Would you get a second opinion?

Question

Im 26 weeks and I've been having A LOT of BH contractions and also some painful cramping/irregular contractions recently. I felt my cervix which feels slightly open to me compared to a couple weeks ago. I just went to my OB today, she wouldn't check my cervix herself but instead had me get an ultrasound during which they checked the placenta (looks good minus the 2.6cm hematoma that she said would be gone by 20 weeks 😑) and my cervix (measuring a little over 3cm and supposedly closed.) Baby is head down and everything seems good. Fluid levels are good, etc. I know ultrasounds are inaccurate for babies measurements so how is that accurate for cervix measurements (abdominal, not a transvaginal)? Also the tech had a hard time getting a good look at it because of babys position. I feel like my doctor should have just done a regular exam. Every time I have told her I'm having painful cramping she tells me to rest and drink water... I am hydrated and the cramps usually happen when I'm like showering, cleaning up dinner or just watching TV. Nothing strenuous. 
Would you get a second opinion? I feel like it's not being taken seriously, it just doesn't seem normal to me. She prescribed me procardia to take if cramps/contractions happen again and said to call her before going to the hospital.

Answer

You have to keep in mind you are still stretching. Baby is growing lots. I'm 27 and a half weeks and get cramps all the time. Braxton Hicks is normal and not a sign of labor or anything. Cramps are totally normal. I get nervous too but my doctor has assured me that a bit of uncomfortability and cramping is normal. Terrible cramps that last longer than a couple hours. Not normal. But shorter cramps is your body stretching. And cervical measurements are pretty accurate. If they said it's closed its closed. Don't check your cervix yourself. Youre just introducing bacteria.

Answer

Sounds normal to me. Your cervix is still long and she could tell from the US there is no “funneling” or opening yet. It’s all good news. And she gave you a medication to have on hand. It all sounds appropriate

Answer

I have had hematomas with all 3 of my kids and the cramping could be part of that to answer you tho I would get a second opinion to ease my mind personally

Answer

I have a very irritable uterus and this has been a problem in all my pregnancies, I get braxton hicks very early which progress into fairly painful and often regular contraction by 20ish weeks, it worsens the bigger baby gets. I landed in the maternity unit several times due to this, preterm labour twice which they were able to stop but the contractions usually aren’t doing to change my cervix so it’s just something I need to be mindful of. I listen to my body,  if the contractions are worsening I know I need to take a rest. The contractions are definitely worse at night time too. This is my third baby and have gotten to know my body a little better now, it was so scary in my first and second pregnancy, I thought I was going into preterm labour constantly and was so stressed about it which definitely doesn’t help the situation. Now I stay mindful, take a rest when I need to, if they don’t slow down with rest and water I will check my cervix every few hours to make sure there is no change, one check isn’t enough as my cervix can be in a very different position each day. Perhaps you have an irritable uterus like me.

Answer

Agree with the above comments.  Yes, there is a margin of error with ultrasounds, but if they were concerned with the measurement on the scan they would have further examined you.  Take comfort in knowing you were well in range of that is “normal” that additional testing wasn’t needed.  If you would rest easier or give you peace of mind, seeking a second opinion is absolutely worth it.  Best of luck - and hopefully the BH stop soon!
(Oh, and to mirror what others were saying - baby is stretching and exploring his “home.”  It can be uncomfortable and even make it feel like your belly is tightening when it’s just baby doing aerobics in your uterus!  I thought I was having Braxton Hicks last night, but then after a bit of time, I realized it was just how he is stretching in there.  Haha, very strange feeling and made me pause.  I drank some water and changed positions after about 20 minutes, and then he went back to normal kicking.  Might not be your experience, but I just wanted to share:)).

Answer

Have they checked you for a UTI? They can make your uterus super irritable.

Would you get a second opinion?

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