Waiting during the last month of pregnancy for signs of your imminent labor can be torturous. Because there are late pregnancy symptoms before going into labor, you can gauge as to possibly how close you are to delivering your baby.
Late Pregnancy Symptoms Before Going Into Labor
It would be excellent if you could just have a checklist of everything that is going to happen to you. That way you’d know exactly where you are in the timeline of your baby’s birth.
But really, when things take place, even if they do at all, is almost as accurate as your due date. Shocker!
Not all of these signs will happen for every single mother, but most do and are necessary. We’re all so unique that what happened to your mother will likely not even happen to you. Here are eight signs you should know about.
Related: How Everyone’s Pregnancies Are The Same Except Yours
Items Needed For Going Into Labor
- How To Relax During Labor: 3 Simple Ways To Ease Tension & Enhance Joy, ebook on Amazon or instant download from My Natural Baby Birth.
- Spinning Babies resources on turning a breech or improperly positioned baby.
- Maternity belts for relieving pain off your back, bladder, and pelvis after your baby has dropped.
- Essential oils like lavender for calming tension during baths or releasing stress in general.
- Red raspberry leaf tea for uterine support and cervical ripening for when you start to dilate and efface.
- Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Recovery Essentials for when all is said and done.
- For excess discharge or catching your mucus plug, wear a comfortable menstrual cup that you can remove easily.
- Plenty of baby wipes for easier cleanup before and after baby arrives.
- If you dare (nobody has to know), you can wear some pads or disposable panties to prepare for any sudden gushes of liquid.
Baby Turning
Somewhere between 30 and 34 weeks, your baby will turn head down. This is in order to position themselves for birth before there is no room left to turn. It’s not uncommon for your baby to wait even up to 36 or 37 weeks in order to turn.
If your baby hasn’t turned, they’re considered breech. The hard part about this is that you’re more likely to have a cesarean if you can’t get them to turn on their own.
You may even hear that your baby is posterior (face up) and that it may mean a more difficult labor for you. Be sure so see Spinning Babies if you have either case.
But most likely, you’re baby will turn, and it’s most often the first sign of your nearing labor & delivery.
What this means for how you’ll be feeling:
- More pinching and pressure on your bladder. However, you’re not going to be kicked directly in the bladder anymore, which can be nice.
- You’ll be able to breathe and eat easier. Since now your baby is pushing themselves down, it opens up for room for your lungs and stomach.
Related: When Does Baby Turn Head Down? When You Should Worry
Baby Dropping
Somewhere between 1 and 4 weeks before you start labor, your baby will descend deeply into your pelvis. They’ll rest right on top of your cervix and become engaged. If your baby has turned, this will be the next step and is guaranteed before delivery.
Often you may not even notice that this has happened, even when looking in the mirror sideways. Usually, it’s another mother that sees you regularly to comment on it.
It helps reduce your heartburn and allow easier breathing too. But on the downside:
- You’ll be peeing more often. Because your baby is as low as they can go now, where does your bladder get to go? Nowhere.
- Your pelvic pressure will increase. Your baby is now resting right into your pelvic bones and relying on them to be carried.
If you’ve got terrible lower belly pressure on your bladder and pelvis, try using a maternity belt that will lift and support, relieving you of some of that pressure.
Lower-Belly Cramps
When you baby starts pressing down onto your cervix, it’s a natural response for your body to start dilating and effacing.
If you’re a first-time mom, you’re more likely to not even have these. They resemble period cramps but are super low in your abdomen and between your hips. They’re literally from your cervix working, instead of your entire uterus.
You may have these for a few days before labor.
You may have these off and on for weeks.
You may not have them at all.
Though they’re typicaly minor, the downsides are:
- They can be rather painful for some women. This is more common if your periods in the past have normally caused you a lot of pain. But it’s not always a determining factor
- They can be constant, like a period. Try taking a warm bath with relaxing lavender essential oils if you need some relief.
These cramps can coincide with clear contractions as well.
Related: Seven Essential Oils For Birth - Naturally Combat The Tension
Contractions
First-time mothers are more likely to not have any contractions until active labor. You can have a few different types of contractions alone, combined, or not at all.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions. You’ve likely been having these through your pregnancy. But often towards the end they can come more frequently, last longer, and come on harder.
- Crampy Contractions. If you commonly had waves of cramps that would peak and fall during the heavy days of your periods, you’re more likely to have these types of contractions.
- False Labor Contractions. They can be weak or strong, almost anywhere in your belly. These contractions aren’t consistent, don’t get closer together, and they come and go randomly.
Some mothers never have contractions until they’re in active labor. But, you may find confidence in knowing it’s affecting your dilation, which is finally next.
Related: False Labor vs Real Labor - 4 Signs You’re Missing
Dilation and Effacement
When you’re going through all the previous symptoms, all of that work is for your cervix to open up and thin out.
This can start happening as soon as your baby’s head has dropped, or it can literally start hours before you give birth. So when you go into your doctor at 36 weeks and they start checking you for dilation, it can mean everything, and it can also mean nothing.
- You can also be completely effaced and dilated up to 3 or 4cm without even having had any contractions or cramps.
- You can be dilated a little for weeks at a time with what seems like no progress.
- You can even dilate fully up to 10 cm within a few hours.
You’re always eager to know if you’ve dilated, but at the same time, it’s so frustrating because it means you can progress in the next few minutes … or the next few weeks.
When you’ve got a pregnancy or two under your belt, you’ll be more able to predict things for yourself based on your history. But even then, things can be just as different with each pregnancy.
Try drinking some red raspberry leaf tea; it’s known to aid in cervical ripening during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Related: Cervical Dilation & Effacement - What About Station?
Mucus Plug Loss
Here’s where you get into the much closer timeliness of symptoms. Your mucus plug will dislodge from your cervix within a week of going into labor, usually a couple days.
But the caveat is that you can even lose your mucus plug at the start of active labor. However, MOST mothers lose theirs prior to any active contractions.
What does it look like?
- It can be clear, white, yellow, brownish, even a little bloody (which is why sometimes it’s referred to as bloody show).
- It can come all at once or gradually like regular discharge.
- It can be a small amount that doesn’t seem significant, up to a fifty-cent-piece-size wad of goo.
You may not even notice it being lost. I’ve never noticed losing mine, ever. But you WILL lose it because your cervix doesn’t need it anymore.
Want to know exactly when your mucus plug comes out? Wear a menstrual cup the last few weeks of your pregnancy and check it daily.
Diarrhea
Having potty troubles is a less common pre-labor symptom. But you may have diarrhea very shortly before your active labor, sometimes even during it. I always know I’m in active labor because I have to visit the bathroom atleast twice.
It can be nice because:
- You’re usually at home with this happens and you can take care of it privately.
- You feel emptier afterward (at least a little) in order to make more room for your baby’s expulsion.
- You know now that you’re most definitely in active labor, or that you will start very quickly.
Just to be smart, have an ample supply of baby wipes handy by your toilet for easier cleanup. Yes, you can absolutely break open the huge case of baby wipes from your baby shower in use them on yourself. They’re a life saver at times like this!
Related: 3 Unique Baby Shower Gifts You Need To Ask For
Water Breaking
The funniest stories from mothers seem to be the odd times and places they’re in when their water breaks. It’s because this can happen with no warning at all, or every symptom in the book.
- You can have your waters break and not go into labor (very uncommon).
- You can deliver your baby with a completely intact amniotic sac (called the caul, but also very rare.)
- You’ll most likely lose your water sometime during active or transitional labor.
I pray you DON’T lose yours in public because it may feel like you’ve dumped a gallon of water into your pants and there’s no stopping it. But it can also be a slower flow that lasts a bit longer, coming in more sporadic spurts.
Worried about having an terrible accident in public without a change of clothes? If you dare (nobody has to know), you can wear some pads or disposable panties to prepare for any sudden gushes of liquid. You’ll need to get used to it anyway when you have after birth bleeding.
Related: Peak Of Pregnancy Labor Stages To Know
In Summary
So that’s a lot of info. And I hope it doesn’t frustrate you with how variable things can be when it comes to timing and progression for your baby’s arrival.
