33wks, 4cm - Admitted for the night!?

Question

My sister has had a rough pregnancy (her 2nd). Very short cervical length and has been on bed rest for weeks. After her dr appt today they told her that she is now 4cm dilated and they admit her to the hospital for observation. They are giving her steroid shots to increase the development of the baby's lungs in case she goes into labor soon.

She's having contractions about 15 minutes apart and is complaining of dull, steady period-like cramps.

She isn't due until October....From your experience, what do you think? Do you think she will go into active labor soon or a few more weeks?

Answer 1

i have been on bed rest since 26 weeks with contractions...  luckily though they werent causing me to dilate..i been in and out of the hospital quite a few times...and was only admitted once so they could monitor me on certain medications...  the nurses and doctor said usually in these cases women dont make it past 34 weeks...i think they say that because usually after 34 weeks they wont try to stop the labor. so my thoughts are they are monitoring her to see if she progresses anymore in dilation or anything.  she might possibly be stuck at 4 cm for a couple of weeks..or the contractions can make her go fast.   at my 32 week ultrasound my baby was 4.13..  i heard many babies do very well born at that time..some babies can be sent home when mom goes home...some have the sucking/eating problem and need to stay in nicu until they get in down straight.  But other than that they are fine...and if their giving her steroid shots thats great...thats going to be a HUGE help.  My first child had steroid shots done and she had no breathing problems...just the eating thing..she was so stubborn.  Best wishes to your sister