Question for women who have babies already

cetzler25 · May 2011

This is my first baby and I do NOT want to be the "mom who cried wolf" haha. Anyway, for the last 2 days I've felt like I was on my period... bloaty and crampy. Haven't lost my mucus plug and my midwife isn't big on "checking" so I have no idea if I'm dialated/effaced. Anywho, did any of you experience this when you were close to labor? I've had a few "painful" contractions and tons of braxton hicks.. but mostly I feel almost gassy or like it's the first day of my period. Nothing too sharp, just dull achy and feeling "off". I also had diarrhea so it may just be gas??? lol Do you think this is more a sign that the baby just dropped?

chinadoll531 · May 2011

I personally didn't have this as my contractions just kind of started out of nowhere. But what you described sounds like what a lot of women seem to experience at the onset of labor. the main thing I wanted to say, though, was that diarrea is often a sign of labor, so don't discount what you're feeling as gas. just keep an eye on it and follow your instincts.

Temp76535187505890 · May 2011

With my first I got the cleansing of the bowels the day my water broke. At the time I just thought I ate something that didn't agree with me since it wasn't uncommon. Other then that I had no notice for either of my births before my waters broke but water breaking as the start if labor happens to a relatively small group. I'd say you should just take it easy and see how things go. Don't get your hopes up but don't discount it either!

sschwege · May 2011

ChinaDoll531:
I personally didn't have this as my contractions just kind of started out of nowhere. But what you described sounds like what a lot of women seem to experience at the onset of labor. the main thing I wanted to say, though, was that diarrea is often a sign of labor, so don't discount what you're feeling as gas. just keep an eye on it and follow your instincts.

Good advice. And I had the same experience, my contractions just started without warning. I did have loose stools when my contractions started though.

superned · May 2011

sschwege:
ChinaDoll531:
I personally didn't have this as my contractions just kind of started out of nowhere. But what you described sounds like what a lot of women seem to experience at the onset of labor. the main thing I wanted to say, though, was that diarrea is often a sign of labor, so don't discount what you're feeling as gas. just keep an eye on it and follow your instincts.
Good advice. And I had the same experience, my contractions just started without warning. I did have loose stools when my contractions started though.

Same here. I went to bed thinking I would be going to work in the morning and contractions started at 4am, followed by the diarrhea loveliness, losing the MP, etc. I decided not to go to work at about 6:30am and DD was born about 13 hours later.

MawrtyrB · May 2011

It's hard not knowing what to expect. With my first, from the first real contraction, I knew immediately it was the real deal. It just feels different. With my twins I had some on an off again contractions before they induced me but nothing that stayed consistant.

The diahrea can be a sign that your body is cleaning out in preparation. Just sit back and relax. It's coming soon enough.

mrsbookworm · May 2011

With my DS, I also went to bed thinking I'd be going to work the next day. My contractions began without warning at around 5 a.m. The day before I felt great, had tons of energy and no cramping or other warnings. Therefore, my first experience is not very useful to helping you determine anything.

My MW did tell me that loose stools can be a sign that your body is preparing itself for labor. I had loose stools last Wednesday night and early Thursday, but nothing has happened so far.

Isn't it miraculous how there are so many mysteries to labor/delivery even given all our technological/medical advancement?

Mrs.Greeko · May 2011

I honestly felt better than I had the entire pregnancy less than 12 hours before DD2 was born. I was feeling great and was having a blast with DD1 after work (5ish) and then woke up at 4am in labor and had DD2 at 6:36am.

With DD1 I had absolutely no indication I was going to go into labor before contrax started. I was 11 days overdue so I should have been prepared, but I was totally caught off guard.

hiltyn78 · May 2011

This is exactly how I felt when labor started with DD. Nothing more than regular old cramps. I was convinced it was false labor but less than 24 hours later, she was born!

CTri17 · May 2011

I mostly just started having more timeable braxton hicks. That went on for a number of hours.

Then I slept and they went away. I thought they were gone in the AM so I sent hubby to work. As soon as I got up and started walking, BAM labor.

apmantilla · May 2011

I had the same feeling my last pregnancy at 36 weeks and 4 days. My doctor checked me and I was 3cm. I didn't end up going into labor until the next afternoon, but that first crampy feeling was enough to dilate me a little bit.

AutumnBride929 · May 2011

Yup. That's how I felt at the onset of both of my labors. I predict that things will pick up for you soon. My biggest piece of advice: Get LOTS of rest!

HappyHealthyGlo · May 2011

I can't believe I'm about to say this because I didn't really like it when other moms said it to me my first time around, but when the time comes, you will not have to question it. You will know it's the real deal. Leading up to the big day I felt like every cramp and kick was the start of my labor. However, when my first real contraction hit, there was no question whether or not I was in labor.

I know that probably was not helpful but it's the truth. You WILL know.

kathleen02 · May 2011

I had the feelings you described. Definitely the feeling as if it was the first day of my period. I also had a dull back ache initially...unfortunately that turned into horrible back labor later on.

StacieJane · May 2011

Yup, I had the cramping/diarrhea. Both are prelabor signs. Had it most of the day Saturday, cramping got more intense around midnight, contractions were 5 minutes apart by 7 a.m., baby born at 3 pm Sunday. Good luck!

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