Irritable Uterus

What is an irritable uterus?

When the uterus is contracting, but not causing a change in the cervix, it is known as irritable uterus. The contractions are generally irregular and occur before the due date. Irritable uterus can cause contractions to strengthen and organize, leading to preterm labor, so any contracting of the uterus before 37 weeks should be monitored closely.

There are many causes of irritable uterus:

Dehydration
Urinary infection
Vaginal infection
Muliples
Stress

If you notify your healthcare provider of these symptoms, your doctor will liekly check your cervix for dilation, effacement and length. You will be given a non-stress test to monitor contractions and an ultrasound may be performed to check the health of the developing baby. In some cases, your doctor may give you a prescription to decrease or stop contractions, adminsiter a fetal fibronectin test that can determine the likelihood of delivery within two weeks and put you on bedrest and pelvic rest (no sexual intercourse, orgasm or anything inserted into the vagina). A cerclage may be performed if a woman has had a history of preterm delivery, incompetent cervix or has not a reached the age of viability.

If you notice any of the following, you should immediately call your healthcare provider and/or proceed to your local labor and delivery unit:

Water breaking
Contractions become intense or closer together
Decreased or absent fetal movement
Increased contractions after stopping prescribed medications

Comments: Irritable Uterus

Comments 1 to 5 of about 5.

shell81 - 1060 days ago.
ended up in hospital last night as i thought my waters were leaking but turned out i was having contractions and my waters wernt broke. they said i had a irratable uterus but didnt show any concern just said if the contractions got stronger to go back. i had the contractions all through the night and on and off today im wondering if this will kick start labour off early. im 36 + 3 days now and its so hard trying to ignore this and cant help but wonder what this means

beckybear - 1066 days ago.
I'm 23 weeks now and have started having the rock hard uterus a few weeks ago. I've read a little about it and it seems like the experiences run anywhere from going into pre-term labor to nothing more than a nuisance until a full term birth. I go for a fetal fibronectin next week, trying to rest when I'm not at work, and going to get regular cervix checks. If I can just make it through the next 10 weeks, I think I will be able to relax and know that even if my LO arrives early, he should be OK.

sianlouise - 1105 days ago.
Ive been in hospital almost all day with contractions that werent dialating me, they died off on there own and they diagnosed me an irritable uterus. Sometimes my belly will stay rock hard for hours, its so uncomfortable...I dont know whether I will go into preterm labour or not, just have to keep an eye on it.

PAllenbaby - 1302 days ago.
I had an irritable uterus and went into preterm labor at 30 weeks and delivered at 37.3 a healthy 8lbs 3oz little girl! But let me tell you, having contractions every 2-5 minutes for almost two months really sucked!

lauraplusone - 1401 days ago.
i suffer this condition in conjuction with a shortened/incompetent cervix. went into preterm with my son at 25 weeks, and managed to hold off delivery until 34 weeks...this pregnancy i went into preterm at 24 weeks and am 32 weeks now and suffering! i feel for all those who suffer this condition. the CONSTANT contractions are mind numbing, and I cant WAIT to get this baby out!