But here’s a quick outline of the facts:
| Symptom | When It Usually Happens | How Likely It Will Happen |
| Baby Turning | Between 30-34 weeks | For 90% of women |
| Baby Dropping | 1-4 weeks before giving birth | Guaranteed if baby isn’t breech |
| Cramps | A few weeks before birth | Not at all for FTM, very likely for all other mothers |
| Contractions | A few weeks before birth | Not much for FTM, varies for all other mothers |
| Dilation & Effacement | A few days before, and through active labor | Guaranteed, but how quickly is not |
| Mucus Plug Loss | Up to a few days before active labor | Guaranteed, but most mothers won’t notice |
| Diarrhea | At start of active labor | Less common for all mothers |
| Waters Breaking | During active labor | Most mothers’ sack will break spontaneously |
Remember, your baby will come when the time is right. Your body knows what it’s doing. And if you end up having all of these symptoms on the very same day, so be it.
Trust your body. When you’re this close, it’s a good idea to have everything ready for post-delivery so you’re not overwhelmed when that comes.
>> Don’t Forget Your Recovery Essentials <<
Don’t worry if these signs don’t come when you want. If everything happened right on a clock when we want, babies would probably never come.
Have you had any of these symptoms?
My daughter is having twins, these will be # 4 & 5 babies, My questions is she is only 20 to 24 weeks along, however baby A’s head is down, could she be further along than thought??
Hi Debbie! Great question. Any baby can commonly turn head down at anytime during pregnancy. It’s easier for them to be in any position in the early months because there is more room and amniotic fluid. With the twins, that is even more common to have one up and one down because of natural space. But it’s unlikely a signal that she’s farther along in her pregnancy than thought. Keep watching in the next few months and see what the babies do. How exciting for you!
Hey my 36 weeks pregnant 2 cm dilated for 2 weeks now and dr felt baby’s head and she was measuring a week ahead at my 25th week ultrasound. this is not my first baby but was induced with my boys anyways been losing mucus plug for 2 weeks now and for past to days I’m really tired but seems like I have to keep house clean no matter how bad I want to lay down I feel a lot of pressure and for 2 nights in a row I’ll get a feeling like the baby trying to break my water
Sounds like everything is lining up just right Maddison! Since you’re only about 37 weeks now, you likely still have a few more weeks to go. You can stay dilated even for weeks at a time. Pressure is normal and you can relieve that with proper squats and getting down on the floor on your hands and knees. Let us know how everything goes!
I am 36 weeks 2days I have been getting a lot of lower pain shooting pain going down to my legs can’t hardly eat a lot back pain sometimes and headaches and feeling dizzy and really sore to walk baby has been head down since 29 weeks got a lot of pelvic pain constantly need to take pain killers is this all normal
Make sure to only take tylenol sparingly for pain, other painkillers are harmful to your baby. We need to strengthen your back and core to relieve the pressure off your pelvis. Follow the exercises in this post so that you’re strain is relieved. Let me know how it helps!
Hy doctor I’m 39weeks and 5days gone today and I’ve been having this kinda strange pain in my vagina especially when I try to turn to the other side or stand up to pee but I’ve never had period pains so I don’t know what they feel like I’ve also been having this white discharge for weeks please I’m I Close to labor?
The white discharge is normal and nothing to worry about. Because you’re so far along, the pressure on your vagina is from the baby’s head sitting so low. So far, it doesn’t sound like you’re in labor at all. Have you had any contractions or major cramps?
Hi i am 38 weeks and 2 days pregnant with my 5th child all my kids the Dr have always helped with moving labor along so I really have never experienced it on my own with this child I have a new Dr and for the past couple weeks I have been having really bad cramping using the bathroom more getting light headed and dizziness and tonight I feel as I am going to pass out what should I do when the Dr checked me I was dilated 5 CM and 60% effaced 2 weeks ago
Hi Ava. I imagine you’ve likely had your baby by now, just about ready to go when you left this comment. How are you doing now?
hi
i am 36 old, i am 40 days missed period, (38 days light brown some drop), i have home test two times but negative result, dr. says (u s g pelvis test) after 45 days, i am pregnant or not , pls tell me
Hi Kalai. So has your doctor done an ultrasound to confirm?
Hi. Im Maria this is my second pregnancy. My first i had preeclampsia and got induced. This one i am 37 weeks and habing a lot of pressure down south and viniginia is swollen and feels open sorry for the tmi and she has been dropping since 30 weeks now i feel it down south can anyone help me out with when she will come been habing b contractions for a while now.
Sounds like it could still be a few weeks, or even just a day or two. Have you had your doctor check for dilation? That should be happening about now. That can help us get an idea.
nice post, please Sarah today is my EDD and am Actually having abdominal pain and discharge but the pain isn’t consistent, it started since 4am this morning but stopped about 12pm this afternoon. I need ur advice on what to do. thanks
Hi Lizzie. If you’re having contractions that are irregular and start and stop, it’s most likely false labor. Check out this post for more specifics. But you may have had your baby by now?
What a very informative article. I can see the benefit this could have for soon-to-be moms out there as it lays out a sequence of things that tell when they are just about due. And you’re quite right…the fathers should know a lot about what their wife is going through too because the father is her main support in most cases. I really appreciate it. Thanks for the sharing such a informative article,
You’re welcome James!
I’m 36 weeks 1 day today. I feel like I’m slowly leaking but not sure if it’s regular discharge. I’ve been getting extremely bad heartburn the passed 3 nights and last night my lower back was killing me and it still is. I feel like I’m going potty every hour or 2. I haven’t really had bh yet but theirs times where I’ll go potty and feel like her head is putting a lot of pressure on my lower (bladder area) as I call it IRS to the point where walking will hurt. Any idea if this is all normal and an idea when she might come? My mom is flying in from another state and I’m trying to get a general idea of how much longer but Dr hasn’t done any pelvic exams or checking yet.
Hi Nicole. You’ve still got some time for sure. Be sure to walk a lot and keep up with your pelvic thrust exercises, that way you’ll be the most comfortable and help your body best too!
Hi I think my mucus plug is slowly coming out and the babies head is in the down position I’ve been getting a bit of cramping some days it feels like a period cramp and I have been having a bit of discharge am I nearing towards labor I am nearing towards the end of the 40 weeks and approximately how many days would I have before going into labor
Hi Storm! You’ll have had your baby by now. How did everything go?
Hi Sarah,
Your responses are so comforting. I just want to share…my first child came two weeks early…just all of a sudden she dropped big time; eight hours later my water broke, eight hours later she was born. With my son, however, I was dilated four cm. for FOUR weeks and when I was two weeks past my due date we induced labor which I was fine with by that point. So, it just goes to show, as difficult as it is waiting (a month at four cm!!!) you just can’t predict mother nature or the needs of that little baby and once they’re here all that anticipation is forgotten.
Exactly, Tracey. Thank you for sharing your experience. Glad that everything went well for your little one! 🙂
Dear Sarah
Thank you for this wonderful post. I am 42 w today, mu mucus plug has come out since around a week ago, i have had false contractions for weeks, so my body feels very tired most of the times. This is my second pregnancy, i had the first one ten years ago. I tried every natural induction, like nipple stimulation, walking, eating pineapples, kiwis, unripe papayas, endorphine massages, acupressure, etc.. But none of them seems to help. More than a week ago, my midwife said i already have 1 cm dilation, my cervix is softened and the baby is engaged already. Do you have any suggestions Sarah?
I didn’t see having sex on your list of inducing. When his semen hits your cervix it releases prostoglandins that play a role in the start of labor. But you’ve likely already had your baby by now! Let us know how things are for you.
Hi I’m 34weeks and have been having a lot of Braxton Hicks the past couple of weeks, the baby has also been very low as they said when examining me , I’ve had lots of pelvic pressure also I’ve had lose stools the past two days and have a very tiny amount of milk leaking sometimes, this is my 4th pregnancy I went into labor with my daughter at 37 weeks and had 2 c sections with my boys that was scheduled at 39 weeks this time I’m having another girl and i just have a gut feeling this baby will come slightly early like my other daughter, anyways from what I’ve been experiencing does it seem like a possibility I could go into labor early? And also are girls usually born slightly earlier then boy’s I heard that somewhere but not sure if it’s just a myth
If you’re only 34 weeks (thought you’ve likely already had your baby by now) I would encourage you to keep baby in as long as possible. Their lungs are still developing to 39 weeks and so that has always been my goal. With your track record, you may go into labor early again. But you never know, and the gender myth is just that, a myth. 🙂
Sarah,
Question for you. I’m 38 weeks and was just checked by my OB and was 2 cm dilated and he felt the sagittal plane of the baby’s head. He mentioned however that the bottom half of my cervix is soft and the top half was harder. He said he’s never found that before. Have you heard of this?
