Tmi - did you get cramps and need to poo a lot before labour started?

[Fireplacestockings]

So sorry in advance if its a little tmi! 😬
Before bed last night I had a weird feeling in my bum, a bit crampy, so went to the toilet. In the night, I started getting some tummy cramps, kind of like trapped wind/constipation. They went on for about 15 mins to half an hour, then completely stopped.
This morning I woke up and felt a bit crampy - went to the loo again. And after a bit of rocking over my birth ball, I got the tummy cramps again and went to the loo. Just before lunch the same thing. I don't have diarrhea and feel completely well in myself. I've not suffered with constipation at all. So i'm just wondering if this could be my body gearing up for labour?
I'm 39 weeks. 🙂

Do you not think it could be actual labour? Best of luck op and congratulations in advance!

@stayathomer I'm doubtful as other than those times, I've been perfectly fine, no other cramping so far! This is my first baby, so I'm not 100% sure how my body is going to be in labour. 🙂
Thank you so much, really hoping it won't be too long now! 😊

I went into natural labour with my first at 38+3. The first signs I had were period like cramps in the night and going to the toilet. As you say, not diarrhoea and I felt absolutely fine in myself. That was the start of labour for me! I believe it’s quite common to go to the loo quite a lot in early labour as everything gets shoved out 😂 as you’re 39 weeks, I’d say it’s possible! Good luck, keep us updated xxxx

Oh interesting! Thanks for your reply @jelliebean9 😊 I've just been for a walk, not felt anything since around lunch time. I'll update if anything changes!

Thanks for posting this, I've been thinking exactly the same thing!

I'm 39+1 today and since Sunday have been going to the loo more often and been woken in the night with awful period style cramps. No cramping in the day, but low back pain that comes and goes!

Also first time mum so no idea if this is the run up to labour or the start of something.

Fingers crossed for you OP!

yes, and threw up as well, no one warned me about that!

@Goldpanther How exciting! It's sounds promising!
I've had a couple more mild cramps in the last hour and a tiny bit of back cramping.
How are you feeling? I'm getting excited and a bit nervous.😊Feel free to update how you're doing on this thread!

I’m only 37 weeks but following this as I’ve had similar for the last day or two. No idea if it’s just pregnancy or if everything is warming up!!

Please dont push for a poo 👶🏼😂

Is baby moving around like normal ?

Sounds like your body is preparing for labour. Might be some time within the next 48 hours. You might see the mucous plug - or just some slidey jelly. Good luck! Please do update us! X

Lol 😁 @PoopingAllTheWay Very apt username for this thread! Yes baby is moving as normal. 😊

@Bellebg Let us know how you get on! It's nice knowing there's a few of us in a similar position. 😊

@LSGXX Thank you! I've been looking out for the plug, but nothing so far. I'll keep updating! 😁

Oh goodness. I forgot about that! I was sick sooo many times in early labour too. What joys 😂

Oh yes, shat for Britain, vomited for Britain and thought I was haemorrhaging but it was just “a heavy show.” I was crying too, so it was body fluids a go go. Told by the doctor not to be silly and I wasn’t even in active labour. Gripped the midwife’s wrist and made her promise to check as I didn’t believe the doctor. Ten minutes later I was in the delivery suite as I was 7 cm dilated and the baby appeared two hours later.

Little update..
I started getting more regular contractions yesterday evening and through the night. They were getting closer together, but seem to be taking a break at the moment. So im going to use this time to have a good breakfast! Hopefully things will start up again soon!

I’ve just been thinking about you and had to come and check! How exciting!
Get out for a brisk walk in this beautiful sunshine darling. Hopefully that will help!
Thinking of you and sending love for a good labour and birth experience and a beautiful little baby xx

Yes, my labour came on quickly and was 4-5 hours all up though.
it’s typically part of the process of early labour to empty your bowels (sorry to be crude) so yes this could be the beginning

@Fireplacestockingshow are you getting on? 🙏🙏🙏

It’s normal to empty the bowels pre labour. I also vomited a lot in early labour so was starving after I think my strongest memory of giving birth was the very welcome hot buttered toast and pot of tea.

It’s the BEST cup of tea and piece of toast you’ll ever have in your life, isn’t it!

@jelliebean9 Thank you for thinking of me. I'm still in early labour, very fed up now. 😣 Contractions have gotten more intense, but not enough to go to the Labour suite, so just waiting around and hoping for progress!

Absolutely. I read somewhere that due to budget cuts, women were to be offered a white morning roll instead of toast and I was incredibly disappointed for them. Hope it all goes well op (and you get toast!)

Hi sweetheart.
Just thinking of you and wanted to check in on you.
It’s so frustrating when the early-stage contractions go on and on. I hope you’ve turned a corner by now and will soon have your lovely little baby in your arms.
My first labour went on and on and on. My second was super-speedy.
Look forward to hearing wonderful news very soon. X

@Fireplacestockings any more progress?

My waters went this morning, no sign of labour so I'm been kept on maternity ward to be monitored as my blood pressure is high. Hoping things speed up for me!

Male doctor, I wonder? 🤔 🙄

Bless you @Fireplacestockings . With my first baby, I started early labour on the Monday lunchtime and had her Wednesday afternoon. Thinking of you! Hope all goes well 💐