I'm 29 Weeks, 1.5 cm dilated, 70% effaced at a 2 station after being in the hospital for a couple day with magnesium to slow contractions... How long can I stay like this before giving birth on average... would like to go to 32 Weeks and was put on lite duty but kind of clueless of what to expect from here.

Hi model141,

As long as contractions are held off, your pregnancy may continue for quite some time. It will be very individual as to how long the pregnancy may continue. Plenty of women do go to 32 weeks, and longer, after having experienced preterm labor.

Magnesium, when used, should be very short term. Do they have you monitor at home for contractions? Did they mention the use of Terbutaline should you have contractions again?

I know the semi-bedrest can be boring but do be sure to follow your doctor's orders of light duty, even if you feel as though you could do more. Every week baby stays put makes a difference. Use the time to catch up on some reading, practicing your relaxation for labor, watching some good films, chatting with friends and family.

Wishing you a smooth remainder of your pregnancy!

I meant to say plus +2 station? How long can I stay at that station? No they didn't say anything about Terbutaline, what is that exactly? My contractions are so frequent I don't even know when to take them seriously or not... baby is very low that when he moves It feels like its in my vagina.. I know a little graphic but don't know how else to explain it... im afraid to even take a bowel movement because it feels like everything is going to come out... I know it won't but just feels that way. I'm almost 30 Weeks, 2 more Weeks and I will feel safe, if it happens it happens.

Terbutaline works to help your uterus relax and slow down on contracting. It can help by holding off contractions for a fairly long time for some women, or just a short time for others. One benefit is that it can stall labor long enough so that steroids can be given to help improve baby's lung maturity should baby be determined to be born early.

Did you doctor say when to contact them again regarding the frequency of contractions? If you are continuing to have them frequently it would be wise to contact them and get specific directions as to when they would want you to go back in.

They didn't give me any terbutaline... I was seen this past Tuesday and have an apt. This coming Friday... I go to an office with many doctors. With many different opinions... some take it more seriously then others... its very confusing, so who knows what will be said to me this Friday... all I know is that with my other pregnancy, I didn't feel like this with contractions and dilating and baby so low till I was like 36 Weeks along and this one I started going through all these steps starting at 28 Weeks, not a good sign to me.