For the women and moms out there, or anyone knowledgeable about pregnancy?

Question

For the record, keep in mind there is nothing wrong with my eating habits. I have been eating all the proper foods in the right amounts.
Late second trimester I experienced braxton hicks contractions a lot, but not so much now as I did then.

*In my 32nd week. For the past couple weeks have experienced odd bowel movements that usually start out as gas, and then I finally go. I do experience constipation inbetween.

*Baby's movements tend to change from time to time. Sometimes I feel full and can see her moving my tummy back and forth up and down. (strong movement). Other times I hardly feel her and my tummy seems less full, and I usually feel her movement when I'm laying down on my side and it's on my far sides or deep down in my tummy near the bladder. What position would could this be? Breech, or head down? Any suggestions or ideas? Should I be worried about preterm labor? Let me know! (I ask because I hear loose bowel has been known to be a sign...?) Thanks

For the record, before anyone goes telling me to go to my OB/GYN, she has not been as available during my pregnancy, and I cannot get assigned to another OB. (I've tried) I've only had a nurse to talk to, and she has been no help. Also, many regular doctors in this area sound like they don't deserve to be practitioners (one even asked me if I wanted antibiotics. In other words, she'd give me whatever med I wanted if I asked for them, she'd write the prescription up). She's foreign as well. So I'm not in the best position to ask a caregiver or professional. That's why I (along side many other expectant parents) use yahoo answers as an opportunity to get advice from people who HAVE been through pregnancy, and many who are actually IN medical practice. There MAY be experts willing to provide answers... That's why I'm asking here. My OB/GYN will not be available until my next appointment on the 29th of this month (6 weeks it will have been since my last visit).

Answer 1

hi there. you seem a bit stressed out and probably need to relax first and foremost!!

Constipation during any stage of pregnancy especially beginning and end is really really common. I experienced (and am experiencing now) constipation for 2-3 days at a time and when I did go it would be looser and 2-3 times in the one day. It does not necessarily mean you are near pre-term labour. If you get full on diarrhea or vomitting it could be a sign, but not really what you described.
Drinking water and eating fruit can help to ease constipation. Do not take any laxatives!!!!!

As for the movement, you have to keep in mind that she is getting less and less room to move around so the movement becomes restricted. If you are very active then the baby is probably getting lulled off to sleep with the rocking and therefore you don't feel her as much. When you lay down she is wide awake and hey presto, there is a kick!!
If you are feeling bladder pressure it could be the head pushing on it. This is common though of any position baby may be laying in. It is very hard to determine how baby is positioned unless a midwife or doctor has a feel of your tummy or the scan shows it. Don't be worried, the doctor will tell you (or make a point of asking her) next time you see her.

It sounds like everything you are experiencing seems to be totally normal and nothing to be concernced about. The braxton hicks may come and go all the time, sometimes you can feel it, sometimes you can't. You may notice them get stronger again during the last couple of weeks.
If they get stronger or more intense in pain and come at regular intervals (and feel a lot like very very bad period cramps) during the day, then it could be labour. But trust me you will definately know when the time comes. Its impossible not to!!

Best of luck and try this website. I have found it wonderful to get information on each week of pregnancy for mum & baby and father/siblings.

http://www.3dpregnancy.com/calendar/32-weeks-pregnant.html

Good luck and hang in there. You don't have too long to go now!

Answer 2

Hi there!
Loose bowel movement is one of the signs that your baby will be coming soon.
However if you are having your normal, regular check-ups then i would not worry about it. Nearer to the end of your pregnancy you will see that your 'bump' is much lower down. This is because the baby is getting into position ready for birth.
When you see your midwife explain what you are feeling and she will check to see everything is ok. You will get days during pregnancy where you feel consitapted and sometimes you keep needing to go!
To put your mind at ease, that all is well, call midwife or go to doctors for advice.
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