Today I had my first scare after possibly overdoing it, in terms of energy exertion. I think things are fine, but I'd love your input if anyone has experienced this.
I've generally been feeling much better this past week, and wanted to start to tone up my muscles, so I became a bit more active this week. I was going to go to the pool today, but missed the early swim and didn't want to wait, so I went to the gym instead. This was my first time at the gym since I found out I was carrying twins. I kept it light and did the elliptical, a tiny bit of biking, and some weights (maybe a few too many?). I was there for almost an hour but didn't think I had overdone it. Afterwards I was tired, but carried on with the day, and met a friend this afternoon for a small walk. As we were finishing the walk, I started to cramp a bit. I thought I had to use the washroom, but that was not it. On my way home, I seriously started to get what I think were contractions. They came in waves, and had a period of intensity the peaked for about 10 seconds before they subsided. What was scary is that they were coming every 2-3 minutes and I actually had to breathe through them. They mainly were on the left side of my uterus. I made it home and collapsed in my room where they continued but gradually got less. I think I had them for about a half hour but I kept resting for over an hour, as my uterus felt very tight still. We did call my doctor's office, but they weren't too helpful. My doctor wasn't in, and the doctor who was, told me to contact my midwife and gave me the number for labour and delivery, in case I needed it over the weekend. I didn't end up calling my midwife (long story about the midwives for another day), because things started to settle down. After it all, I was so exhausted. DH was freaked out too. He said he felt so powerless and was stressed out.
So here is what I am wondering. I have read about braxton hicks, and they could have been an intense version of that, maybe amplified due to overdoing it, being out in the heat, not drinking enough water, etc. I have noticed that every time I exercise my stomach gets super rock hard. A friend just told me that could be braxton hicks. I've also read that they do show up earlier in twin pregnancies too. I had no other signs of preterm labour, like bleeding or discharge (though my lower back was sore when the contractions were happening). It was quite scary. I plan to take it easy for the rest of the weekend, and probably cut out the gym for now. I'll talk to my doctor about it more at my next visit too.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any other thoughts?
I have a friend here in Chicago that has twins. She had to stop exercising after the first trimester (other than walking) because she kept getting Braxton-Hicks. I have also heard that pregnant women can get BH from not drinking enough water.
ReplyDeleteMaybe slow down on the exercise until you can talk to your doctor or midwife? You have plenty of time after the twins are born to exercise!
I did get Braxton Hicks early on with these twinsies but you have to take it easy as well and know limits. Drink lots of fluids more than you think and rest and the contractions should subside.
ReplyDeleteNothing as intense as you experienced, but I have been getting Braxton Hicks since week 14. Unfortunately, I do think you overdid it. Though I do walk every day (and I'm planning to hit the pool soon), I walk for no more than 30 mins, the whole time taking it easy. The thing my MFM told me to watch out for was contractions that were regular, intense and more than 4 per hour.
ReplyDeleteThough I commend you for wanting to exercise during your pregnancy, I really think you should talk with your MFM about your exercise plans. Pregnancy with multiples means you're going to be a lot more limited as far as what you can do compared to pregnancy with a singleton. Trust me, I know it's frustrating, but it's only for a limited period.
Glad you're feeling better. Take care of yourself this weekend.
I was told I couldn't use a bicycle during my pregnancy at all. I don't know if it's the pressure on the cervix or what, but I was specifically forbidden from any type of cycling. Walking and pool are good. Not sure about weights. It sounds to me as if you may have over done it. I would definitely talk to your care providers and discuss a proper exercise routine to prevent any future scares. Good luck! And take care of those babies!!! And you too!
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