TMI- Frequent Bathroom Trips.... Anyone Else?

[AmyG89]

This is gross but I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. I have found over the last few days I have had to make frequent trips to the bathroom to empty my bowels. It starts off as really painful cramps and comes on hard and strong and I literally feel like I need to RUN to the bathroom or I won't make it. It's quite annoying.

I have also been dealing with painful menstrual like cramping daily. It's nothing I could ever time because it is literally like 20-30 min of straight cramping then it ends.

I have an appointment tomorrow and she will check to see if I'm starting to dilate so I'm wondering if this is your bodies way of preparing for labor?

Anyone else going through this?

I have also never had any BH contractions this entire pregnancy so I'm sure what to expect when real contractions start- is it similar to the menstrual like cramping because I've been finding that to be very uncomfortable, I can only imagine what real contractions will be like!

[PetiteWonder]

Getting close... Went in again last night to l&d, and I am now 3 Cm 90% effaced (up from 1 cm 75% on Tuesday night)..they had me walk for 2 hours to see if I would progress more but we didnt do another check because the contractions actually slowed not picked up =(.. I think my body was just so exhausted, it couldnt do more (they slowed a bit tuesday night too then picked up again later in the AM on Weds)....

I have had spotting after my cervix checks, I do believe, mine was partly a show, because mine was coming out streaked in lots of mucous.... and was pretty gross...  cervix checks can irritate the cervix though and cause more progression though...

I hope I get my last Cm today and get into active labor.. it is an exhausting process.. When you have 24 hours of contractions 3-5 mins apart and cant sleep, it really feels like its coming and when it hasnt yet, its like uggh.... but at least i progressed and I got some sleep last night.

[AmyG89]

Thanks Nicole. I just got back from my appointment and I'm only 1/2 cm dilated = (

I am lightly bleeding/spotting now after getting checked though? I haven't called them since I'm sure it's normal after being checked and the baby is still moving around a lot. Do you think the bleeding means something else is happening with dilation or just agitation from the cervix check?

I now have to go twice per week for a non-stress test. Next ultrasound is October 11th. Hoping to make some progress soon.
Baby is measuring at the 67th percentile.

[NicMom]

Amy, good luck at your drs appointment I hope you get good news and I wouldn't worry I'm sure your having bh and just don't realize it.

It sounds like you ladies are getting close. Your symptoms match up with what mine were for the last week before delivery. More so in the final 3 days before labor started. Good luck!

[AmyG89]

Thanks ladies. Good to know I'm not alone! The only thing is I've never had any sort of contractions (that I know of, I think it would be obvious if I was having contractions) there's no tightening of my stomach at all when this happens, just cramps. Also no signs of losing my mucus plus. So I'm jealous of all you ladies that are having contractions since it seems like things are progressing for you! I have an appointment today and she will check me to see if I'm dilated, I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

[seattlemom2plus]

Yeah I have been having the same thing go on, I am losing mucusy snot like substance which I think is my plug, it's very elastic.  I am also having to empty my bowels a lot more frequently during hard contractions.  Tonight is a perfect example, but usually I don't get the contractions until later at night when I lay down.  Instead tonight I got them at the store and it's difficult to walk.  My stomach is getting real tight.  PetiteWonder it sounds like your day/night has been like mine lol so glad to know I'm not alone! :D

[PetiteWonder]

I talked to my OB about the cramping today, Im interested to hear what your doctor says just so we can compare.. I posted on your wall as well about it.. but ill post it here..

She said that if it lasts for more than an hour, even if it fades then returns then I should go to the hospital as it could be labor..  She said especially if it is increasing in intensity or being accompanied by contractions...  So far mine has been like yours, 20 mins of straight  cramps that do get pretty intense then goes away... So I dont knwo what to think...  Mine has been accompanied with tightenings of the uterus and a pain in my lower back/tailbone area so I do believe I have to be progressing..

I have 2-3 bowel movements pre day, sometimes they will come on quite suddenly as you describe.. I was eating dinner the other day and all of a sudden it was damn, got to go now... like there was no waiting... its really annoying because I wont have to go at all and then when it hits, im always thankful that I am at home alot lol.. sorry for the info...

My doctor didnt check me today =( because she said she thinks its unnecessary as Ill either be going into labor or not.. SHe said she will check me next at 39 weeks to see if I progress with the options of a membrane sweep if I want... It would be nice to know..

I feel like I have had to progress though.... I was 50% effaced and 0Cm dilated on August 29th (my last check)... since then I have passed large clumps of snot like mucous (which I have assuemd is parts of my plug.. its has been alot over the last week and ahalf..) the last 3 days, my mucous has gotten alot lighter and is more clear stretchy mucous so i have no idea if this means anything

[degriffdog]

Yes I would say your body is getting ready for labor. I had the same feeling when I had my last child.  Sounds like it is very close.  Good luck and get your bags packed!