AboutBrenda Expertise I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. In addition to that, I am a mother of two, ages 21 and 16, both of which I had hoped would be vaginal deliveries, but ended up being C-Sections... one of which had me in pre-term labor...another which was frank breech (bottom first)... one who rejected the breast... and so on... to list my personal experience would be a bit lengthy! I'd simply like to help anyone who might have a question or concern that I can draw on my expertise to answer!
Experience I have been an R.N. since 1988 and come from a family of nurses. I have clinical experience in labor and delivery, as well as post-partum care and pre-term pregnancy complications. I have also worked in Community Health Clinics dealing with this area of expertise, including WIC (Women, Infant, & Children) clinics performing nursing evaluations and assessments in determining a need for services or intervention for pregnant women, newborns, and young children. I have worked in immunization clinics in and around my community as well. I also have several years experience in OB and Pediatric Home Care Nursing. My experience also includes approximately three years working in Behavioral Services.
Education/Credentials Graduated from the Mary Lanning School of Nursing in May 1988. Have been a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of NE since 1988.
Question I am currently 37 weeks pregnant with my second child. My first was born at 35 weeks. I am 2 cm and 50% effaced. Have been for about 2.5 weeks now. Contractions come and go, nothing worth timing as of yet. However, I am having pain around the left side of my belly button. It hurst when she pushes against and then it also hurts on the outside to touch there. Is this something I should be concerned with? Should I be calling my OB about this?
Answer Dear Melissa,
Since you are at 37 weeks, I'm sure you will be going in now for weekly visits. At your next visit, you can mention it to your doctor, but it most likely is just an area of inflammation or muscle soreness. If you notice any kind of lump or "pooching out" in the area where it is hurting then that might indicate a hernia and that would be something to report, but it would likely be something you would have noticed. Contractions often cause those abdominal musculature/ligaments/tissue to stretch and get sore in a particular area.
I don't think it's a there's major need for concern for you with you already having a few weeks of some contractions, but as I said, you can mention it at your next visit.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well for the last little bit of your pregnancy and a joyous delivery!