That’s new to me, but I wouldn’t be worried. Your cervix is in a huge state of transition right now and one side being softer/firmer than the other doesn’t surprise me. But you’ve likely had your baby by now! Let us know how you’re doing. 🙂
Hi Sarah, when I was 32weeks +2days (9th April 2018)felt a gosh and I also had mild menstruation cramps, so I went to see my doctor and he advised we go for scan of which I did.it was discovered that was leaking fluid and am nt yet due.. So I was placed on bedrest for a couple of days and with medication it stopped, so before I was discharged I went for another scan (ie 3days after the first scan) and the water has reduced tho it has stop leaking but my GA was 34w1d..am confused, can it be real? That weekend Wen I want to wipe myself I saw a little blood in the tissue I used and since then hv been having irregular pains around my waist, dizziness, my back feels heavy and I feel the pressure of my baby below my public bone which makes it hard for me to walk at times.. Pls can I get any help???
It’s hard to say Rita because now you’ve introduced medication into the mix. But since you’re not very full term I wouldn’t think these are any signs of real labor yet. However, you’ve likely had your baby by now since you last commented. Let me know how you’re doing!
Hi my name is Ariel and I am 30 weeks pregnant with my first baby I already lost my mucus plug and I’ve had a lot of back pain vaginal pain and lower abdominal pain. Could I be in early labor I mean my water hasn’t broke yet but I’m haveing a lot of other labor symptoms.
What other symptoms have you had Ariel? And are you positive you lost your mucus plug? It’s common to have increased discharge all throughout pregnancy. The mucus plus is much larger, like the size of a golf ball at times.
Hi Sarah. Im vanessa im 38 weeks n 3 days
My bby boy has been head down since prolly about my 32 weeks now. N my doc tor check me last week n said im about 1-2 cm open now but this week i been waking up with alot of pain arou d my belly n back but this is my 3 rd bby is due for abril 16. I get leg cramps n when i try to get up my bed im in so much pain. .. my belly i believe i get alot of Braxton hicks it get pretty hard. Like at least 6 times a day
Are you having any other contractions besides the Braxton Hicks? You’re getting close!
My baby has been dropped and face down since i was 32 weeks. I’ve had 2 almost 3 NST tests. On monday will be 35 weeks. I’ve had alot of pressure down there and cramps. I’ve been having alot ot back pain. Plus, I’ve been getting sick a lot. My doctor won’t check me to see if I’m diablated. He wants to wait to check till I’m 37 weeks. Is there any way I might go into labor soon?
Hi Jessica. Nothing in your symptoms suggests to me that you’ll be in labor soon. It’s wise of your doctor to not want to check for dilation. The stimulation at your cervix can contribute to jump starting your labor unnecessarily. Hang in there and you’ll feel better.
I’m 37 weeks and plus 4 days and I have been at the hospital twice first time regular contractions 2 min apart I was 3 centermetre and then the second I was almost 4 centermetre and they sent me home
oh and I lost all.my mucous plug couple.days ago
You’ve likely had your baby now Melanie. Let me know how you’re doing!
I’m 32+2weeks gone with my third baby and my instincts tell me i’ll be having this baby early. My doctor says my baby is bigger than he’s supposed to and i feel pains on my crotch and a lot of pressure in my abdomen. I also experienced bh few weeks ago and very loose stool few days ago. Am I going into labour already and if i do go into labour,are there risk on my baby?
None of your symptoms indicate signs of labor. When your doctor says your baby is big, remember that most estimates are not fully accurate. Is there a cause of concern with having a larger baby with your doctor?
Today I have bowel movements then I threw up. In like maybe a good 30 minutes later my bad just got super weak, started having back pains and only thing that was helping was labor breathing. I also went from been very hungry to not really wanting anything in I’ve done use it like 5 times within 2 mins. In like 2 weeks ago I was just about at a 3, my vagina in butt been hurting in for the last couple of days I been waking up to contractions having thru the day. What do u think
Time your contractions. If they’re getting closer together, you’re likely in real labor. If you get up and walk around actively, and your contractions stop or vary in the time between them, you’re likely having false labor. Check out the false labor post if you have more questions on that. Sorry you’re not feeling well!
Also, if you’ve lost your appetite, make sure that you don’t stop eating. You may be super weak if you haven’t had enough protein in your diet recently. Let us know if anything has changed!
Hello. My name is Wysdom. I am 37 weeks and 2 days . I started having Braxton Hicks at 35 weeks and then they stopped and haven’t started back up again. I am now having lighting of the crotch and it hurts like crazy. This is my third boy and I’m due March 25th,2018.
Sorry you’re uncomfortable, Wysdom. Your symptoms sound perfectly normal. Be sure to do pelvic tilts to take the weight off your pelvis, that will help with the crotch pain. 🙂
I am 35 weeks with 4th baby. Had a positive fFN test last week and was 1-2cm 30% effaced and baby was at -1 station. Tuesday evening I lost my plug (no bloody show with it that I saw) and since then I have been more emotional, had period-like cramps, and have gone to the bathroom 5 times (2x on Wed. and 3x today-Thurs). Maybe all this is normal after losing the plug?
Hi Jessica! I don’t see anything abnormal about your symptoms. How far along were you when your first 3 children came?
Hi Sarah! I’m 36 1/2 weeks from baby #3 being born, if she waits that long. I just found your website today as I was looking for ” very early signs of labor “. I live the website and especially your signature ” you can do hard things” .
That is very affirming! Have a blessed day!!!
Ashleigh
Thanks so much Ashleigh! Best to you and your little one. 🙂
Hello my name is Stephanie I’m 35 weeks and 2 days pregnant with a babyboy. I’m having pain in lower back n pain my lower stomach alone with alot of pressure. This is my first time carrying a boy n not sure what to expect when having contractions or anything else. I have two gurls my oldest daughter my water broke n with my other daughter I didn’t have no signs no water breaking or anything so I’m kinda worried on what to expect with a babyboy. I’m hoping maybe u could help me with this but if not it’s ok. I’m just freaken out a little.
Hi Stephanie. Sorry you’re not feeling well! Lower back pain could be a number of things, and it would have nothing to do with the gender of your baby. Do pelvic tilts to strengthen your lower back. If you’re still having pain then I would see a chiropractor because it’s likely that you’re out of place and need adjustment. Let me know if you’re feeling any better!
Hi Stephanie. I am having the same problems as you. Now I am 37 weeks 4 days with a baby boy. I’m also having pain in lower back and pain my lower stomach alone with a lot of pressure . This is my first time carrying a boy as well. … I have two girls also. My doctor had to break my water with both of my pregnancies with my girls. Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. Seems like we are due around the same time. My due date is January 28, 2018.
Tammie
That’s my due date 2! My first boy I also have 2 girls already. I have lots of pressure on and off in my abdomen. He needs to hurry and get here!
Hello woneeding if you can help me in 37& 4 I am been inducded on 28th but I keep getting bh a lot and like a sharp feeling really down below and a pinching pain and like a sting feeling at same time does this mean she’s just really low or could be a sign really bad nesting and bad back ache period pains now and again this is my 5th last one was born at 38 week too naturally
Hi Amber. Sorry you’re not feeling to well! All of your symptoms are normal and aren’t giving me any cause to worry. The best way to relieve any of the pinching and discomfort is to exercise to strengthen your pelvic connections. Then also gently stretch in order to create additional space in your tissues. Check out 5 Easy Pregnancy Exercises to start. Why are you being induced?
Hello Sarah…Im 38 week and havent notice any droping of my baby…I feel period like cramps /pain in my private area but they dont lost for long just a second. Its my first pregnancy D day is 22/12/2017.
