What were your earliest signs of labor and when did baby finally come?

OK so I am getting antsy! lol We watched our Lamaze / birthing DVD over the weekend, everything is assembled and ready to go.

I had my "nesting" episode - at least  I think it was last weekend. I have been loosing big hunks of mucous - but none with any blood, I am so tired, my entire body feels swollen, I can't take the heat (it's been in the 90's and humid here - yuck!), I am so emotional and moody, loose stools, tingly breasts, aching lower back (not like the usual, it comes in waves) I am getting menstrual like cramps and LOTS of BH contractions - I think even a few mild ones. I know we are getting closer. I am 37 weeks 3 days so I am not rushing anything just the "control freak" in me is taking over! lol I have loved being pregnant and everything has gone pretty smoothly so far. I LOVE being the only one that can take care of baby.

I see the OB tomorrow for my weekly visit so I guess we'll see if there is any progress. I even gave in and gave it up this weekend (sex late in pregnancy well, not so much fun lol)

Thanks ladies!

Liz

It's so hard to tell.  People experience so many different things just before labor starts up (good labor)  lol. 

It's good that you are doing 'the deed'.  It does help.  Try lots of nipple stimulation, too.  No sex for 6 wks after (they say).  I have never been able to wait that long.  I think the max afterward was like 3 wks.  My hormones were raging and my drive wouldn't wait. 

Do some walking... try eating pineapple.

Hmmm.. can you do all that at once?  Walk, eat pineapple and stimulate your nipples?  If so, you should be in good shape to have this baby soon.  LOL

Good luck.
B

LOL Thanks! ALl of those at once could be tricky!!

the ****s.

ahh the fun stuff.. I've been there. The bathroom is my best friend these days.

I am right there with ya.... everything u said I have too... I am going nutty with the heat... and my tummy is ridiculous... my back is screwed up... My asthma is acting up...and  I can't sleep, I just can't wait til Thursday then my boys will be here... I can't wait to update you and everyone else after they are born...  you don't have much longer to go... take it easy.

 

Chrissy

I was in early labor for about 2 and a half weeks.  It could be a while, it sucks not knowing.  Just remember nothing is in your control when it comes to these little ones.  I had the same exact symptoms as you for weeks, and my little one came right on her due date!  Can't wait to hear what the Dr. says tomorrow!

I so feel your pain, Liz!

For me I felt that way starting week 38.  I tried everything - sex (yes, uncomfortable), bumpy car rides, spicy foods.... and STILL he was 6 days LATE!

I hope you get good news at the OB!

Cindy

I agree that we have different signs and symptoms, LOL

For me my patterns start EARLY. I usually start dilating and effacing around 32-34 weeks. Usually 34 weeks though, but 32 weeks is my earliest. By 37 weeks I am dilated and effaced to around 4-8cm (depending on the pregnancy) and effaced to around 50-80% (again, depends on which pregnancy I am talking about). I don't ever have signs of labor though.

Then my water breaks and I give birth within 3 hours. My shortest labor was only 45mins long. That was an interesting birth as I had actually been walking around at 10cm and 100% effaced for a couple days due to a horrible nasty chronic cough I couldn't get rid of. When my water broke I immediately felt the urge to pu**** was so surreal I didn't think I actually had to pu****hink I tried fighting it a bit which is why it lasted for 45mins. She was also my biggest baby at 10lbs 9oz, no tears either.

When my water breaks then I know I am going to have a baby. I don't usually have strong contractions before hand to warn me. I just kind of go by my dilation progress and what week I am in.

I have not really gone too far past 38 weeks either. With my first I went to 39w 2d but she was breech and a scheduled c/s, as well as my FIRST..

#1 - 39wks 2days (9lbs 2oz) Scheduled c/s
#2 - 37wks exactly (7lbs 10oz)- apx 3hr 50min L&D
#3 - 37wks 3day (9lbs 8oz)- 1hr 45min L&D ~Home water birth
#4 - 37wks 2days (8lbs) - 2hr 50min L&D ~Home Land Birth
#5 - 37wks 1day (7lbs 15oz)- 1hr 30min L&D ~Home Water Birth
#6 - 38wks 1day (10lbs 9oz)-45min L&D ~Home Water Birth
#7 - 38wks 2days (7lbs 10oz)- 1hr 40min ~Home Water Birth

My guess for this one will be a little longer pregnancy so over 38 weeks and a smaller baby around 6-8 pounds, and I am hoping for a nice short birth under 2 hours too.

Call me crazy.....OK, so I know you already do. That's beside the point.

But truly, I *just knew*. With all 4 deliveries, the day I delivered or previous day, I just felt different. I just had a feeling. I know that not concrete or analytical, but it's true.