Anyone experienced signs of labour coming and how long before hand?

[queenofthehouse]

I am in second pregnancy and I have felt completely different to the first and I have really reduced movements from baby, i'm going to the toilet (number 2's) a lot more frequently. I feel wellbut have had shooting pains down below and last week a lot of period/back pain. Last time was my first and I didnt know what to look for an he didnt come until 41 weeks after a sweep so I still have no idea. Am I just reading too much into these things or would you say you know when you are about ready for the onset of labour?

How many weeks pregnant are you?

I'm 37 weeks and have felt the same for the last few days. Diarrhoea (sorry, TMI!) a couple of nights ago, and general 'clearing out', loads more BH, and a lot of intermittent period/back pain, particularly in the evening.

Last time my labour did start like this, but it was for DTs at 35 weeks, and these feelings went on for at least a week before anything properly started.

Each evening I hope it's the start of something but I'm still here...! I do wonder whether it's just because I've been overdoing it a bit in the day but I will watch this thread with interest.

Both my births started like this - at 37 weeks and 41 weeks respectively. Lots of trips to the loo, back pain, reduced movement and (I seem to remember) a slight surge of energy - not sure if you've experienced this too. I'd keep an eye on the reduced movement for obvious reasons but it sounds as if this could be it! All the very best! x

I am 36 weeks so a bit early, I am measuring very large for my gestation and have been since week 25 (had growth scan which was all fine but I am so far above the top line for expected size yet still a size 10 everywhere else so it's not that i've just been over indulging) everyone keeps commenting on how low the bump is and how it cant possibly get any bigger. I am not suggesting it'll happen tonight but do you think the shooting pains, heaviness and reduced movements are indicators that it wont be long? The period/back pain has eased off but I need to go to the toilet a lot still. Thanks for replies. Interesting to hear your experience daisymoo, I dont recall any signs with my first so all this seems very odd to me, but I am very big and fed up and wondering if im wishful thinking that it will happen in a weeks time.

Thanks Maitri only just seen your reply, I was concerned by reduced movement earlier but i have felt him (although lightly and a lot less) so I figured all is fine. I have had a lot more energy I stayed up until 2 cleaning fri night/sat morning and I havent wanted to sleep when my 20 month old has been in the day. x

this is very exciting - good luck and look forward to finding out if this was it soon. x