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Original poster

36 weeks- Frequent bowel movements normal??

17 replies

Leilababyno1 · 01/04/2011 19:45

I am 36 weeks with my first and for the past couple of days (sorry if TMI) I have been having soft stools (not diarrhea) 3-4 times a day- is that normal and to be expected at this later stage of pregnancy??

Up until recently I have been constipated and not even been going once a day, as I am on strong iron supplements- so I am surprised that all of sudden things have changed...

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Longtime · 01/04/2011 20:22

I had this just before I went into labour ;). Could be nerves maybe?

Original poster
Leilababyno1 · 01/04/2011 20:33

hummmn really?

I know that sometimes people can get a bout of diarrhea before going into labour, but mine are just softer than normal...I'm not really aware that I'm feeling nervous but I suppose subconsciously I might be?

Just don't know why I'm needing to go so many times a day..Confused- strange....

Thank's though, will just have to keep an eye..Smile

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daimbardiva · 01/04/2011 20:40

I've heard people say it is your body cleansing itself beofre labour - not sure if that's true?

I'm still at the constipated stage - would give anything to be going frequently!

Good luck if it is signalling your time's near.!

Original poster
Leilababyno1 · 01/04/2011 20:45

Trust me, up until a few days ago I was REALLY constipated- to the point where I developed a painful hemorrhoid...Blush- so I feel your pain daimbardiva

Don't mind this sudden change in bowel movement- in fact it's very much welcome after 35 weeks of constipation! Just curious as to why the change?!

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luluzulu · 01/04/2011 20:54

i feel your pain, its not exactly diarrhea but getting the achy tummy and having to literally run to toilet only for it just to be a soft poo.

Joannezipan · 01/04/2011 22:23

I'm 29 +1 and this happened to me last week too. They say a change is as good as a rest though right Wink

mistressploppy · 01/04/2011 22:26

Oooh, I had this at 36wks - and then DS was born! A bit early, yes, but everything was fine. Very easy labour too

Original poster
Leilababyno1 · 01/04/2011 23:05

mistressploppy- really? Hummmmmm....my mum was late with both me and my sister, always assumed I would be the same?! If my frequent bowel movements are anything to go by, I might be about that cycle then...Wink

Probably just wishful thinking though....I don't have any tummy cramps or backache- maybe it's just my body slowly getting ready, it's all good!

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MinnieBar · 01/04/2011 23:16

I had this for about the last three months of my first pregnancy, approx the last four months of the second, and I think about the last six months of #3! I was on iron supplements too, made no difference.

Combination of hormones and position of the baby pressing on the bowel sending it signals to open (prematurely) I think.

MinnieBar · 02/04/2011 08:26

Oh and baby wipes (unscented) are your friend Wink
Or are you in labour OP?!

Bunbaker · 02/04/2011 08:28

Yes, it is normal. It happened to me. My MW told me that my body was preparing itself for labour. DD was born at 38.5 weeks.

jellyhead188 · 02/04/2011 09:01

Oh I posted this yesterday - am 36 weeks tomorrow and the last few days this has been happening to me - and I've been constipated too - I keep getting the feeling like I will have the runs and then when I go its just soft! Oh hope it means things are happening - have really bad SPD now and can't do much - I keep waking up with contractions too!!

Original poster
Leilababyno1 · 02/04/2011 12:14

Update: Woke up this morning with very strong BH tightenings- no cramping though...I have also been having occasional spasm pains down towards my bum?! Don't know what that means, but it's a new sensation- thought maybe it's baby getting further engaged, she was 3/5th engaged at my last MW appointment...

Does feel like things are starting to happen, Who knows?!

Good luck jellyhead188- hope yours makes an early appearance! Got my bag packed just incase!!Wink

OP posts:
CaringForPod · 04/04/2011 18:02

I've had this throughout the whole pregnancy Blush. Now 36+3, would love it if it were a sign that things were a-happening, but think my body is just a bit weird!

Tobias444 · 29/05/2016 13:36

Hi all ime new ear really concerns on how Iam feeling Iam 36 weeks tomorrow with my first iav been having sharp stabbing pains sence yesterday but seem to be worse yesterday getting tight inns as well going for a number 2 quite a lot sence yesterday feel a bit uneasy any 1 had thiss xx

AmyB18 · 28/08/2019 15:59

Hi all, I’m currently 36 weeks pregnant. I’ve been having nausea and sickness on and off the last week, along with backache and period pains. What’s people’s thoughts is this the norm?

BMP04 · 12/04/2020 18:23

Hi all,

Strong back aches this morning they have eased off but still aching on and off lately. Bowl movements more frequent than usual as I’m on iron tablets. 37 weeks today.

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