Mumsnet Talk

Right mums,

What are the early signs of labour - more signs that its imminent iuswim??

So far I've had an increase in discharge, am going to the loo (bm) more and it's looser (not runs, just looser when I go), an increase in wind, sharp 'pains'? very low down - these aren't really bad pains but certainly noticeable, sometimes enough to Mae me stand still or a few secs, BH only started yesterday and seem to have eased off today - not noticed 1 today!!

What do you experienced mums think? Anywhere close or just normal bodily changes in prep for a few weeks time?

I had DS at 38 weeks (actually 37.5) and I was very, very grumpy the previous day. No physical signs until waters went, and then it was all over in 7 hours.

Watching with interest as am also 38.5.

Last time I had no idea it was about to kick off until it did.

Well Bike, grumpy I can do but I think that's more SPD/not sleeping/feeling huge etc rather than anything else...

1978, I'm getting impatient now. I'm due on the 21.12 and would really like little one here and home for Xmas.

I know there's no way of knowing really - he/she will make an appearance in good time but it would be sooo nice to have him/her for Xmas.

I had a mad nesting/cleaning urge the day before (and scrubbed the kitchen floor on all fours ) some sharp pains very low down and a show about an hour or 2 before first contractions started...and needed a big poo!

Might give the kitchen floor a go tomorrow. :-)

Anyone else got any pearls of wisdom on signs labour may be imminent?

No but I'm right there with u with the symptom spotting. Due on 22nd and planning on finishing work at the end of next week, really overdid it yesterday and was getting a few braxton hicks but nothing materialised. I really would like this baby to come a good few days before Christmas but am trying to prepare myself for disappointment (and possibly even a 2013 baby!)

I didn't have a clue either time really.

I'm a first timer too, 39 weeks and been having all those symptoms for last week and a half. Tbh I expect them to continue to week 42, but that's just because both my brother and i were that late..

I was 38 weeks when my waters went at the bus stop! But two days prior had sickness and diarrhoea which they told me could be my body emptying itself out in preparation. Had had spotting every couple of weeks for the last two months as well. If that's of any interest!?

Ooh snap - I'm due on the 21st too!

I've been having more regular BH (although not really all that regular, mostly evenings, yesterday and today also mornings), weeing more often, more discomfort and shooting pains across my back and underneath my bump. More watery discharge.

I don't think she's going to be early though. I just can't really "see" it iyswim. I'm resigned to driving myself nuts for at least the next 2 weeks

I hope something happens for us soon though!

With my first I had my show (very obvious and not just a small amount - sorry if TMI) around my due date, obviously got very excited, went for a very long walk and nothing happened for a further 2 weeks. Please don't get over-excited that labour could be imminent if you have a show as its not always the case.

Agree that diarrhoea or being desperate to empty bowels is a good sign but this happened with me a couple of hours before the babies were born so I already knew I was in labour by then. With my 2nd I went into labour naturally and I had no clues in the 24 hours before that it was about to start.

PS Hope that your babies all arrive on time and enjoy their christmas days ;-)

Well I've been out walking (around the shops) today and then spent the last hour scrubbing out my kitchen cupboards! Now sat watching casualty on my birthing ball. Had spicy chicken for lunch. Trying everything I can think of to head in the right direction for eviction.

Got to go back to my consultant on weds as my BP has been 'dancing' about along with new traces of protein and swollen feet/hands and regular headaches . Daily BP checks til weds. All getting a bit worrying now!

Good luck to all those on here in my boat. Light at end of tunnel now even if it does seem to be quite far in the distance still.

Went into labour with DS at 38.1 weeks, didn't have him until 38.4....YES 3 bloody days! My first signs....Eating a massive bowl of creamed leaks, scrubbing every single window in my house and waters breaking!

I had ds at 38 weeks and I remember having a burst of energy (I was dancing around the sitting room like a loon whilst doing the ironing ) the evening before my bowels had a spring clean <ahem>. Ctx started soon after but ds didn't arrive until 60 hours later, sorry!

Kafri I'm in the same boat. due the 21, and I'm not really having any symptoms besides general grumpiness due to poor sleep and (ironically) lack of activity.
I am going to make some babka! It won't bring anything on, but it might make me feel better....

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/1632590-December-2012-mass-eviction

Come and join the fun

Ds was born 20 days ago at 38+3. I knew because my waters went with a whoosh! unfortunately not in waitrose

I'm encouraged by all these babies who have come at 38 weeks!

39+1 today. I have all these symptoms:

Loose BM at least once a day (I am normally a once or twice a week person)
Increase in discharge but no sign of Show
Insomnia
Bursts of energy for nesting, but back gets too sore and I end up only doing one task
Braxton Hicks (quite noticeable tonight)
SPD and Shooting pain down my legs, but no back ache unless I stand
Need to wee all the time but then only manage a tsp worth

I have to say I have given up thinking labour is imminent as apart from BH (which stopped for a while and are back) and shooting pains (which started today), I've had all the other symptoms for about 2wks now.

Ahh Twist, it's not looking hopeful for anytime soon for me then.

I know, I know - it'll happen when it happens but no one can blame a girl for trying/hoping (& keeping fingers crossed, & touching wood & any other superstition I can think of even tho I'm not superstitious) ;-)

I can definitely add insomnia to my list too <blinks wearily>

Hi ladies! May I join? Due 18/12 so 39 wks tomorrow! Could we make this our 'watch' page seeing as we're all so near! I've a few symptoms (it feels like early pregnancy again where I analysed everything before getting my bfp!!) mainly a bit if nausea, very slight period pains/niggles and strong BH! But again I hear this could go on for a couple of weeks! Xmas tree up, I just want to snuggle under it with baby now!!! xxx

Welcome Melon. Course u can join (even tho I'm slightly jealous that ur due before me and therefore possibly likely to progress quicker than me) ;-)

I agree, symptom spotting is jd like the first weeks. Permenant knicker watch now!!! Lol