has anyone else experienced 'early signs of labour?'

Tarynhellokitty

So I'm pretty sure I made myself more neurotic about when I'm going to be going into labour by reading the article about the signs you could be going into labour soon.

Now I just find myself wondered, could this be it? How long do you have these early signs for? Is this a sign or is it time to jump into the car and get to the hospital?

I'm 37 weeks 3 days now so I know in the next few weeks I'll be holding my little princess but the wait is getting far to taxing now and I'm really impatient.

The symptoms I have had are:
- Baby dropped
- Pressure on my lower pubic area
- Upset tummy ( TMI I know)
- Increased braxton hicks
- Back pain

Does anyone else have similar symptoms or something less that classifies as early symptoms. And if you had these symptoms and already a mommy how long after these symptoms did you go into labour?

Thanks ladies. Have a good day

Wimcgrath

As a FTM, I kind of question everything I feel happening. At 37 weeks, though, I kind of think that those symptoms are par for the course and could be early signs of impending labor. They could last for days or weeks, so I guess it's the old "wait and see" approach that will really help you out.

FlowerPower16

All of those are common early signs. You could have the baby in a few weeks or you could have it tomorrow. They're nothing to call your doc or go to labor and delivery for.

CutieBug1

How do u know when the baby has dropped ? Is it something you feel? I haven't had any BH... Apparently all women get them... Not sure that's true?

modernfairytale8709

All of the things you listed are typical third tri symptoms. So, yes, if you are nearing the end of your third trimester and experiencing third trimester symptoms, you might be going into labor "soon."

CutieBug1

Thanks @toamberroy‌ Maybe I've had them and not noticed .. Either way I'm going to try not to worry about it

PeanettyGoodness

@CutieBug1 That may be the case, the not noticing I mean. I've just started noticing mine last week, right before I turned 35wks, when it started happening more frequently. But, apparently I was having them before that and I just assumed it was my little guy lying funny.

mle106

At this point I feel like everything is a sign of my impending labor- it'll happen sometime in the next few weeks!

cndupree15

@CutieBug1‌ I'm a STM and just realized what the whole my baby has dropped thing means because it didn't have with DD#1. The best way to describe it... Inside of your baby sitting in your ribs making it feel as though you can't catch a full breathe... Your baby is now hanging out between your hips making it painful to walk and having to pee every 6.4 minutes. I never had BH with my first either. This one I've had them almost the whole time. EVERY woman is not going to get them.

@Tarynhellokitty‌ unfortunately nobody but your doctor should tell you if you are in labor... Are those signs of labor? Yeah but they are also symptoms of 3rd trimester pregnancy. Don't get me wrong... Not trying to rain on your parade because I am in your same boat. I have all those symptoms. I'm almost 38 weeks pregnant and ready for pregnancy to end. The only thing you can do is wait for real contractions to start and become regular.

And hopefully nobody thinks my responses are snarky today. I put a lot of effort in to polite responses this morning.

maltwin1

The third tri is the worst as far as suspense goes. Early symptoms can mean something or nothing and there is just no way to tell the difference. My doctor told my yesterday that even at just 2 cm dilated I could go into labor tomorrow or it could be another 2 weeks.

My best advice is that when it moves from early symptoms to real...you'll know. Real contractions will keep getting worse and then you'll know. Or you could be like me and have your water break with no other signs of labor, and that will be a good indication too.

Mommalawyer

@CutieBug1‌ - with DD 7 years ago, I didn't have a single contraction prior to delivery..... Don't put too much stock in that.

CutieBug1

Thanks @PeanettyGoodness‌ @cndupree15‌ and @Mommalawyer‌ !! Good to know ! Thanks for sharing your experiences !

HayleyBug55

Braxton hicks feel like my baby is giving a big stretch in there. Feels like her back is pressed against my stomach and she's just stretching.

kbelly777

I'm not a FTM, but I'm in the same boat as you to a degree. Like @toamberroy‌, I hardly had any BH with my first (I only remember getting them once for like 5 min). Then I was induced past my due date by breaking my water and starting pitocin so labor just kinda started all the sudden. I'm not sure what to really look for in terms of spontaneous labor starting.

With this pregnancy I've been getting lots of BH and inconsistent "real" contractions the last week or so. BH just feel like a tightening all over to me and the "real" contractions feel like a period cramp and last 30-45 seconds. They are never closer than 15-20 apart though. I'm 39 weeks 3 days.