Hi Alecia! Sometimes it’s hard to feel the baby drop ourselves. I would ask someone how sees you often if they feel that you’re belly is lower. And sometimes, based on our body types, it’s not that noticeable. But if you have any questions about the baby’s position, your doctor or midwife can determine exactly how they’re situated easily. Things are getting close and exciting! 🙂
Wow, this a good article! So I am. Starting 39 weeks on Dec.3rd. At 36 weeks I was 3cm and 75%. As of 3 days ago I was 4cm 80%. And at a -1, is that some type of positioning? Also she said my water bag was just bulging and baby us engaged and as low as he’ll get in there. Mucous plug she said was lost on week 36, but still not progressing. Some contractions but nothing timeable/regular. Any more advice to get this ball rolling? Had sex 3 days ago. Bloody. Had some dark tinged mucous yesterday.
How far along are you in your pregnancy Micale? If you’re still only 36 weeks, I would hope that you’d want your baby to stay in at least a few more weeks MUCH to their benefit. -1 is the baby’s station and how far they’ve descended into your pelvis. You can be at 4cm for a long time, but it is typically when active labor starts.
My daughter is due this Saturday. This is her first child and my first grandchild. She went to her Dr. appt. no Monday where her dr. scrapped her cervix lining. Now today she is telling me that she feels sick to her stomach, she can’t eat anything, and at one point she lost what she believes to be either her mucus plug or the lining that was scrapped due to the veins in it. I am sure I lost mine while pregnant with her but never noted it so couldn’t advise her on any of this. but she feels awful. can you shed some light on the subject for me please?
Hi Susan, it sounds like she lost her mucus plug, yes. Stripping membranes (scraping cervix) isn’t removing anything, it’s simply separating the cervix from the baby’s sac to stimulate the release of prostaglandins. She may be sick to her stomach because she’s in the early labor stage. Nausea and diarrhea are common at the start of labor. But by the time you read this she may have already had her baby! 🙂
Hi I’m Rose, currently 36 weeks along and my 4th pregnancy. For the past week it least I ‘ve been having bad diarrhea which I expected. Had baby appointment three days ago and I was 3 cm dilated and baby was head down. But for the past two days I have had a constant pulling/stabbing pain in my lower left abdomen and it’s freaking me out because I have never had this kind of pain before. Also what is weird is I went from having regular loose bowel movements to not being able to poop. It has been two days since I went which is super weird, but I feel the urge to go but I can’t. Mainly worried about this pain and what it could be. I have also been experiencing regular BH contractions for weeks now. Do you know what this pain could be? It never goes away but eases if I am sitting, feels the worst when I am standing or laying down on either side.
Most likely, what you’re feeling is ligament pain. Being so dilated can mean that the baby is putting a LOT of pressure on your lower body. And irregular bowel movements are totally normal in pregnancy! It can be scary in pregnancy, especially if you’re an experienced mother and you’re feeling things you’ve never felt before! Braxton Hicks contractions at this stage are also perfectly normal. However, if you’re regularly getting 4 BH contractions an hour, consult your doctor. It might be labor, or it might just be dehydration. Congrats and wishing you a comfortable end of pregnancy!
This is hands down THE BEST article I’ve read about pregnancy!!! And I’ve read ALOT and I’m at 39 weeks!!!! I was on the verge of crying at every weekly checkup when my doctor would report that I haven’t dilated nor had my baby dropped. I’m finally grasping the fact that every pregnancy is different (first time mom!) and reading this helps ease my anxiety so greatly that I’m going to bookmark it to my phone’s homescreen to see it when I need reassurance again! ? Thank you so much!
I’m so glad you liked it Regina! 🙂 Congrats!
This is hands down THE BEST article I’ve read about pregnancy!!! And I’ve read ALOT and I’m at 39 weeks!!!!! Thank you so much.
Hello sarah my name is victoria im 37 weeks 0 days im wondering im 4cm an having contractions 2/6 mins apart but after 2 hours in hospital nurse checks again no progress still 4 cm still having pain just not that painfull anymore what do i do or whats happening. This is my 6 baby not use to this by the way.
Hi Victoria. You may be on the verge of active labor any moment now … or it could be a few more weeks. It’s very normal to not have any pain dilated to 4cm. I wouldn’t be worried. Work with your care provider if you have any questions about your circumstances.
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Hi!
I’m 39 weeks 2days. I lost my plug 3 days ago and had loose stools this morning. Baby turned head down when I was about 28 weeks but we just found out she is sunny side up 🙁 last week my doctor checked an I’m 1cm and 50-60%. This is my second and I’m getting very impatient, I just want her here already!
My first was a c section so doctor said if I don’t go into labor on my own we will have to do another c section 🙁 really hope she decides to come out on her own and we get to have a safe VBAC. 🙂
Thinking positive thoughts will go a long way, Justine. Keep walking! Remember you can have a great birth with a baby that’s face up. All three of mine were that way no matter what I did. 🙂
I’m 37 weeks and I lost my mucus plug yesterday morning. For the past 3 days it’s felt like the little guy is pushing really hard on my cervix frequently through out the day. I was told I was 2 cm dilated the day before all this started happening. I’m a first time mom. Do these symptoms mean anything
Hi Savannah! They sure do mean something, your baby and uterus are getting ready for birth! You could be days away from having him, but also could be weeks away. It’s hard to say. But just keep walking, keep doing all that you’re doing to prepare, mentally de-stress constantly, and everything will come when the time is right. 🙂
Thanks for the helpful information. I’m 36 weeks and 5 days into my first pregnancy. The baby dropped between weeks 34 and 35. I can feel her head in my pelvis, and my midwife says she’s “way down in there,” and that we should be prepared for labor. We’re ready.
I’ve been having contractions for weeks. I have a lot now, and they’re much more intense. I also have cramps that feel like pretty bad menstrual cramps. There’s no clear pattern for the contractions. Some last for a minute, and some just a few seconds. I’ve never had more than 5 in an hour. Over the last couple of days, I noticed my body just feels different. Almost like the feeling one gets when she knows she’s getting sick. I also have NO energy!
I’m totally confused about what I’m looking for. I have the list. I know my body. But I don’t know labor! Do you have any additional tips?
Hi Nicole! Sounds like you’re definitely having a lot of false labor. The best way to know for sure if you’re in active labor or not is to briskly walk while having contractions. If they go away, it’s false. If they get closer together, they’re real labor.
Keep up on the extra protein, hydrate more than you think, and relax! You are stronger than you think you are and are doing great! I hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions. 🙂
Hi, I’m a first time mum at 39 weeks… for 5 days at beginning I had a constant mild period type pain and now it just comes and goes throughout the day, this is with back pain. I have had lots of loose stools for the past week or more, also everything has become a struggle with a nausea feeling. Could this be a sign that labour is about to begin soon?
Look forward to hearing from you thanks
It sure is a sign that labor could be very soon! You likely may have already had your baby by the time you read this. Let us know how everything goes, Yol! 🙂
Im 36 weeks pregnant and a day i been feeling sooo diferent today …. couldnt really eat today just had breakfast i been having alot of contractions feel like i need air contractions run from my back to my lower belly to pressure on my pelvic bone to my legs .. all this fellings mix together and then get these sharp contractions that cant even move month ago doctor told me i was already 1 cm dilated… and im just trying to figure out wTs happenin to my body on my last doctor visit june 30 th doc. Said i cn go on labor anytime now…Can it happen
Yes, it’s very possible that you could go into labor, Carla. But also remember … you can be at 1cm for weeks, just like I was. Hang in there, keep walking, and you’ll be great! 🙂
so my doctor got mad because he tried to check my cervix and i would close my legs! im scared that ill do that at labor and squish babys head. HELPPP!!
Sorry! It IS a really weird and uncomfortable feeling to have your cervix checked. Crossing you legs won’t cause your baby’s head to be squished abnormally. The bones in their skull are flexible so that they can come through your vagina more easily. It’s more your pelvic bones that control that opening from the angle and flexibility from squatting to open them up.
Would it help to have your husband “practice” checking your cervix at home just so you become more use to the feeling?
At 37 weeks my waters broke minutes after my mucus plug released around 3am. I noted as I drove home from dinner 6 or so hours earlier I had slight lower back pain that felt a bit different to any other back pain I had experienced. Interestingly there were two very audible popping sounds right before my waters broke. Contractions started about 30 minutes later. Three hours more and my son was born.
