prelabor signs

[nonsalon]

I have been having lots of cramping, somewhat painful contractions, and lots of loose bowels.The contractions are so strong at times I feel like I am actually in labor. I do have other kids but never experienced these things before. I do not want to run back and forwards to the hospital so I just take a hot bath and drink water when I cramp real bad or have the painful contractions. They usually go away and start back up a few hours later. I also feel like the baby is actually going to drop out when I stand up at times. Then the pressure in my rectum when I have cramping or contractions are sometimes unbearable. I know I am not in active labor, that's why I havn't went to the hospital but I hope I am not in prelabor either. Is these signs of prelabor? I am only 32wks and 3days. I am scare to death and do not know if I should go to the hospital just in case they need to stop me from going in labor early. As bad as I want to hold my baby, I do not want to have a premature baby who is unhealthy and has to fight for his life. I feel like if I go to the hospital they may give me some bad news and I am really not a hospital person.  I also think I have been leaking a small amount of fluid from time to time.

[big03]

This is my 3rd pregnancy & have had the exact same problems. I am now 35 weeks & each day gets more difficult! I am going to the dr weekly & we are just waiting it out. If you are really worried go to see your dr or nurse pract. At least you will know if you are in active labor. I've been in pre labor since week 25 & have gone 10 more weeks. If you are worried enough just go to the hospital. I did.

[shesherm]

I agree with Tanker.  You need to call you DR.  I went ito preterm labor and didnt even know it and didnt have ANY of the symptoms you are.  The hospital was able to SLOW the contractions and My lil one has been on hold now for over 3 weeks.  If you go to the hospital they can try to prevent your lil one from showing up tooo early but if you dont you could get an early christmas gift.  good luck
((Sheila))33w4d

[Tanker Chic]

I think you should call your dr ASAP.  If it is preterm labor they can give you medication to stop it or slow it down.  I've never been through it myself, but all the reading that I've done says to look for the symptoms you are describing.  

Take care and really call your dr now.