gone this far without any sign so I would say your chances ar elooking brilliant.

Keep resting, drinking (not alchohol ) and try to relax my sweet xxx

 

[ccb725]

Oh wow, that's great news to hear! I'm so grateful for all your input! I would've been a nervous wreck without it!

I've been very good about staying hydrated (unfortunately water), and obeying dr's orders. It's not so bad just the bed pan! I really hope to stay infection free! i do have a clear or sometimes yellow tinged discharge every now and then. Everything else just seems to be passing normally. I really hope to make it as long as possible!

My dr would like to csec by 36 wks if lung development is good. I'm afraid of that test, because I read it's through an amnio. I also read it can cause labor. I'm so afraid of nicu. My 2nd son was in there for 5 days and it was horrible! I can't begin to imagine weeks or months!