I believe I was experiencing many BH in the weeks leading up, but I found these in no way similar to active labour contractions. I guess nothing really compares to the real thing! I also imagined contractions to be painful in a crampy, ouchy kind of way but I don’t find painful to be an adequate description. ‘Intense’ would be far more accurate (for me, anyhow).
The weeks before the due date are a tough time, I found myself quite anxious just wanting to know ‘what is it going to feel like!!’ especially since I planned to avoid any pain meds.
I found just saying ‘yes, yes, YES!’ instead of ‘no, no, no!’ inside my head whilst in labour helped to stay positive and give me drive to power on.
Good luck to all the mums-to-be playing the waiting game ?
Thanks so much Sally! That’s how I describe contractions too, intense. You were doing the exact things mentally to keep the energy positive, which led to a great experience and little pain. Thank you for sharing your story. 🙂
I had my second child with absolutely no warning whatsoever. Never lost my plug, wasn’t dilated, didn’t even feel contractions to know I was in labor until my water just suddenly broke. She was born at 37 weeks, 7lbs 12oz!
Hi Amanda, congratulations! It sure happens that way sometimes. How did your labor and the actual birth go?
Im 35+4 and each night have been getting braxton hicks that get feel like period pain. The last few days ive lost alot of chunks what i think is mucus plug from how its discribed does this sound like labour is close?
Ashley, if your chunks your losing are bloody, then go in and get checked. If your discharge is clear, white, or yellowish, then I wouldn’t think that you’re very close at all. Do you have reason to start labor this early?
I am currently 34+6 weeks pregnant with my 5th pregnancy but only third child to survive. I woke up around 12:15am on 5-28-17 with some severe lower back pain and lower abdominal pain mixed with alot of pressure on the vagina area. Today (5-28-17) after 3pm my husband and I went for him to play softball as I sat down with my feet probt up in a chair, I had 2 pinkish color urine. What to do and what can it be?
If you have pink in your urine you may have a UTI. Have you had trouble urinating without it burning?
Hi there! Wondering if you can help me. I’m currently 35.5 days . I was just released off modified bedrest due to ahortened cervics and pregestrone shots due to preterm labor with my 1st at 31.4 weeks (water broke with no signs that I was aware of). This pregnancy my last shot was at 35 weeks . The shots were given weekly and almost every week leading up to the next shot I would start with braxon hick and cramps, upper and lower back discomfort, and pelvic pressure . Went for a 15 mins errand the other day and had menstral cramping all night (constant, no sequence). Been have pulling down there from my thigh attachment to my pelvis -my knees will buckle and is becoming very frequent now , stinging internally and a lot of pressure on pelvis, peeing a ton at night . I can feel him moving his head or something g down there and it’s uncomfortable . They are doing cultures on Thursday and checking me then.
What are they doing the cultures for? Is the stinging from when you’re urinating?
Hi,
I had a question, so im 39 almost 40 weeks along, with my 3rd child, no bloody show, but a lot of cramping but from my experience they feel more like the braxion contractions, just starting yesterday ive been getting a sharp pain in my lower left side of my back, I’ve been pooping a lot more than usual. I constantly feel like i have to poop and usually do when i go to the bathroom, i can’t sleep, i can’t eat, n i pee every 20 mins…. am i going into labor soon? Like do some of these sound like begging of labor?
Hi Amber! Sounds like the pressure is affecting your lower bowels, which is very common for moms ready to give birth. How much water are you drinking? I find that when you’ve just urinated, the pressure from a squished bladder often leaves a little bit of concentrated urine in there. So it feels like you have to pee almost immediately again. Try drinking half a glass of water right after you pee to dilute the urine down. Sounds counter intuitive, I know, but it actually helps reduce that ‘need to pee’ feeling right after you’ve already gone.
How come you can’t eat? Hope you feel better.
hey, I’m soon to be 41 weeks this week, lost mucus plug, keep getting green to clear discharge with no contractions, dilated to a 5 as of last thursday. when does the discharge end? its not bloody or pink. dr is inducing me thurs if baby not here by than. please help.
Hi Ashley! You may have your baby by the time you read this. You can decline your doctor starting you, especially when you’ve naturally dilated halfway there already.
Have you tried walking for long periods of time and sex? Those are the two best ways to naturally induce. Let me know if that helps!
I am 36weeks I have bad back cramps and when I walk my legs hurt bad pinching and really bad pressure I’ve tried warm bath and propping my legs nothing seems to work what could be happening
Sorry to hear that Sasha! First off, are you visiting a chiropractor? If you feel any sort of pinching then something is out of place and can be gently put back.
For your back, I would recommended pelvic tilts. You can’t learn how to do them in this post: 5 Exercises To Shorten Your Labor. Get on your hands and knees and just let your belly hang. It will really help.
Help am 41 weeks feeling all symptoms but still my midwife examine me and said my womb is not opened yet.but I always see mucus but no blood no water leaked also but I feel sharp pains in my lower abdominal and waist which comes and go am just nervous don’t know what to do my time is over due.
Hi Augustina. I promise your baby will come when the time is right. The ACTUAL average pregnancy is 41 weeks and 1 day, not 40 weeks. So that means many moms go beyond that.
Stay comfortable, de-stress and relax, walk as much as possible and everything will come when it should. If you want to, there are some natural induction techniques that you can try. Let me know how everything goes! 🙂
Hey!:)
So I’m 34 weeks today!
Let me start by saying Wednesday night I woke up around 3 and had some horrible back pains, and the pains would make it’s way to my stomach. I’m a sissy when it comes to “period cramps” witch is what it felt like. (Of course tho, No blood or anything) I started moving and getting comfy and drink some water and went to sleep. Thursday I had my doctor appointment. Last Thursday anyway! He checked me and was not dilated at all, But my baby is head down. The next day I had some more cramps like this but wasn’t bad at all!
I still have cramps here and there but nothing I can’t stand. What could this be?? Also, She’s (my baby) has been balling up the last few days. I dont feel her being as active but still moving, Mostly balling up right between my ribs and my right side. Usually at the same time. What’s going on
Hi Tria! You have some great questions. It’s sounds like you may be having a little bit of false labor, but the period cramp-like feelings are perfectly normal right now too. Your uterus is getting ready for birth.
And as far as your baby goes, the farther along you get in your pregnancy, the less it feels like they’re moving. It’s because they’ve run out of space and can’t maneuver as much. But since she’s head down it sounds like everything is right on track.
Make sure you’re comfortable while sleeping. Get a Leachco pillow if you need. But it sounds like you’re doing all the right things and that everything is going well! Let me know how things progress. 🙂
Ive been havin more contractions and feel in back vag tummy. My vag hurts when i walk i feel bby very low specially when i walk or sit. My back hurts all tha time im 36 weeks in 2days
Hi Ali. Sorry you’re having a rough time! Get on all fours and just let your belly hang. Then do some pelvic tilts and it will help take the pressure off your lower region and strengthen your back at the same time. Let me know if that helps! 🙂
Fiancé is now 36 w & 4 d pregnant w/ twins. Babies have dropped about 3-4 days ago, feeling contractions lasting up to 60 secs (sometimes 2 an hour, then they will stop altogether) for 4 days or so, mucus plug came out about 50 hours ago, dull and sharp lower back pain for past 5 days, 2 cm dilated (give or take) 5 days ago, peeing frequently, some cramping, babies have been turned for weeks now, but no labor or consistent contractions (that she knows of). This is her 3rd time having children (first time having twins). She has been “nesting” and getting bouts of both major energy and fatigue all week, (and major cabin fever of course lol). When she lost her plug 50 hours ago we thought “any time now”, but here we are still waiting.
How long now do you think? Should we just be ready to go any moment, or simply relax knowing we could still have a week or two? I know you cannot say for sure, etc. but any type of insight at this point would be helpful.
