Possible signs labour is close? TMI warnings aplenty!

[splendidsqueak7]

TMI warning: thanks in advance for continuing to read! Trying not to get too excited, but does the following sound like I might go into labour w. DC1 soon-ish?

I’m 38+3, had S&S Sunday eve (MW could only just about manage it!). I’ve been having intermittent low-level period-like pains since (BHs possibly). Last night I had to rush to the loo with a v. squishy tummy + BM (I’m taking lactulose x2 daily, but this BM was....much looser let’s say!) and I noticed some mucus plug when I wiped (it was a snotty clump. My google search history is now ruined!!!) and I felt sick.

This soon passed, but I’m wondering if this sounds like anyone elses experience of labour signalling it’s approach? I’ve read that losing the mucus plug can be 2 weeks before labour starts, so i’m trying not to get excited - but wondering if the S&S has sped things up sliiightly? Thanks a bunch MN chums!!

Sounds like your body is clearing itself out before labour gets started, especially with the looser bowels and losing your plug.

While it COULD be a week or two yet, it sounds more likely to be sooner rather than later. At this point I'd say make sure your hospital bags are packed!

Thanks :) Not felt all that crampy today and my tummy is pretty much back to normal so hospital bags are packed, but I’m not getting my hopes up (I would love for baby to arrive this week, but I have a couple more weeks before I am at any real risk of going overdue).

So hard to know when labour will start. I had loads of false alarms in the last few weeks, getting stronger as I got closer to the due date. Don't know if the sweep might of dislodged the plug earlier than it would of naturally? Hope you're not waiting too long x

IKR @GirlCroosh - the wait and the unknown is something else! It’s an interesting parallel to TTC: the symptom spotting, the hoping and waiting, and ultimately only finding out when you get to the point of no return. Still crampy but nothing that feels like it will turn into a baby anytime soon! I’ll carry on sitting on my ball and drinking the raspberry leaf tea.