Labor or normal 3rd Trimester symptoms?

[FreshLove]

So I'm 36 weeks 4 days (measuring 37 weeks 5 days, though) and have begun to notice some changes and just wondering if they are signs of my body preparing for labor!? 1)Very swollen tingly feet started couple of days ago, 2) Runny nose and increased vaginal discharge (both worse during the night and in the morning), 3)Pooping 2 or 3 times a day ( a lot for me), and feeling like I'm carrying a bowling ball--lots of pressure down there! Sometimes it's painful.

Also, I have been 3 to 4cm dilated and slightly effaced since 33 weeks.

Signs of labor??

[FreshLove]

To: Nickie
That's exciting to hear! I have a doctors appointment this Friday as well and hope they check me again for dilation/effacement.

To: Alaysha
That is the frustrating thing about having "signs of labor," you still don't know when it will happen. But it is exciting to think that I could be making progress...even if I still have another week or so. I just want to know that I'm moving along closer to having my baby! It's so disheartening to hear "nope, still 3 to 4cm" when I swear I should have dilated more, lol.

[alaysha]

Sounds like your body is getting ready but it doesn't mean that labor is set to happen. It could be a couple days or a couple weeks yet. I have those exact same symptoms and nothing. Not that I really want anything to happen but I wish someone could be like "alright you got about a week" or say "not this week try again next week."

[nickieb85]

I am having these exact same symptoms... although I won't be checked for dilation or effacement until Friday... I really believe (since this is my 3rd baby) that these are definitely impending signs of labor gearing up! This is just me though and I have always had my babies 2-3 weeks early because of "braxton hicks" contractions that actually make me dilate! It does sound like you are well on your way!!!