Hi John, she’s definitely having some false labor. I’d say she still has a week or so. But with twins it’s more difficult because they often come early. Where you’re just barely 37 weeks now, you’ll want to keep those babies in as long as possible. She can walk for long stretches of time everyday to help things along and decrease some discomfort. It’s getting close! 🙂
36 & 6 today and no labor. With the plug gone, the dilation 7 days ago, the babies dropping & in position, I never thought we’d make it through the weekend. We have 2 doctor appointments today to see how far dilated she is, and have a ultrasound done. The NST went well yesterday (one baby was beating at 160+ at some points), but was told it’s okay and read it’s not high. Just worried, and anxious, and mamma is as well (more anxious than anything). She was running a slight fever yesterday as well. The waiting and not knowing has absolutely been the most difficult part for me, and I’m sure for her as well as of now. I know the longer they’re in the better. It just feels life is at a standstill and cabin fever is running amuck. Plus, again, she’s been sick off and on, and had some complications during the past week or so. I just wish there was more I could do, and more insight as to when, how, and why they will come when they do. All I know it’s based on hormones and the babies themselves (so we gently tell them to “come out”. lol)
Thank you for your help. I’ll update when they finally come. I guess this can serve anyone who has every symptom mentioned (even losing the plug and having the babies drop low) other than consistent contractions and water breakage yet still go 5 days w/o labor and still be waiting. Most of what I’ve read from experiences with prior multiple pregnancies & p/w twins claim that within 72 hours or so after losing the plug and having the babies drop, they went into labor. But the biggest thing I’ve read and learned is that EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT, AS IS EVERY EXPERIENCE.
Manual please? lol.
Thanks again!!
LOL 🙂 I wish there was an exact manual too!
Tell you what, take some time off, if possible. Go on a date, get comfortable and relaxed. Any way you can reduce the stress, the better. Let her watch her favorite movie in a lavender bath with some chocolate and I’m sure it will help. Good luck!
I am 37 weeks and 4 dars along and as of this past Thursday ii ii was 1.5 cm dilated and 15% effaced my discharge has become thick and more watery and I lost my plug 3 weeks ago. I’ve been having cervical pains…sharp ones and my son has dropped just not completely… How long do you think I have?
Hi Savannah! It’s always hard to say. That’s interesting you lost your plug already. Without knowing any medical history, I’d say you have at least a week. Hold on! Let us know how things go. 🙂
Hi I’m 33 weeks pregnant and this is my third pregnancy but makes my forth child. I tested positive for preteen labor a week ago. I’ve done the steroids and was put on bed rest. I was back in the hospital yesterday due to contractions. They sent me back home telling me to take Tylenol for the pain and try to rest and do nothing but bed rest. I am having contractions but I’m not dilated enough for them to do anything. I’m home now still having the same issue. I have the loose stool and I’m urinating more times than I can count. I have a contraction then in-between the contractions it’s nothing but constant cramps. My bones and muscles are all loose because Everytime I turn or walk or anything my hip, back, pelvic whatever bone will pop. I was a high risk anyways because all of my pregnancies are preterm births. My oldest was 36 weeks and my twins at 32. The baby has dropped because I no longer look pregnant and I feel more pressure like he’s just going to fall out. I’m trying everything to at least make it to 35 weeks. Do you think I’ll make it? My family is saying he will come any day now.
I also haven’t been sleeping either. The past three nights I’ve laid in the best trying to sleep but the heartburn and pain are just too much to sleep through. I’ve done the Tylenol PM and done everything I know for heartburn and it just won’t work.
It’s interesting that you have so much heartburn even after your baby has dropped. Have you tried taking some Vitamin B6 on top of your regular prenatal?
Hi Brittany! That’s gotta be hard for you. In situations like this is can be impossible to tell how things will play out. In these circumstances I would follow your doctor’s orders because you want that baby inside of you as long as possible. I would suggest doing regular pelvic tilts from the easy pregnancy exercises because it will help relieve all of those discomforts you’re having down there.
I am a first time mom, now at week 41.4. I have been having on and off false contractions. I am disturbed because the last scan I did said my internal by os is closed. I can’t wait to meet my little one. I don’t want to get induced as my doctor suggested because I heard its very painful. What can I do? Thank you
Hi Famous! I don’t know what you mean by ‘internal by os’. Perhaps that’s a typo?
If there is no legitimate risk to your baby for going as long as you have, you can certainly refuse being started as along as possible. If you’re looking for a few ways to help jumpstart your labor, checkout these natural induction techniques where I talk about the only true few that have been shown to work. Let us know how you’re doing!
Hi Sarah I’m 30 weeks with my first and for about 2 hours I’ve been having bad period cramp like pains. And it’s not going away. I don’t know what I should do?
Hi Betsy. Cramps off and are normal throughout pregnancy. But if they persist, get worse, and you see any blood or excessive discharge suddenly, go in to your doctor.
But hopefully it’s just a one-off symptom. Pregnancy is full of those. Take a hot bath and see if it relaxes away. Let me know if that helps! 🙂
Hello Sarah! I am currently almost 39 weeks pregnant, making this my first. I have tried asking my sisters what happened with them before going into labor, but both of them seem to have different situations (One has only had C-sections pre-scheduled and the other was under special care due to a life threating situation earlier that year.). I guess I am trying to get some advice on signs and when I somewhat expect this little one to come from someone that had a normal vaginal delivery. Anyways, my doctor does not explain much to me, as he seems to talk more to my vagina more than my face, but he has informed me at my last appointment which was yesterday that the baby is in position but my cervix is still high. From what you have wrote, for the past week or so I have been using the rest room a lot with diarrhea symptoms, cramping in the lower area, and a lot of pressure as well. There is back pain, but its more in the middle of the back. I am very active, I was running up till 35 weeks and am now walking a lot since running is out of the picture (I currently have 461 miles since conception of this child). Maybe I am just getting too excited to meet this little one, but wondering how long is this going to take? I know I have time, but from what you wrote I feel as if I am on the right track to delivering anytime?
Hi Jennifer! I think first time pregnancies are the hardest to gauge because your body hasn’t developed a pattern of symptoms for your birth yet. Since your back pain is more in the middle, I’d say that’s a posture problem, not a labor pain.
If your vagina is still high, it’s likely not very effaced and your baby’s station is higher. But just from what you shared, I’d say you still have at least a week/1.5 weeks to go. But you’re doing the right things!
Staying active is key and will help further everything along more than just sitting around. Hope that helps! Let me know if you have new symptoms show up and we’ll do our best to guess together. 🙂
Hello! I am a first time mother and I am currently 41 weeks pregnant. 6 days ago I was 4cm dilated and my cervix is completely softened, ripened and completely ready for labor (as my midwife said) I am not having any contractions really that I am aware of. My stomach gets tight but I feel as If that is just the baby moving around. I get random sharp pains in my vagina and very very slight and dull menstrul cramps. I woke up today feeling a little nauseous and all I want to do is lay around today. Haven’t felt nauseous the entire pregnancy until now and I’m barely nauseous.. Comes and goes. Just feel like nothing is happening. I lost my mucus plug about 2 weeks ago. I was very active throughout my entire pregnancy up until 39 weeks when I stopped working and going out as much. My question is will contractions start out of nowhere?! Nothing is happening!!!
Since this your first pregnancy, yes, your contractions could come out of nowhere. But the fact that you are having some dull cramps tells me that things are definitely gearing up. Usually first-time births take longer than the rest. If your midwife isn’t worried about you being “late” then there’s nothing to worried about.
Being patient at the end is SO hard! I promise lots of things are happening. You could very well be holding your baby as I write this. One thing that I would suggest: you said that you were very active until a few weeks ago. Get active again! Walking is one of the best ways to help stimulate your labor and support it. Also, destress and take a nice soaking bath with some lavender. Stress hormones conflict with your body’s oxytocin that’s responsible for everything happening with labor.
Let me know how things go. You’re so close, Meghan! Best of luck. 🙂
I just came across this article and was wondering if you could shed some light on what’s going on with me! I am almost 39 weeks pregnant, normal and healthy pregnancy. I was in for monitoring for some contractions and bad cramping at 37 weeks and was told the baby would be here soon. My doctor checked the other day and I’m still only at 1cm and my cervix is still thicker. He said it was hard to tell because her head is so low she changed the shape of my cervix. Last night I was up the entire night, just feeling very off. I had severe heartburn, more cramping. Today my lower back and hips are hurting to the point I want to cry. I’ve had some abdominal pain and have used the bathroom quite a few times and this baby is moving constantly. Her movements hurt at times, and I’ve been having some Braxton Hicks contractions. Is this baby going to be here anytime soon?!
