Signs of Labor

It has been a looooong time since I have really posted anything on here...
I have 30 days until my due date with our little boy, Riker.  The last 8 days now I have had some irritable bowels and it is irrating the crap outta me!  Literally!  I have had the worst stomach cramping followed by either gas or loose stools.  Could this be a sign that the baby is preparing my body for labor?  I have my 36 week appt on Tuesday and will mention it, and hope I get checked as I should be getting my GBS test done as well.  *Crossing my fingers that I have started to dialate and am able to have a successful VBAC*

I never heard of it being a sign of labor, but I know I had irritable bowels after the first trimester with both of my boys. I am not sure why. With my 2nd son it was after pretty much everything I ate. It drove me crazy. It was an upset stomach and sometimes I swore I was in labor the pain was so bad. Another sign would be the baby dropping and maybe he dropped and is putting pressure on your insides causing your bowels to be irritated. Braxton Hicks will be bad, you may lose your mucus plug, and you have regular contractions. They say labor is under way, however, when your contractions become increasingly longer, stronger, and closer together. They may be as far apart as every ten minutes or so in the beginning, but they won't stop or ease up no matter what you do. And in time, they'll become more painful and closer together. For example, I had Braxton Hicks last night and I am only 23 weeks. It was scary. I woke up at 3:30 am and I had contractions that were really intense and I was doubled over. They came every 3-6 minutes for the next 30 minutes. They finally stopped but it was scary. Good luck to you ! 

Found these two resources online from pretty reputable sources...

 

3. Loose Stools

Loose stools are caused by the release of prostaglandins in early which causes cervical effacement, softening, etc. Prostaglandins also can cause soft stools or diarrhea. Time until labor? Usually only a matter of a day or hours.

 

Signs Of Labor

Right before labor many women begin to experience severe back aches and pains. This back pain is actually caused by contractions, but some women feel the pain in their back instead of their pelvis. Loose stools are another sign that labor is quickly approaching; this is the body’s way of cleaning out the system and creating room for the oncoming baby. Some women do not experience loose stools, but instead constantly feel like they need to go the bathroom.
When a woman’s water breaks, it is a definite sign that labor should soon be on its way. At this time, the amniotic sac that was full of fluids which surrounded your baby breaks. Some women experience this symptom days before labor actually begins, or hours before. While the labor may still be a few days away, a woman should always contact her doctor once her water breaks. Contrary to popular scenes on T.V., some women do not experience a big gush and their water does not break all at once; sometimes it slowly begins to leak or trickle a few days or hours before labor begins.

I would say I had the same a few days before I went into labor with Emad and I had him right at 37 weeks.

Can't wait to meet Riker!

Having the "poopies" is a good sign you are getting ready to have him soon. Yep mention it and im sure it will be asked by the dr if you have had any "signs" of labor. That is one of em. just remember to drink your fluids and if you have regular cramping then go and get checked. Since you are 36wks they will want to keep an eye on you a little closer. Good luck

My first 2 were induced, but with my youngest, my water broke, and I had diarrhea all day long! It can be a sign of early labor. Good luck!

i had them while i was in labor... i hope it is... but it could be hes just sitting on your **** button

YUP! learned it in Birth education class. It is your body's natural way of doing an enema and a reason why most hospitals no longer do them when you come in to deliver. It is your body preparing itself. I have started losing my plug already and having some more felt braxtons so I know it will be soon! Looks like we are due about the same time too! Baby Logan has already dropped and I am being forced by Hubby to sit on the couch and not lift a finger as I keep having contractions when I walk to far. 11 more days till 37 weeks and he may be "ripe" enough to be born!