First-time pregnancy question?

Question

Just curious....
I'm at 38 weeks with my first pregnancy (and, of course, anxious for labor). I am not dilated and haven't had any painful contractions. I have been experiencing low cramping - like menstral cramps - for several days. Also I had diarreah about 48 hours ago. Has anyone had a similar experience, and when did you go into labor?

Answer 1

Have you lost your mucus plug yet? I know you're SO excited! Those cramps are probably a sign that your effacing. That's good! It won't be terribly long now. Once you've lost your mucus plug, you can expect to go into labor within a week...probably sooner. Real labor pains will most likely start across your back and wrap around...they'll be regular, and they'll progressively get stronger. 38 weeks along...I know just how you feel! I'm pregnant with my 2nd now, and I'm only 4 months. I couldn't WAIT to go into labor with my first! The diarrheah is nothing to worry about (unless of course, you feel it's excessive). Your baby is putting a lot of pressure on things down there!

Just a tiny bit of advice. I know you're incredibly anxious, but take this time to relax as much as you can! SLEEP!!! Once this little squirmer comes, you'll barely remember sleep! LOL!

CONGRATS!!

Answer 2

What you describe is very normal in the late stages of pregnancy. I imagine by now you are dreaming of sleeping on your tummy again or being able to roll over in sleep without having to wake up and do it consciously. It sounds as if your body is cleaning out. Have you had your nesting urge yet?

Instead of worrying, talk to your doc or your girlfriends who have already had babies. Between the lot of them you will get your answers and a bit of womanly softness to ease your anxieties.

Do not forget the infamous Braxton-Hicks false labours we all enjoy at the tail end of labour! You rush to the hospital, only to find out the child was teasing you and had retreated back to its warm cosy den in your belly. These cramps start, they might come and go a few times. But eventually, they are the real thing!

I broke my waters in the early evening in the, yes, the 43rd week! To be honest, though, when I went into labour, the first 36 hours were no more than cramps that made me wonder if this was what a painful period was like. I could not understand why such a light thing could keep a woman from work.

However, the last 3 hours were one heckuva fast labour!

For a primapara, as yourself, it can be a frightening time because you still doubt your capabilities as a woman. Or so it was with me. When it was over, and I held my perfect baby in my arms, all I could think was, beyond my love of her, that FINALLY, I had joined that great sisterhood, become part of the eternal chain of life. I had successfully given birth! Until then, deep inside, I realized just how much I had doubted myself.

Gotta say, darlin, I am jealous of you! What a wonderful adventure lies ahead for you! The first baby is the testing ground and often challenging, but by the time the second rolls around, it is a piece of cake!

Best of luck!

Answer 3

You are already in labor!! Believe it or not you are actually in the pre labor or early labor stage. It should happen any day now. Soon you should have something called the "muscous plug" fall out. It looks like thick discharge, it can be a light green, to a brownish red. After that happens labor can happen really soon, usually within a day or two. The way you can tell your cramps aren't just false labor or braxton hicks contractions are if you've had them consistently for a few days and its looks like you have =) So good luck yoou are on your way to being a Mommy!!! And remember to take PLenty of pictures! Trust me. And just love it, because that is you and your babys day to shine and will be gone in a flash. So Congratulastions and good luck~! =D

Answer 4

I experienced similar feelings to what you are having (but I can't remember if I had the poos or not - I do believe that is a sign though). The next day I had my 39 week check up and I was 4cm dialated - nothing happened for another week (but apparently this is not very common). So, if I were you, I would let the doctor know on your next appointment (if you make it until then) and ask if he/she could just check it out - they will probably anyway.

Good luck, it is such an exciting time in your life.

Answer 5

The Cramps could be Braxton Hicks Contractions.. They feel like period cramps.. About 1 week after I started having them they got stronger then i went into labor!

Good Luck!

Answer 6

Oh boy do I remember the excitement as the time nears.

Unfortunately there is really no way of knowing until you are in real labor. You could be having pre labor or you could have an intestinal virus. Just hang in there. When real labor hits, you will know it is here!!!

Answer 7

sounds to me like your body is getting ready! you typically have a bout of diarrhea or vomiting soon before you go into labor to give your body a clean out phase, the low cramps are probably mild contractions and the baby moving into place, keep a look out for your mucus plug and for a frequent urge to have a bowel movement, also watch for your water to break, good luck and congrats!

Answer 8

I totally had this same experience while pregnant with my daughter.
I got cramping for about 2 days, then went into labour.
You could try walking to bring on the labour...that's what they'll make you do at the hospital if you arrive too early anyway!
Best of luck, and congrats!

Answer 9

well hun, i have gone through that...the diarrhea is just your bodies way of flushing things out, i wouldn't worry much about that...the cramping is normal, probably braxton hix...now if this is your first it may be a little while yet...it all depends on the little one...he will come out when he/she is ready...as for the mucus plug, if you have lost it it doesn't necessarily mean that you will be having the baby right away...i lost mine and didn't have my first baby till about a week and a half to two weeks later...so its not a guarantee sign that you will have it...anyway, just be patient and relax these last days because when you have that bundle of joy, you will forget what sleep is for awhile...trust me i have three kids all under the age of 5...but they are fun and worth everything in the world!!

Answer 10

My mom had diarrhea right before she went into labor w/ me. And you don't have to lose your mucous plug before you go into labor as another answer suggested. You should start timing the "cramping" you are having and if it comes in regular intervals get to the hospital.