Hi Ashley! Sorry you’re having a hard time right now. The end can really be difficult. Sounds like you’ve definitely had some false labor! First off, take a hot bath and just soak all of those cramps away.
The tough part about all this is the fact that you’re only at 1cm. With my first baby I was at 1cm for weeks, then dilated to a 10 within 24 hours. Is this your first baby? At best guess, I would say that you still have at least a week. I know that’s hard to hear! But also know that you could be delivering as I write this.
It’s SO hard at the end, I know! But I don’t think all of the ducks are in a row for you just yet. Check out some natural ways to induce labor if you’re really eager. 🙂
Hello! Thanks for the info! Very helpful! I’ll be 36wks on Thursday with my first. My mom was late with all three kids and my sister with both of hers. So of course I believe I will be late as well, but everyone else around me seems to think I’ll go early. Baby has been head down for awhile. I do feel “heavier” down there. I work on my feet 12hrs 3 days a week. Any time I’m on my feet, my stomach stays really tight, I haven’t noticed it coming and going any. I also had twinges that I would feel at times when going to sit or stand, now they happen even just walking down the hall or even standing and are just a little more ‘painful’. I thought maybe dehydration, so I’ve tried increasing my water but it’s not letting up and only making me use the restroom more, lol. I do have random discomfort going across my lower stomach at times, not that often though. And of course I am starting to feel a little more back discomfort as well. Is this all just baby engaging? I really want to be able to go as natural as possible, as in, no meds. At most, I’ll agree with a partial dose. I really don’t want an induction, I hear it’s more painful. Does it sound like I’m headed in the right direction to avoid that?
Thanks!
I guess I should say it’s kind of like an internal pinching feeling rather than a twinge.
Hi Natalie! You have some great questions. The sheer fact that you’re on your feet that long everyday tells me that you have a strong body. Those minor aches and twinges are normal and can often subside with just some heat or a soak in the tub. Without knowing exactly how you’ve prepared for your birth or your knowledge level, it’s hard to know how you’re going to do with birth. But you’re welcome to join my Confident Mother Birthing Course where I teach everything that helped me have three natural births without a doula or midwife. Let me know if you have questions! 🙂
Hi, I’m 35 weeks and 5 days and as of Feburary 14 I am 3 almost 4 cm dilated and 50% effaced. My question is here lately I have had a lot of back pain and currently today a lot of going to the bathroom and upset stomach. I have a history of preterm birth and labor non of my children have made it to 40 weeks and this is my 3rd child does this mean I’m going into labor sooner I’ve been having contractions just not close enough together. Thank you.
Hi Elizabeth! Sounds like you’re really close, actually. Without knowing the history of exactly when you went into labor, my best guess would be that you’ll go into labor this week. Sounds like you have a lot of false labor. Have you had any other symptoms like loosing your mucus plug?
hey sarah, just had my midwife appointment…. at 36 weeks and 4 days I am 1 centimeter dilated, 50% effaced and cervix is very soft, and baby is stationed at a -2….. Would you happen to know how much longer I have, everything I read says it could be tomorrow or a whole lot longer just curious!
Hi Amber! That’s exciting you’re almost there. 🙂
Without knowing anything more than what you’ve shared, I’d say you have at least a couple of weeks. But don’t quote me on it. 😉
Im 39 weeks and 1day along. Im 4cm dilated and 80% effaced also my doctor stripped my membranes 4days ago. My contractions aren’t consent they come and go when im having them there horrible. It hurts to stand, walk, sit, and even to lay down. Anything i eat gives me heart burn and makes me feel like throwing up also ive been using the restroom 24-7..and ihave horrible lower back pain.my legs go numb too.. please tell me im going into labor soon.
Hi Patience. I don’t recommend having your membranes stripped because half the time it only caused discomfort as you’re describing. But all of your signs tell me that you could possibly have had your baby before you even read this. Even so, hold on! You are SO close. At the forefront, I would say you could go into active labor any minute now. But also, keep in mind, I’ve known moms that were dilated to 4cm for up to three weeks! You’re so unique and if I knew more about your previous births (if you’ve had any) that might help. But I would say that it can happen at any moment. If you’re super eager, walking and having sex are the best two weeks to help induce your labor naturally, when all of the other signs are there. Let us know how it goes! 🙂
My daughter is 37.5 weeks. She has severe back pain and contractions that come and go with tightening in her stomach. She was 1 1/2 to 2 cm 3 days ago and 60% effaced. She has hurt all day. Had contractions 10 minutes apart for 3 hrs. Walked and took a hot bath and feels good now but still back pain
Hi Nicole! Sorry your daughter is so uncomfortable. Sounds like she has been having Braxton Hicks with the belly tightening. But if walking and the hot bath stopped the contractions, then it was likely false labor.
The back pain could be either typical back pain from pregnancy, or back labor with all that false labor going on. Have your daughter get on her hands and knees, letting her belly hang, and do some pelvic thrusts. You can ready about how to do them in the Easy Pregnancy Exercises post. That will really help her muscles strengthen, even in the midst of pain. And a hot bath always does wonders!
Let me know how that helps and if anything has changed. I’ll bet you’re excited for your grandchild to come. 🙂
37+5 weeks had the show but still not dilated……. this is baby no. 3 for me …….am confused and wondering how long is this going to take ….when will I actually deliver?????
Hi Sarina. So you’re about 38 weeks along now? You could definitely still have a few weeks to go. The funny thing about dilating is that ou can go from 0 to ten in just a couple of hours. It’s hard to know without more info
How did your previous births go? When did you go into labor before?
Since 37 weeks my baby has been engaged and in correct position, and I had been experiencing, BH, dirreoah and lots of lower groin pain, so I thought he was coming early. I am now 41 weeks and still experiencing tons of BH during the day and night, I had a full day of fake labour pains in my lower back and lower stomach 2 days past but they dissipated overnight and the dirreoah has gone to be replaced once again by that lovely pregnancy constipation! I feel like I have gone backwards and will never go into labour normally! I am still having lots of BH and groin pain but nothing else. The midwife could not do a sweep because my cervix was not ripe at all! Midwife wants to induce me in 4 days!
I’m so confused and disheartened and feel like my bodies completely failing me!
Should I be induced or give myself more time?
Hi Renee. I’m sorry that this time is frustrating for you!
Only your body and your baby know when they’re going to come. Remember that the actual true average length of pregnancy is 41 weeks and 1 day. So you are just over that, but many wonderfully healthy babies are still born naturally even beyond that.
If you or your midwife has no concern over the baby’s health because they’re “late”, I don’t see why an induction is necessary. But if there are circumstances in which you are at risk, then an induction may be necessary. However, you still make the ultimate decisions about your baby’s birth. You absolutely have the right to refuse an induction if you don’t feel that is the way to go.
If you’d like to naturally help things along, there are a few things that you can do to help induce your labor naturally. Sex and walking are mainly the ones that truly help.
I hope that helps! Let me know how I can help you further if you have more questions. You’re going to be great, Renee!
Thanks for the kind reply Sarah! I still have a few days up my sleeve I guess, though I do tend to agree that if there is no urgent medical reason for induction it should be fine to wait a little longer and be monitored more frequently. Fortunately the birth team at St. Thomas hospital, London are ok for me to wait.
I will do my best to write back what happens!
P.S. Your information above is extremely helpful and encouraging for worrying expecting mother’s!
I’m glad to have been helpful, Renee! Definitely let us know how things go. 🙂 Best!
I went down the list and have had every symptom for the last two weeks… But little one is still sitting cozy (which is good because he would then be considered pre-term). I haven’t been checked for dilation or effacement yet. This is my third baby and I am now at 36 weeks. I’ve been having diarrhea for three days and lost a bit of my mucus plug yesterday morning. The contractions go from being very intense, can’t walk or talk, to mild braxton hicks. Walking is very painful most of the time and baby is head down. My husband is going mad from all the “this-could-be-it” moments. (My other two pregnancies I didn’t have any tell-tale signs except lower back pain when I went into labor.) I do love your list though, Simple yet thorough. Thank you!
