Ealy labour signs

[Beating Earth]

I wasn't sure whether to put this in pregnancy or birth but I figured since it has to do with labour it could go here.

I am 36 weeks and 3 days (so a bit early) I am planning a "home" birth at a friends son's house, (LOL)

I am going to start going into the city (we live half an hour away) next week so that I can be in town when I go into labour or at least home when DH is home with me. Anyway, my question is related to early labour signs. I know baby had dropped because of the pressure and swelling but I have also (and this may be TMI) had 4 bowel movements in the last 2 days. I NEVER go that often. I googled it and read that it could be a sign of my body emptying my bowels in prep for labour.

Im worried tho because this will mean a hospital birth that I really don't want. I know that if I go into labour before next Sunday my homebirth is off and that bothers me.

How common are frequent BMs a sign of early labour? Did it happen to you? Should I start going to my friends house tomorrow instead of next week?

I'm not sure what to do and I'm worried about losing out on my home birth.

Thanks in advance for any advice or just reassurance.

[1babysmom]

It's usually like that for me for the last month at least (has been this time too, and I'm still here). Some days I can't go at all, other times I go like 5 times a day. Sheesh. For me it just means I should invest in some softer, nicer toilet paper for the occasions.

[velveeta]

Since the baby dropped, Baby is probably pressing in to your intestines, making you go more often. I think you are getting ready, but I doubt it means labor is imminent. In my experience, the "real" labor kind is usually really diarrhea (that's me, though).

[Nicole730]

I'm pretty sure the emptying of your bowels is usually diarrhea before labor starts.

[Beating Earth]

I guess it wasn't anything to worry about since I'm still pregnant, LOL.
Thanks mamas!!

[Lilcrunchie]

I was really, really constipated (unusual for me) the day and night I went into labor with my second child. Never had bloody show or loss of mucous plug until I was in active labor. No diarrhea with my first two. We'll see what happens with baby number 3. Best of luck to you in the homestretch!