Lots of pre-labor signs...

[ceriserenee]

So I am now 37 weeks...at my 36 week appointment my midwife told me that although I am not dilated, my cervix is anterior and very soft (That was a week ago). Now the last couple of days I have had diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite and much more mucous discharge. (Although no blood or chunks) 

Today I have had irregular strong contractions with constant period type cramping and lower back-down through my legs and inner thighs-aching as well. It doesn't come and go, and there is nothing timeable...just constant aching.

My primary midwife is leaving for her vacation in two weeks and won't be back until I turn 41 weeks.... 

It is looking as though it is likely she may still be in town for my birth, but this is my first natural birth, so I am unsure of the symptoms and what they really mean. 

Anyone had all these and went 3-4 more weeks?

Just wondering...

Cerise

[dayiscoming2006]

I hope you are able to go into definite labor before your midwife is out of town. Those could be signs of labor or it could just be prodomal labor? Depends on consistency of contractions and if they increase in intensity. There's no guarantees at this point but it could be the start of labor or at least your body is beginning the process of gearing up which could be a while more. So, don't get too excited unless things pick up. But, here's hoping! :)

[gummibears]

I'm not really much help, since I'm wondering how much longer this will go on as well, but I've had all that including blood-streaked chunks/goop from my plug along with nausea, digestive upset, loose/frequent stools, constant pain in pelvic area radiating to thighs, tailbone pain (gone now and replaced with more pelvic pain) etc for 5 days straight now. The only thing missing is the regular contractions.

On last Tuesday I was 2cm and at 70% effaced. Have another exam tomorrow so might know more in terms of how much longer it'll be, but right now it's a waiting game at 39 weeks.

Hopefully yours comes to an end when your midwife is around to attend to you!

[KarenMT]

I've had the cramping and pains similar to what you describe - on/off for a few weeks already.  No definite labor though.  I never had all this crampy stuff with my other two pregnancies so I can't be of much help.  I think that everyone's body is just so different.  I hope that you go into labor before your midwife is out of town.  Let us know how it's going.

[lizzie]

I've never had pre-labor type signs like that, so I'm sure if I was having them, I'd be pretty excited! Hard to say what it all means though! I hope things get going before your mw takes off! Mine is on vacation now and won't be back until I'm 39 weeks. Timed it just right, didn't we? :)

[gummibears]

Well, I found out how long I went before labor. My max was 5 days of false labor signs. She arrived the day I was supposed to have my week 39th apt.

Hoping that your little one comes at a good time for you!

[ceriserenee]

So I had my appointment day before yesterday and my cervix is still closed, baby is engaged, but crvix is posterior again. The last two nights I have had stronger contractions lasting a minute each and coming every 4 minutes like clockwork, but by morning they are gone...so not sleeping very well!

The hardest part is that everyone keeps telling me that I am being a baby and they are not real contractions and my MIL keeps saying I am never going to be able to do a natural birth since I think these are contractions...but I actually have to breath through them! They aren't unbearable, but the are much stronger than BH contrax. And when I am having them it feels like period cramping and hurts from my lower back down through my legs and inner thighs...so I feel like they must be more prodromal or very slow early labor.

Anyway, I am not in a rush to have the baby, but the signs and the contractions are getting a bit uncomfy...

[dayiscoming2006]

I know how that is Cerise. That's how it was with my second kiddo. I had prodomal labor for a couple weeks before he came along and yeah it hurt! You aren't a wimp. Just ignore any ignorant people - family or not. Hang in there. You can do it. :)

[sosurreal09]

I had what I call "fake labor" for nearly 3 days with DD. It was consistent contractions and everything! I didn't go into actual labor until a month later! It did dilate me to 3cm though! So I would be cautious and keep an eye on things but well you just never know...

[gummibears]

Sounds to me like it's the start of labor. The night I had the pain radiating to my thighs was the night I was delivering our daughter. Just ignore those that say you are being a baby. You know what's normal to you and that's all that matters. Just watch the signs closely for changes. I was doing that myself, but at the same time saying it's not time yet. I was wrong it WAS time. By the time I had undeniable proof it was time (water breaking) I was having contrax every 2-3 mins and barely made it to the hospital.

Watch close and if anything seems off or odd call your midwife. Best to be safe than sorry.

[Lulu2000]

Originally Posted by ceriserenee 

So I am now 37 weeks...at my 36 week appointment my midwife told me that although I am not dilated, my cervix is anterior and very soft (That was a week ago). Now the last couple of days I have had diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite and much more mucous discharge. (Although no blood or chunks) 

Today I have had irregular strong contractions with constant period type cramping and lower back-down through my legs and inner thighs-aching as well. It doesn't come and go, and there is nothing timeable...just constant aching.

My primary midwife is leaving for her vacation in two weeks and won't be back until I turn 41 weeks.... 

It is looking as though it is likely she may still be in town for my birth, but this is my first natural birth, so I am unsure of the symptoms and what they really mean. 

Anyone had all these and went 3-4 more weeks?

Just wondering...

Cerise

Cerise - interesting. I can identify with some of these symptoms lately!  This is my first, so not sure what things are but i'm between 37 and 38 weeks and have had the GI symptoms for about a week on and off except actually my appetite has increased ... except when I'm nauseated. a bit more discharge and actually kind of a yeast/UTI type symptoms as well that come and go.  Seem to have really strong BH (or something really quite uncomfortable in lower abdomen, but not painful) when I'm possibly dehydrated? or hungry? or ???  I don't know anything about my cervix... anyway... hang in there... I am feeling a bit edgy with the unknowns and I have no idea if this means anything at all!  But do plan to call midwife today just to check in.