Hi Erika. I think if you asked your doctor for a dilation check, they would certainly oblige. Especially if you have a lot of symptoms. Let me know how things go for you! 🙂
With my daughter (my one and only) I had a bit of false labor. I never noticed the mucus plug. I went 41 weeks!
Yeah, the mucus plug is really no big deal. Thanks for commenting, Candace! 🙂
HELLO, SARAH
It’s actually a nice and useful bit of info. I am satisfied
that you just shared this useful information around.
Please keep us informed this way. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome Michelle! Feel free to share with other. 🙂
I’m 37 weeks and my baby head or bladder feel like it’s coming out and I’m having contractions
Hi Latacha! I hope this reaches you in time. Make sure to time your contractions to see if they’re consistent. The stages of labor are different and there’s also ways to tell what labor is false vs true.
Here’s what I want you to do: get up and walk around for a few minutes. Then time your contractions. If they get closer and closer, you’re likely in active labor. If your contractions stop or aren’t consistent, then they’re likely false. Call your doctor if you ever have a question. Let us know how you are! 🙂
Tasha I’m just having a lot of pressure on my bladder and I’m 38 weeks
Then that’s a good thing, actually! It means that your baby is moving deeper into your pelvis and sitting as low as they’re able to go. It means that your baby is likely engaged properly and positioning well.
Something that actually may help, is drinking more water. I know, it sounds counter-intuitive. But when your bladder has just been emptied, and there’s a little bit of urine left in there, it’s at a much higher concentration. That high concentration, plus the added pressure of pregnancy, makes it feel like you need to visit the bathroom, yet again. But if you drink some water right after going to the bathroom, you’re actually diluting that high concentration of urine and calming the bladder’s urgency. Does that make sense?
Try drinking water more consistently after you visit the bathroom and see if that helps. If not, get on your hands and knees and let your belly hang. That will relieve some of the pressure. Let us know how things go with your delivery, Latacha!
This is loveable Sarah!
Thank you, Pauline!
Thank you so much for writing this! I feel so much better realizing that it’s ok that I’m 38.5 weeks and haven’t had any Braxton hicks contractions, and that all these things people say you will notice may actually be unnoticeable. This information is extremely helpful ! I’m so excited!!!!
I’m excited for you, Rebekah! Is this your first baby? ☺
I could have used this information when I was pregnant. I kept hoping for signs that I was nearing the end of pregnancy!
Hi Lacey. 🙂 That’s why I created this site, because so many women don’t know the simple things that can help them with their pregnancy, births, and babies, even themselves. Feel free to share, thanks!
Great post! I’m on my OB rotation right now and these are questions that we ask about to every mother that comes in when they’re nearing latter half of their 3rd trimester!
Hi Farrah! Are you a nurse practitioner? I’d be curious to learn comment themes you see with pregnant women that you work with. Thanks!
Very important points you have written… I just had a baby the other day now 9 months. I went up to 41 weeks ..
I will definitely save this pin in my pinboard for.it wel explained you have said it all.
Every little bit helps. Thanks for your comment!
Very informative piece! It has been many years since I was pregnant but this brought back a lot of memories!
Hi Marcia! Do you have any daughters that are perhaps at the pregnancy age?
I’ve had 3 kids and each time the symptoms I had before I had my baby were different! The first time I lost my mucus plug an hour or two before labor started, the second time I just started right into labor, and the 3rd time I had false labor alarms every week for the last month! These all really are excellent signs for mothers to watch for as they near the end of their pregnancy! What has been the most common symptom for you?
Hi! For me I didn’t have much warning with the first two. But man…. my third one, like you… that false labor is SO annoying, such a drag. Hope I don’t have that in the future. But who knows? Thanks for your comment!
Hi Sarah,
Very nice article, I really liked it. I have to children and both of them was born exactly on the date the Doctor said to me. I was really surprise because many women give birth before or after. My baby boy was the first one and it was more scary than painful . I was so scare that I took the epidural , which I regret today because I did not feel the contraction anymore and it was hart for me to push. My baby girl came so fast that I did not have the time to take any medicine and I am really proud of me.
If I would have to do it again I would definitely give birth in the water.
Thank you for this great article
Thanks for sharing Daniella. I’m going to try relaxing a bit more in the water this time too. It can be overwhelming the first time with not knowing what to expect. But you’ve helped me give new mothers some hope in their abilities. Thank you!
Hi Sarah,
What a lovely site you have. It brings me back to my first pregnancy when I was constantly on the net looking for the best information I needed for all the stages of pregnancy.
Your site is fresh, easy to read and easy to follow. I was trying to imagine myself as being pregnant for the first time while reading it.
However some people will come across your site and they may have a gap in a few years between their first pregnancy and their second (or more) pregnancy. They may have forgotten all they knew before and now need new info. It might be nice to discuss the differences between these two experiences.- just a thought…
While reading your site I noticed a few things. Group B strep does not always need antibiotics. It depends whether it is found in the vaginal tract or the urine. It is transient so somebody could have it today and not tomorrow.
There are huge differences between a first time labour and subsequent labours ie the head does not always engage in subsequent labours , the rate at which the cervix dilates is very different etc.
The layout of your site is very nice, Your use of images is wonderful and the use of colour makes it an enjoyable read.
Regards,
Paula
Hi Paula. I was referring to Group B strep being found in the vagina, in cases where it usually doesn’t come and go. But you’re absolutely right, and that’s the one hard thing about testing for it at the right time in the right place.
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate it!
Hi Sarah,
You really provide good, relevant information about pregnancy. I have two kids, don’t plan on having more and I learned a few things here. First I didn’t know there 3 different types of contraction. I only knew about Braxton Hicks and labour contractions. Second, you visual aid for dilation was really insightful. Really good info here!
Hi Ana. The Funny thing about contractions is that even though they’re categorized certain ways, how mothers individually describe and feel them can be completely different with every single mother.
I once read a fun post about mothers describing what their labor contractions feel like. And with each description, things varied like night and day between ALL the mothers, with most things I read not even coming close to what I would describe my own experience as. So it’s important to consider all aspects with knowing that not everything fully applies to each mother.
Thanks for your comment!
Hello, my boyfriend showed me this article, and I think it is really good. there is a lot of information, and as a mother of two girls, there was a lot I could recognize. especially the follow-up scheme was awsome and unifying the whole article. I hope many mothers will forward your article.
Thanks Steen! Feel free to share yourself as well. Glad that you enjoyed your time here.
This is a very educative article for both women and men. I have really learnt a lot. This article has given me an idea of what to expect when my wife gets pregnant and the various stages she is likely to go through.
Thanks for sharing this information. I will be back to read more articles on your site
That’s good to hear, Fidel. Even before you and your wife start trying for your family, make sure you both understand the importance of Folic Acid in your wife’s diet, and how her age can affect your baby’s health as well. They’re both things that I believe every woman should know long before she learns she’s pregnant. And I’m always here to help if you have questions. Thanks!
Thanks for writing this article. It’s really interesting to read about the late pregnancy symptoms before labor. I have never been pregnant before so don’t really know what to expect. So I do appreciate reading what other pregnant women have to go through before giving birth.
A very well written article!
Thank you Teresa. If that big day ever comes, you know where to come now. 🙂
What a very informative article. I’m glad I was able to read through it. I can see the benefit this could have for soon-to-be moms out there as it lays out a sequence of things that tell when they are just about due.
I can also see some benefit to having husbands know some of this data so they know what to expect when they hear about it from their wives.
I have a few friends in mind who could benefit from this data.
Feel free to share with your friends, Adrian, I appreciate it! And you’re quite right…the fathers should know a lot about what their wife is going through too because the father is her main support in most cases. If she doesn’t have that, it becomes ever that much harder for her to get through this monumental experience alone.
Which is why I love the Birth Relaxation Kit so much, because it has guidance and helps for the birthing companion as well, right there alongside the mother while she labors. Best to you!
Hi Erashallbe,
What a great read! First and foremost, your site is very well designed, and easy on the eyes. I found it very interesting the breakdown of the natural birth process. I had friends that went this route and chuckled when I read some of the things you mentioned that they told me they went through. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors!
It’s always great to laugh about some of these weird things afterwards, isn’t it? Thanks Stephen!