Diarrhea: Sign of Labor??

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How Soon After Diarrhea Does Labor Start?

Well, if someone had told me I’d be writing about diarrhea in depth for my day job one day, I might’ve laughed. Now?

I’m excited! I’ve had 3 babies and spent the last days/weeks of each pregnancy agonizing over each and every little twinge or symptom.

You’re here because you’re at the end of your pregnancy and you want to KNOW- how soon after loose bowels do you go into labor?

Let’s talk about poop:

Diarrhea or loose bowels is a well known sign of labor. This is because as your body prepares for labor, it will start producing more prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins help with regulating contraction and relaxation in the muscles of the gut. This is great for getting labor started and clearing out your bowels!

*Fun fact- semen contains prostaglandins. Have some fun with your SO to encourage labor to start 🙂

I always loved getting everything ‘cleared out’ so that there was less worry for pooping during labor! (If you poop during labor… don’t worry. We’ve all done it. You may not even notice because the nurse will whisk it away quickly and professionally.)

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Is diarrhea a sign of labor at 37 weeks?

How soon after loose bowels did you go into labor?

The loose bowels pregnancy sign is one that you can count on happening roughly 24-48 hours before labor begins. So if it’s happened to you and you’re at the end of your pregnancy- do a happy dance! Baby is on the way 🙂

Watery diarrhea before labor

Diarrhea can happen any time during pregnancy. Maybe you overdid it at the Mexican place or you’re feeling a bit off.

If it’s at the very end of your pregnancy, watery diarrhea is probably a sign of labor coming!

How long do you have diarrhea before labor?

Generally, diarrhea will occur 24-48 hours before labor begins. Having a cleansing poop before labor is something GOOD!

Is diarrhea a sign of labor at 37 weeks?

It can be- it really depends. If your body is going to go into labor at 37 weeks and you’re experiencing diarrhea, that probably means you’re going into labor.

It could also mean your stomach is feeling off or you ate a lot of greasy/spicy food.

Take it easy, stay hydrated and keep an eye on your symptoms.

If the diarrhea is accompanied by any of the following, you are probably going into labor within the next day or 2:

Contractions
Water breaking
A bloody show
Change in vaginal discharge
Sudden weight loss
Cervix dilates

Can diarrhea cause contractions?

If you have diarrhea that’s persistent, it can irritate the uterus and cause contractions.

How do you feel right before labor?

How do you tell labor is a few days away?

Can pushing too hard to poop cause labor?

My friend, we have all been there. Completely stopped up, praying for a poop to happen but at the same time wondering just how hard can I strain without causing myself to go into labor?

Don’t worry-

Straining on the toilet will not signal labor to start.

You can also nix the worry of wondering if straining to poop will hurt baby- it certainly won’t.

The only thing you do want to be slightly concerned about is developing hemorrhoids (which are swollen veins in your rectum or anus). Those are as fun as sitting on hot barbed wire 😬

Here’s what to do if constipation is becoming more than a minor annoyance:

How long does diarrhea last before labor?

Keep hydrated
Stay active
Eat a well rounded diet that focusses on fiber

You can also use an over the counter fiber supplement like Metamucil. Check in with your doctor before using any laxatives or supplements.

RELATED: 13 WEIRD labor signs

Is upset stomach a sign of labor?

If you’re feeling nauseous, crampy or have a stomach ache- this can be one of the earliest signs of labor.

Can contractions feel like diarrhea cramps?

According to Cleveland Clinic,

“Labor contractions cause discomfort or a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Some women might also feel pain in their sides and thighs. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps, while others describe them as strong waves that feel like diarrhea cramps.“

Can contractions feel like sharp pains?

It’s different for every woman AND pregnancy. My third labor started with creeping period like cramps and a dull ache then slowly progressed to outrageously painful and intense contractions.

My second labor started with my water breaking and intense contractions starting soon after. To me, it always felt more like a radiating pain from my back to my belly. I can’t seem to recall any sharp pains but there are a couple of moms quoted on Family Education that do mention sharp pains.

How do you know if it’s true labor or false labor?

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Is pooping a lot a sign of labor coming soon?

It certainly can be! I don’t think I ever had full diarrhea with any of my pregnancies but I certainly remember my body “cleaning house” before labor each time.

If you’re at the end of your pregnancy and you’re desperately searching for labor signs that will tell you for sure that it’s happening- I completely get it.

I was an obsessive wreck with each pregnancy. I couldn’t just relax and wait for it to happen! Here are some safe ways you can try to induce labor if you’re safely past 38 weeks.