37weeks is this the beginning of the end?

[Rrxox]

Im 37+2 weeks gone, so far it’s been a fairly uneventful pregnancy besides hyper emesis at the beginning and reoccurring thrush apparently (no itching or thick discharge) up until week 28 and a little 0.25 protienuria..

Now it feels like a waiting game, baby has dropped and is, as he’s been for ages, head down. Here’s all the tmi bits! I’ve had increased discharge, including a clear jelly clump this morning, back pain, pressure in my bits, cramping, bowels are on their own new cleansing schedule and I see the toilet more than the couch . But my heartburns back with revenge! especially if i try sitting on my ball.

How do you know when you’re “close” or “going into labour” besides the obvious waters broken and strong contractions?

I’d say I’ve never been this tired but I know that’s jinxing myself for once he’s here

Hi @Rrxox I a must 34 + 3 and am experiencing all the same things as you, although this is my 3rd pregnancy! I would say myself I felt very lethargic and was a little sick prior to being in labour, but I think everyone is different in how they experience things. I used to wonder with my 1st how you'd know your in labour , usually a red discharge when you go the loo is the plug moving away and this isn't usually a sign then after that you will just know it's happeneing 👍🏼🎉 you can start by counting your contractions and seeing by how often the eg... every 30 mins for 2 mins. Sort of thing and then if they become closer together, call your unit and notify them x

I don’t want to disappoint you but I’ve been having all of those symptoms since around 35 weeks and I’m now 39+2. Been losing bits of my mucus plug, very loose bowels, on/off period pains, lots of pressure, generally very uncomfortable and some days are worse than others. I’ve told my midwife everything and she said it can be a sign of impending labour, or it could go on for weeks. Unfortunately there’s no telling :(

I started to lose my mucus plug in the early hours of 36+6 and then spent the day building IKEA furniture etc assuming it would be a while yet given it was my first. Contractions started thick & fast at 11pm on 36+6 and he was here by 8am on 37+0. It was my first baby and had a v uneventful pregnancy, didn't feel that pregnant yet and still had two weeks left of work... However when it got to around 11pm and the contraction pain started I knew it was the start of labour and the real deal. Don't ask me how, but I knew.

After the contractions came (initially in my pelvis/hips area) my bowels opened big time until we got to the hospital at 6/7cm, then they didn't for a day or two.

Conclusion is that it's different for everyone. Sounds like you're moving in the right direction but could be imminent as it was with me or if could be several weeks as with the above poster.