[dakotamidnight]

Just curious - what are some of the signs of approaching labor?

Those of you with previous children & those who have given birth already - what did you notice before labor?

IS it true that your body will clean out before labor?

 

[Caroline]

Yes, the body definitely cleans out, to the point that you may have BM's several times the day before. It is so darn funny that hospitals used to give enemas upon arrival --- like, what else can possibly be there?!

I also have always lost a pound or two of weight a couple of days before labor too -- not sure why that is (fluid levels must change?). I have heard of other women having that happen too.

And of course the more common, lose mucus plug or have bloody show. This happened the day before for me all three times, but there are lots and lots of women where it happens weeks before so it doesn't necessarily mean labor will start soon.

 

[dvons]

With #1 she was induced because of my gall bladder issues so I didn't really have any pre labor signs.

With #2 I suddenly wanted to ditch #1 at my inlaws and sleep for a day so they had a sleepover with her. When I went over to spend the next day with them and take her home I was getting ready to leave and there was my plug and bloody show. They kept her another night and #2 was born the next afternoon since I started contractions on the ferry ride home.

Deb

 

[clovergirl]

eh, i haven't experienced the whole "cleaning out" deal yet. who knows, this time could be different!

i also didn't notice losing my mucus plug either time, though i did have a bit of bloody show with #2.
both of my labors started off with about half a day of *very* light spaced out contractions. then eventually my water broke and active labor started.

 

[littleteapot]

Pretty much all of them can go either way.

"Cleaning out" can also be intestinal trouble, something you ate, nerves...
Prodromal labour can go on days or even weeks.
Cervical changes don't necessarily signal impending labour. I made it to 5cm before having my first contraction with my son - I was sitting at 3-4cm for weeks.
My daughter (first) dropped and engaged about 9 weeks before birth, and I was on watch for preterm labour! So much for that! I have since learned that I just drop/engage almost immediately upon entering the third trimester - it's just how my body works it seems!

For me, the only real sign of impending labour is serious, hard-core contractions.

 

[mojumi]

With the 'cleaning out' -- I think, one way or the other, everything is coming out, before or during labor. My labors have started with what seemed like an intestinal flu, sudden vomiting or diarhea (tmi? sorry!). You won't even notice if it's during labor, and your mw/nurse/etc will be so used to it they won't care either. Another good reason to STAY HYDRATED though, since you're losing lots of fluids.

My bradley coach (I loved this woman!) used to say 'when one door opens, they all do' meaning, well, I think you can guess in this context ...