Early labour warning signs: or how will I know when I am in labour?

[Bumperlicious]

Ok, I know that I will know when I am in labour, but I could really do with some early warning.

DD was a 5.5 hour labour so I am anticipating this one to be shorter, but I am panicking about dispatching DD, filling up the birth pool (having a HB), I'm just concerned about not having enough time.

I am 2 weeks off my EDD and am in general constant discomfort, have back pain etc. I keep getting 'pressure' when I go to the toilet and I keep thinking is this it?

Just wondering what I should be looking out for? My waters didn't go till 2nd stage of labour with DD so might not have that as a sign. Help me stop panicking!

oh Bumperlicious wish i knew how to stop you from panicking, but i don't think i can! My DS1 was also quite quick like yours, plus he was 3 weeks early and my waters went in Sainsbury's! DS2 was a little bit quicker (not much) and was 1 week late. I went into labour in the middle of the night after a wee! I reckon you will have plenty of time to sort everything out. If it's the middle of the night, then you won't have to worry about dispatching your DD off and then your DP can fill up the pool whilst you are in the early stages. Early warning signs are so different for everyone, but it might be that you have had a sweep and then you get a show or it might be that the Braxtons Hicks just get stronger and more intense, or your waters might go. One of my friends said she felt the need to poo all day before she went into labour. Another of my friends said she had a huge surge of energy and was running around cleaning the entire house the day she went into labour! I am due in 10 days with DC3 and am having a hb too. My dog is being really annoying today and following me around the house whining - I keep thinking "does she know something i don't?"!!! Best of luck and sorry not to be able to have an answer for you!

Thanks cluds, LOL at the dog knowing something

Well, it's official, my dog knows Jack sh*t and was just being annoying yesterday as i didn't/haven't gone into labour! ARRGH!!!

I can't shed any light on anything as I'm 38+1 with DC1 but my dog's also been acting weird with me for a few days and I'm convinced she knows something. DP and I work together in his business and the dog goes to work with us every day. Since I've been on ML (for a whole 3 days) she really doesn't want to leave me in the morning and I keep thinking it's because she knows it's going to happen today. It's probably more likely she thinks I'm doing something better than she is!

Your dogs are probably taking their cue from you. You are apprehensive and anticipating something and the dogs can sense that.

Re the birth pool, keep your hot water on so you wont have to wait for it to warm up, just have to actually run it :)

Good luck!!