To think the dog knows something I don’t?

[WinterGarden633]

Did your pet start behaving weirdly before you went into labour? Dogs in particular.

I’m only 35+4, but I’ve said for the last couple of weeks I’ve been feeling different. Lower back cramps, colostrum, braxton hicks (I think?) baby whacking their head off my cervix (or so it feels like!) etc. I also have a sneaking suspicion this baby might be early- don’t know why, just have felt that way for the last few weeks. Baby is big- 90th percentile at last midwife check.

Now the dog (four year old black Labrador- mad as a hatter but very loving) is being EXTRA clingy. He’s been my wee pal all the way through as I’ve been WFH, but he’s usually pretty chilled and will vanish off to sleep somewhere while I’m working.
The last couple of days he has stuck to me like glue. Every time I’ve gotten up, he’s followed. I haven’t even been to the loo alone. When I lie down he jumps up and cuddles up to the bump, resting his head on it and watching me. He’s been wanting to sleep on our bed (chance would be a fine thing) but comes straight to me when one of us gets up.

It’s starting to freak me out a bit- I’m aware my “symptoms” aren’t that unusual in the third trimester but now the dog is being my little stalker I’m starting to think he knows something I don’t?!

Anyone had anything similar from their pets when they were about to give birth?!

YABU- he’s a dog, don’t be ridiculous.
YANBU- animals have sixth senses! Prepare now!

He has a better sense of smell than you do and is likely to pick up hormonal changes, changes in your temperature, heart rate, breathing etc, before you do.

It's not a magical sixth sense though its just dogs being better at some stuff than us!

@WiddlinDiddlin very true! He’s cuddly anyway but it’s on another level at the moment. As I type this we’re on the sofa and he’s cuddling my feet!

I absolutely believe dogs have a special sensory system.

I would be extra ready.

The best of luck OP.

Good idea to be ready. There are so many things he can monitor that you're oblivious to!

Best of luck, op, with the baby. I hear this story all the time at work. Dogs surely sense something.
I love your dog , he sounds caring and affectionate.

I wouldn't be surprised if you go into labour a few weeks early. Dogs can be trained to pick up all sorts from diabetes, sight guide dogs, therapy & tracking dogs.

My DDog was just like this in the last month of my pregnancy. She had to be popped in the garden while the midwives came to give me a sweep and she sat at the patio door and cried mournfully face pressed against the glass.

I ended up being 16 days overdue so she wasn’t giving me a heads up on labour I think she was just being protective. They notice that you move slower and you smell different and I think they know you’re at your most vulnerable.

However I’d make sure your hospital bag is packed just in case .

He's probably sending its nearly time. Doesn't neccesarily mean its imminent. Mine knew when I was pregnant and miscarried

YABU not to include a photo of your ddog and his concerned face.

Thank you all- I think I’m going to get the hospital bag packed just in case. I still have a bit to go so I’m hoping it’s just that he’s noticed I’m super slow at the moment. He even tried to protect me from what I assume was a Terrible Threat on our walk yesterday (turns out it was a recycling box that fell over, but its the thought that counts.)

You’re absolutely right, @PuppyMonkey - my apologies and have attached one of many examples of the Hairy Space Invader.

My female dog went batshit when I was close to term. I would take it as a sign you are close.
My cat also licked me a lot!

What a lovely pic! I get protected from TERRIBLE THREATS too. One year it was a snowman that caused a lot of consternation.

thanks OP - good luck to you.

Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and know when things are different! There's many stories about them sniffing out cancer and other illnesses and some have been trained to sniff out COVID too.

Your dog looks lovely - best of luck with the baby!

This is from over 4 years ago so hello from the future! Did you end up going into labour early?! I’m almost 39 weeks so full term so it isn’t “early” but I have a lot of signs labour is near. One of my dogs has been exactly like yours for a few weeks. Following me everywhere, constantly sat on me cuddling into my bump. The last few days he’s had a bit of a dodgy tummy with no other signs of anything so I’m wondering if he’s showing signs of stress as he thinks I’m near (as things are ramping up for me too!)