early labor signs

I'm ready and only 36 weeks..the wait its torture..the not knowing! I have Braxton Hicks..slightly increased cramping..some nausea..any other signs maybe to look for that I'm headed in right direction...like can my water break tomorrow!? How many people go at 37 weeks? Or more like 40? My first was induced for medical reasons at 35 weeks so not sure what to expect..when water breaks how messy is that..should I always be on a water proof pad or can it come out of fabric with shampoo carpet cleaner or something?

Re: early labor signs

I never had any. My 1st I went at 38 weeks with no signs of labor beforehand. My 2nd I had BH's from 34 weeks on. I finally went at 38 weeks but other than the BH's for weeks, no other signs the morning I went into labor.

My water never broke with either pregnancies and had to be broken in the hospital at 8 cm's.

Re: early labor signs

I had BH for about 2 weeks prior to going into labor. I felt awful and it was torture not knowing if it was really happening. At exactly 38w I started having severe back pain and contractions around 4am and began losing my plug. I felt like death! My water broke at 11pm that night and I gushed so much fluid I needed wee wee pads AND bladder control pads. And I never stopped leaking! Even in the hospital I was leaving puddles everywhere I walked no one else I knew leaked like that! I went to the hospital the next morning after a very painful night of contractions. Two days later after Two failed inductions, 4 hours of pushing, a version and finally an emergency C section DS was born! It was like my body started the labor process but couldn't finish it, so don't go by me!!!

early labor signs

I have been having frequent Braxton hicks contractions since 27 weeks so I do not think you can go by that--I was told to look out for contractions with a definitive pattern (every X minutes, etc.), strong menstrual like cramps, bleeding, water breaking, strong persistent lower back pain. I am only 29 weeks 2 days so I am in the complete opposite position you are--I am hoping NOT to have any labor symptoms.

early labor signs

i never went into labor with my 1st, but had a lot of braxton hick's, but nothing too noteworthy.

this time, the braxton hicks stop me in my tracks. they started as soon as the third trimester was well on it's way, but now at 34 weeks, they are strong. sometimes followed by or include menstrual like cramps that radiate to my lower back. i get dizzy, and i can't move. sitting down helps. laying down helps.

i have been reading a lot of doula material on the web, and there are ways to position your body to help keep baby in position. some are recommended after 34 weeks, while others are after 37 weeks.

for instance, sitting in a semi-reclined position after 34 weeks is not recommended. meanwhile, my reclining couch, the one i sit on most to relax & act like a pregnant lady, always has me in this position.

let me see if i can attach the link in my next post. i found it interesting.

Re: early labor signs

doula recommendation for positioning baby for labor